SB19 and Ben&Ben YouTube hack has shocked fans and the online community as the popular Filipino band’s account was compromised to promote an XRP scam. The nine-piece pop band, which boasts over three million YouTube followers, found their channel streaming a fraudulent XRP advertisement, leaving their audience baffled and concerned. This incident underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting high-profile artists to propagate cryptocurrency scams.
YouTube Accounts Hijacked for Crypto Scam
A number of well-known Filipino musicians, including Ben&Ben and boyband SB19, saw their YouTube accounts hijacked to broadcast a deepfake video of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. The video falsely speculated that XRP would reach $4, enticing viewers to engage with the scam. According to a local media outlet, these phishing schemes often begin with malicious websites that deceive victims into divulging sensitive information.
Officials report, hackers behind the Ben&Ben YouTube hack used advanced techniques to breach the accounts, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of such cybercrimes. The fraudulent livestream exploited the trust and popularity of these artists to lure unsuspecting fans into the scam, which promised to double their XRP investments if they transferred their funds to a specified address.
This hacking incident not only exploited the high-profile nature of these artists but also highlighted the ease with which scammers can manipulate digital platforms to propagate fraud. According to news sources, the use of deepfake technology, in particular, represents a growing threat in the digital age, making it harder for users to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent content.
Hackers Target Filipino Bands: Ben&Ben and SB19’s YouTube Accounts Compromised in XRP Scam
As per crypto news sources, on July 15, Ben&Ben confirmed that their YouTube account had been hacked. With more than three million followers, the band’s channel began streaming a typical XRP fraud, creating panic among fans and followers. The band took to their official Facebook page to announce the hack and their efforts to recover the account. “Our YouTube channel was hacked and used to promote a fraudulent XRP scheme,” Ben&Ben stated. “We are working diligently to restore our page and ensure this does not happen again.”
This incident also affected SB19, another popular Filipino band, highlighting the widespread nature of the attack on local artists. The hacking incidents underscore the vulnerability of social media accounts, even those of high-profile individuals and groups, to cyber threats. It also raises questions about the security measures in place on platforms like YouTube to prevent such breaches.
In response to these incidents, YouTube has stated that they are working on enhancing their security measures to prevent similar breaches. “We are committed to protecting our users and their content from unauthorized access and are continuously improving our security infrastructure,” a YouTube representative said.
Brad Garlinghouse Deepfake Used in XRP Scam
Scammers have been reportedly utilizing deepfake technology to impersonate Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse for some time. In December 2023, according to sources, Reddit users detected a video featuring a deepfake of Garlinghouse, urging XRP holders to send their funds to a certain address with the promise of doubling their investments. This tactic is commonly employed by crypto fraudsters to exploit the credibility of well-known figures in the cryptocurrency industry.
The Ben&Ben YouTube hack represents the latest instance of this fraudulent activity, where the hackers leveraged the band’s platform to disseminate the scam. “This is a classic example of how scammers are adapting new technologies like deepfakes to make their schemes more convincing,” said a cybersecurity expert from Kaspersky. “It’s crucial for users to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of such claims, especially when they involve financial transactions.”
Crypto specialists highlight that these scams often prey on fans’ trust in their favourite artists, making them particularly insidious. Using deep fake technology, scammers can create highly convincing videos that appear legitimate, increasing the likelihood that individuals will fall for the scam.
A Wake-Up Call: Ben&Ben YouTube Hack Exposes Growing Cyberattack Risks
The Ben&Ben YouTube hack is a stark reminder of the growing risks associated with cyberattacks and cryptocurrency scams. The exploitation of popular artists’ accounts to promote fraudulent XRP schemes highlights the need for enhanced security measures and increased awareness among users. As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, it is essential for both individuals and platforms to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their digital assets. The BIT Journal helps readers to stay informed and cautious, users can help protect themselves and their assets from the ever-evolving threats posed by cybercriminals.