During Apple’s ‘Glowtime’ event on September 9, where they unveiled new iPhone models, scammers took advantage of the occasion.
While waiting for the Apple Event, a crypto scam stream has impersonated the event on Youtube with a AI modified video of Tim Cook convincing the audience to buy Crypto. @YouTube ???? pic.twitter.com/bt6mPw5Djl
— Aadit Doshi | HundredStar Games (@AaditDoshi) September 9, 2024
YouTube was flooded with fake livestreams featuring AI-generated versions of Apple CEO Tim Cook. These streams were designed to exploit the high viewer count surrounding the iPhone launch to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
Tim Cook deepfakes promote fake crypto doubling scheme
The videos featured a deepfake of Tim Cook encouraging viewers to participate in a “double-your-money” scam. The fake Cook claimed that after making a cryptocurrency deposit, users would receive double the amount back.
Scammers asked viewers to send various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and Dogecoin, to a provided “contribution address,” promising to return twice the amount deposited.
Fake livestreams gain traction on YouTube
Some of these fraudulent streams appeared on channels that looked like official Apple accounts, with some even displaying verification badges to trick viewers.
YouTube responded quickly to the incident. In a post on X on September 9, the platform acknowledged the scam and urged users to report suspicious content. The fraudulent videos and related accounts were subsequently taken down.
This isn’t the first time such scams have occurred. Similar deepfake crypto schemes have targeted prominent figures and events, including SpaceX launches featuring Elon Musk and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse.
The Apple scam occurred during the launch of the iPhone 16 series, which included new pro and max models, as well as other products like the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple’s AI-powered intelligence features.
