YouTube is filled with fraudulent live broadcast accounts showing repeated videos of someone pretending to be Elon Musk promoting cryptocurrency schemes.This is not the first time this has happened, and the layout, verification process, and search results on the website continue to make it hard to tell apart real sources from the scammers trying to take advantage of today’s Starship test launch.—its This is considered the most successful test so far, even though ground control eventually lost contact with the rocket again. After searching for “Starship Launch Livestream,” at least one supposedly verified account among the top ten results leads users to a video of Elon Musk standing in front of the 400-feet-tall rocket’s launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas. Several other accounts showing the same clip can be found further down in the search results.
A voice similar to Musk’s tells viewers over footage of a previous Starship event, “Don’t miss your chance to change your financial life. This initiative represents our commitment to making space exploration accessible to all, while also highlighting the potential of financial innovations represented by cryptocurrencies.”
It's uncertain whether the audio is an AI vocal clone or simply a human impersonation, but it sounds oddly stiff and filled with glitches. A QR code displayed at the bottom of the screen (which is cropped out of the above video) leads viewers to a website falsely advertising an “Official event from SpaceX Company” offering an
“…to send either 0.1 Bitcoin or one Ethereum or Dogecoin to the specified address. After completing the transaction within a minute, twice as much Bitcoin or Ethereum will be returned to your address. …It is very important to use reliable and verified sources to scan the QR code and visit the promotion website. This will help avoid possible fraudulent schemes. Please remember administration is not responsible for loss due to not following the rules of our giveaway due to incorrect transactions or the use of unreliable sources. Don’t miss your chance to change your financial life. Connect Cryptocurrency wallet right now and become part of this amazing opportunity. You will receive double the amount reflected in your Bitcoin wallet. This initiative symbolizes our commitment to making space exploration accessible to all while also highlighting the potential of financial innovations are represented by cryptocurrencies. So let us embark on this remarkable journey to financial independence and cosmic discoveries…”
Fake Elon Musk
opportunity to take a share of 2,000 BTC, There are currently multiple accounts imitating the official SpaceX YouTube page PopSci showing simultaneous livestreams of the same scam clip. One of those accounts has been active since May 16, 2022, and has over 2.3 million subscribers—about one-third of SpaceX’s actual, verified profile. However, the fake profile is listed as being based in Venezuela instead of the real company’s location.
Another SpaceX Starship exploded. Scammers have long used Musk’s public image for similar con schemes. The SpaceX, Tesla, and X CEO has long supported various cryptocurrency projects and is one of the world’s richest individuals. YouTube is a popular platform for crypto fraudsters. For instance, in June 2020, scammers made off with $150,000
[Related: through nearly identical SpaceX YouTube channels. Almost exactly two years later, the.]
observed dozens of fake Musk videos advertising crypto scams, prompting a public reprimand from the real Musk. The crypto enthusiast outlet uncovered a campaign very similar to today’s scams around the time of the November 2023 Starship event. BBC has reached out to YouTube for a statement. BitOK A fake Elon Musk promoted an ‘amazing opportunity’ during this morning’s major launch. November 2023 Starship event.
PopSci has reached out to YouTube for comment.
