Supreme Court of India’s YouTube Channel Hacked, Used to Promote Fake $XRP Scam
On the morning of 20 Sep 2024, when the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel, known for live-streaming important court hearings and public information, was compromised. The hackers took over the channel and initiated a live stream that falsely claimed to offer free XRP tokens to viewers who sent a specific amount of cryptocurrency to the scammer’s wallet.
The livestream used official-looking visuals, complete with XRP logos and images of well-known figures in the cryptocurrency space to give it an air of legitimacy. This method, known as “crypto giveaway scams,” is a common tactic employed by cybercriminals who exploit the popularity of cryptocurrencies to defraud unsuspecting users.
The live stream was promptly taken down, and the hacked YouTube channel was temporarily suspended to prevent further damage.
An official statement from the Supreme Court’s office confirmed the hack and assured the public that they were working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to identify the attackers.
Investigators are optimistic that with YouTube’s cooperation, they can trace the origin of the hack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
As the investigation continues, cybersecurity measures on the Supreme Court’s YouTube and other official channels are expected to be enhanced to prevent future incidents.
Popularity of XRP and Its Use in Scams
XRP is often used by scammers due to its wide recognition and strong community following. Scammers frequently target high-profile social media accounts and YouTube accounts to promote fake XRP token giveaways, using the appeal of free cryptocurrency to lure in victims.
Such type of fraud activity has been now very common, with hackers often targeting accounts belonging to prominent figures or institutions to make their scams appear credible. The Supreme Court of India is the latest in a series of high-profile targets.
The Supreme Court has issued a public advisory & urged people to remain away from any digital assets giveaway schemes and to report any suspicious activity immediately. The advisory also emphasized the importance of being cautious when interacting with cryptocurrency-related content online, especially those promising unrealistic returns or free tokens.
Some people said that this latest incident with the Supreme Court may impose pressure on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other financial regulators to issue fresh warnings regarding cryptocurrency scams.
Read also: TerraForm Labs Receives Regulatory Approval to Wind Down All Crypto Businesses
