2024

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Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, became a victim of fraudsters using <a href="https://coingape.com/web-stories/reddit-uncovers-deepfake-ripple-scam-on-youtube/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">deepfake technology </a>again. Security analysts at CertiK have released a new video on deepfakes, revealing that Buterin is endorsing a phishing website for draining wallets. This is yet another episode in the dangerous trend whereby increasingly credible digital fakes are used to manipulate the reputations of high-profile individuals in cryptocurrency.
<h2 id="strong-vitalik-buterin-fake-endorsements-threaten-crypto-security-strong">Vitalik Buterin Fake Endorsements Threaten Crypto Security</h2>
The misuse of deepfake technology has been on a slow yet alarming increase within the crypto community. These advanced digital forgeries employ <a href="https://coingape.com/top-5-artificial-intelligence-start-up-to-look-for-in-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">artificial intelligence</a> to create highly convincing fake videos or audio recordings, often featuring famous personalities to endorse scams or spread misinformation. The recent disclosure by CertiK serves as a stark reminder of the evolving sophistication of cyber threats targeting cryptocurrency users and investors.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CertiKSkynetAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">#CertiKSkynetAlert</a> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f6a8.png" alt="🚨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;">
 We have seen deepfake of <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">@VitalikButerin</a> used to promote a wallet drainer
 The scam site is strnetclaim[.]cc
 Still of the video can be seen below <a href="https://t.co/R8AY5CVOea" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pic.twitter.com/R8AY5CVOea</a>
 — CertiK Alert (@CertiKAlert) <a href="https://twitter.com/CertiKAlert/status/1755235968720785875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">February 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This is not the first instance of cybercriminals exploiting Vitalik Buterin’s influence. Previously, a viral campaign featured a deepfake of Vitalik Buterin promoting a new meme token, which was a scam. Such incidents underscore the critical need for heightened awareness and vigilance among the crypto community to detect and prevent falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
<h2 id="strong-notable-deepfake-incidents-in-the-crypto-industry-strong">Notable Deepfake Incidents in the Crypto Industry</h2>
One of the most noteworthy cases involved the former CEO of MicroStrategy, <a href="https://coingape.com/michael-saylor-alerts-bitcoin-fans-to-rising-ai-deep-fake-threats/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Michael Saylor</a>, whose likeness was used in deepfake videos circulated on hijacked YouTube channels. These videos promoted fake Bitcoin giveaways, luring unsuspecting viewers into parting with their digital assets. Similarly, a deepfake impersonation of Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX founder, was created to offer false compensations to users in the aftermath of<a href="https://coingape.com/ftx-plans-to-submit-reorganization-plan-amid-bankruptcy-drama-ftx-token-ftt-to-rally/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> FTX’s bankruptcy</a>.
Furthermore, Australian businessman<a href="https://coingape.com/facebook-says-not-responsible-crypto-scam-ads-featuring-billionaire-andrew-forrest/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> Andrew Forrest</a> was also targeted, with deepfakes promoting a crypto trading software that promised unrealistic profits. These incidents highlight the diversity of strategies fraudsters employ to leverage the credibility of well-known figures in the crypto industry to advance their scams.
Read Also: <a href="https://coingape.com/okx-makes-inroads-in-argentina-with-exchange-and-wallet-launch/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">OKX Makes Inroads In Argentina With Exchange and Wallet Launch</a>
The post <a href="https://coingape.com/deepfake-vitalik-buterin-video-lures-users-to-fraud-site/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Deepfake Vitalik Buterin Video Lures Users to Fraud Site</a> appeared first on <a href="https://coingape.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CoinGape</a>.

Deepfake Vitalik Buterin Video Lures Users to Fraud Site

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