Channel 7 News Australia YouTube Account Hijacked by Crypto Scammers for Elon Musk Deepfake Scheme

Crypto scammers have taken their fraudulent schemes to a whole new level by hijacking Channel 7 News Australia’s YouTube account and running a live stream of an Elon Musk deepfake on loop. The AI-generated version of the Tesla CEO was seen enticing viewers to scan a QR code and invest in a money-doubling scheme through cryptocurrency.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has left the news and media company scrambling to regain control of its account. Despite ongoing investigations, traces of the account takeover still linger.

This latest development highlights a concerning trend where crypto scammers are now leveraging deepfake technology to deceive unsuspecting victims. By impersonating influential figures like Elon Musk, scammers are able to lure individuals into risky investment schemes with the promise of quick returns.

The deepfake video featured the AI-generated Musk encouraging viewers to take advantage of a supposed opportunity to double their cryptocurrency assets. The fraudulent scheme was designed to appear legitimate, with the fake Musk even interacting with the audience and emphasizing the potential for significant returns.

Experts and industry leaders have long warned about the dangers of deepfake technology and called for stricter regulations to combat its misuse. The prevalence of deepfakes poses serious risks, including fraud, political disinformation, and threats to personal privacy and national security.

As the investigation into the Channel 7 News account hijacking continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals in the digital age. The incident underscores the urgent need for greater vigilance and regulatory measures to protect individuals from falling victim to sophisticated scams.