Reddit users recently uncovered a deepfake video featuring Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, promoting a scam encouraging XRP holders to send their coins to a specified address with the promise of receiving double the amount—a common tactic employed by fraudsters. Despite user reports, Google’s Trust and Safety Team allegedly responded to one Reddit user, stating that the advertisement doesn’t violate their policies.
The deepfake video, noticed on YouTube between November 25 and December 3, showcased an AI-generated likeness of Garlinghouse prompting viewers to send XRP tokens to a designated address for a purported giveaway. Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, had previously cautioned against rising XRP scams after a July court ruling in favor of the company. Despite apparent signs of fraud, a Reddit user claims Google refused to take down the ad, sharing a screenshot of the Trust and Safety Team’s response, asserting the ad’s compliance with their policies.
In response, Reddit users shared an unlisted YouTube link to the deepfake ad, which garnered over 17,000 views. The community advised against interacting with the video’s QR code to prevent potential financial losses. Despite the apparent scam nature, the situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of platforms in addressing deceptive content.