Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, took to X earlier this week to flag what he says is a pretty convincing scam video. The clip in question features what appears to be Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse talking up some new XRP plans—but Schwartz was quick to point out it’s completely fake.
He didn’t mince words. Or rather, he didn’t use many words at all. Schwartz just replied to the post with a simple GIF that read “Scam Alert” in bold letters. It’s a small thing, but these kinds of warnings can make a real difference.
Scammers Are Getting Better at This
Lately, it feels like these impersonation attempts are everywhere. Not just low-effort copy-paste jobs, either. We’re seeing more of these scams use real footage from actual interviews or conference talks, then overlay fake audio or graphics. Sometimes they even use deepfake tech to make it look like a CEO is saying things they never said.
The goal is almost always the same: to trick you into clicking a link. That link usually goes to a fake website that looks legit, often asking for your wallet info or seed phrase. And once that’s handed over, your funds are pretty much gone.
Why These Scams Work
It’s scary how believable some of these videos can be. If you aren’t looking for the signs—a slightly off voice, blurry edges around the person’s face, or just a promise that seems too good to be true—it’s easy to get fooled. The accounts posting these scams are often made to look official, using similar handles and profile pictures as the real person or company.
I think that’s what makes this so frustrating. The tech is getting better, and the scammers are getting smarter. They prey on trust.
What You Can Do
The best defense is still a healthy dose of skepticism. If a post from a known figure feels off, it probably is. Don’t click links. Don’t type your seed phrase anywhere. And definitely don’t send crypto to an address just because a video told you to—even if the person in it looks and sounds real.
Always double-check official channels. If Ripple or any other company was really launching something new, you’d hear about it through their website or verified social accounts. Not through a random tweet with a shady link.
A Step Toward Better Security
It’s worth noting that Ripple recently joined TRM Labs’ Beacon network, which is designed to help companies respond faster to crypto-related crime. It might not stop every scam, but it’s a move in the right direction. Coordination helps.
Still, for now, staying safe online comes down to us—the users. Being careful. Taking an extra second to think before we click. It’s not perfect, but it’s what we’ve got.
