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Scammers are exploiting verified X accounts and utilizing AI-generated content to trick users into believing false XRP airdrop schemes.
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XRP enthusiasts must exercise caution, as scam advertisements often misrepresent identities like Brad Garlinghouse to lend credibility.
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Despite some accounts being verified, crypto watchdogs are actively working to identify and report these fraudulent operations.
Gold-verified X accounts are promoting fake XRP airdrops, misleading users with AI-generated content. XRP fans should only trust verified news sources.
Don’t Fall for the XRP Airdrop Scam
Social media scams have become increasingly prevalent in the crypto space, with advancements in AI technologies exacerbating the issue.
Recently, verified X accounts have disseminated rumors of an XRP airdrop, notably using AI-generated videos featuring Brad Garlinghouse to enhance legitimacy. Given the current focus on XRP in the news, the risks associated with these scams have been thrown into sharp relief.
Fake XRP Airdrop Post from a Verified X (Twitter) Account
The scams follow a consistent pattern: a verified X account with a gold checkmark releases a “notice” regarding the supposed XRP airdrop.
Many of these accounts go by the name “Ripple News,” even if their handles lack any real association with the actual Ripple company.
COINOTAG has noted that some of these fraudulent accounts boast follower counts nearing 100,000.
Users often mistake these posts for legitimate advertisements, especially given the supportive comments from bot accounts. The posts typically provide instructions for “claiming” bonus airdrops, along with fabricated testimonials showcasing alleged XRP wallet balances. Unfortunately, this is merely a ruse to harvest users’ sensitive information and funds.
The persistence of such scams has been particularly evident since the SEC v Ripple lawsuit reached a settlement. With increased discussions around XRP futures trading and ETF opportunities, these unscrupulous actors are likely to find new victims among unsuspecting users.
While Ripple’s community rides a wave of excitement, it is crucial for users to remain cautious to protect their investments.
In response to these scams, X administrators have taken steps to remove many of the problematic posts. For instance, crypto fraud investigators recently compiled a list of implicated verified accounts; since this list was published, those accounts have either been suspended or have deleted their fraudulent posts.
Check out what these accounts have in common! Remember that gold checkmark account we flagged last week? Click here to see where it leads:
I’ll be sharing my findings below as I dig deeper: https://t.co/l8pHf7v1pS pic.twitter.com/W4O5ceDdGz
— XtinaRP (@xtina_george) May 14, 2025
Worryingly, it’s now possible for XRP airdrop scammers to get verified on X, raising significant red flags. The use of deepfake technologies in crypto scams has posed serious challenges for social media platforms recently.
Last October, an individual fell victim to a deepfake scam that cost them nearly $46 million. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, such scams collectively swindled over $200 million from users.
Given these alarming statistics, users must thoroughly vet any offered “rewards” or airdrop schemes. A small degree of caution can prevent significant losses.
