Former Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has issued an urgent warning advising users against installing software from unofficial sources, citing the growing threat of artificial intelligence-powered deepfake Zoom attacks targeting the crypto community. The warning comes in the wake of a sophisticated deepfake scam that targeted Japanese crypto influencer Mai Fujimoto, also known as “Miss Bitcoin.”
In a detailed post on X, Fujimoto revealed that her social media account was compromised on June 14, leaving her vulnerable to the subsequent attack. The scam unfolded during a video call with an acquaintance, where Fujimoto unknowingly interacted with an AI-generated impersonation after the acquaintance’s Telegram account was compromised.
The deception continued as Fujimoto encountered audio problems during the call, leading her to believe she was communicating with her acquaintance. However, the attack ultimately compromised her MetaMask cryptocurrency wallets, highlighting the dangers of deepfake technology.
Following Fujimoto’s ordeal, former investment partner Mehdi Farooq fell victim to a similar deepfake scam. Farooq’s experience began with a Telegram message from someone he knew personally, requesting a Zoom Business meeting for “compliance reasons.” The call resulted in Farooq’s crypto wallets being drained and his laptop compromised, leading to the loss of years of savings.
The escalating threat of deepfake attacks extends beyond individual victims, as evidenced by incidents involving prominent figures like Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert. Lewis’s likeness was used in deepfake advertisements that defrauded a viewer of £140,000, highlighting the broader implications of AI-powered scams.
Recent industry research from Bitget revealed that authorities dismantled at least 87 AI-driven scam operations in the first quarter of 2025, with countries like China, Germany, Ukraine, the United States, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom experiencing the highest concentration of deepfake-related attacks.
In response to the rising threat, anti-fraud agencies worldwide are mobilizing efforts to combat deepfake scams. Security experts advise users to verify all links before clicking, avoid suspicious downloads, and stay informed about current scam techniques. Organizations are encouraged to implement stronger security defenses and promote a “verify before trust” culture to mitigate the risks associated with deepfake attacks.
The warning from CZ serves as a timely reminder of the evolving threat posed by deepfake technology and the importance of vigilance in protecting against crypto-related scams. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay safe in the ever-changing landscape of digital security.