In recent days, a crypto scam using a verified SpaceX profile and a deepfake of Elon Musk was promoted on YouTube.
Deceptive SpaceX Scheme with Elon Musk Deepfake
One of the first convincing elements of this scam was the utilization of a verified YouTube channel named SpaceX, complete with an identical logo to the official SpaceX channel.
The scammers cleverly organized the promotion during a live stream focused on the solar eclipse, showing a significant level of planning and forethought.
- The scammers took control of a verified YouTube channel with over 300,000 subscribers, utilizing the name and logo of SpaceX.
- SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, operates in the space industry, creating a sense of legitimacy to the viewers.
- The imposter channel had significantly fewer subscribers than the authentic SpaceX channel, making it harder to detect as fraudulent.
Additionally, SpaceX has reportedly made investments in Bitcoin, adding credibility to the narrative surrounding the eclipse and crypto markets.
Elon Musk’s Involvement
During the live stream, a deepfake of Elon Musk appeared, endorsing a QR code on the screen for users to send cryptocurrencies to a specified address.
This fake Musk promised to double any crypto “investments” users sent, a common red flag for fraudulent schemes.
- The ultimate goal of the scammers was to deceive unsuspecting individuals into sending their cryptocurrencies to the specified address.
- The deepfake of Musk, created using AI, closely resembled the real Elon Musk, enhancing the credibility of the scam.
- Despite Musk’s previous involvement in crypto markets, the invitation to “invest” in cryptocurrencies was false and misleading.
Success of the Scam
Although the incriminating video is no longer accessible, reports suggest that it directed viewers to the website nasa-eclipse.com.
However, this domain was not affiliated with NASA but originated from Russia, raising suspicions about its credibility.
- During the live stream, over 200,000 individuals were connected, indicating a substantial potential audience for the scam.
- Additional verified YouTube channels impersonating SpaceX were identified, further spreading the fraudulent activity.
- A live broadcast with another fraudulent QR code, directing to the website eclipse-spacex.com, remained active.
Unfortunately, the scammers used multiple crypto addresses, making it challenging to determine the total funds collected through the scam websites.
Hot Take: Stay Vigilant Against Crypto Scams
It is essential for crypto enthusiasts to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes like the one involving a deepfake of Elon Musk and a fake SpaceX channel on YouTube.
Always verify the authenticity of sources and scrutinize any “get-rich-quick” promises in the crypto space to avoid falling victim to scams.
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