Cryptocurrency Scam Exploits Trump Assassination Attempt
Scammers are using the recent attempted assassination of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump to push a cryptocurrency scam on YouTube. Antivirus provider Bitdefender has identified “dozens” of live-stream videos claiming to be from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. These videos feature an AI-generated deepfake of Musk urging viewers to participate in a cryptocurrency giveaway.
The videos are designed to appeal to Republicans and conservatives, as Musk publicly endorsed Trump for president after the assassination attempt. The live streams display a QR code that links to a website asking users to deposit cryptocurrency with the promise of receiving double their investment.
Red Flags
There are several red flags that should alert viewers to the scam:
* The live streams often play on a loop, with no real content about the attempted assassination.
* The fake Musk makes unrealistic promises of doubling viewers’ cryptocurrency investments.
* The website linked to the QR code is not associated with any legitimate cryptocurrency platform.
Bitdefender believes the scammers are hijacking existing YouTube channels to promote the scam. These channels have a significant number of subscribers, potentially reaching millions of viewers.
Stay Safe
It is important to remember that cryptocurrency scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages or offers related to cryptocurrency, especially those that promise high returns.
If you encounter a suspicious video or website, report it to YouTube or the relevant authorities.
