Crypto Influencer Falls Victim to Deepfake Zoom Scam Amid Rising AI Threats
A growing cyber threat using deepfake videos has struck the crypto world again—this time targeting a well-known Japanese crypto influencer through a manipulated Zoom call.
The attack has triggered fresh warnings across the industry, including a public alert from Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ).
Zoom Call Turns Risky As Hackers Use AI To Imitate Trusted Faces
Mai Fujimoto, known online as “Miss Bitcoin”, was tricked into joining a video call that she believed was with a trusted friend.
Unknown to her, the friend’s Telegram account had already been compromised.
During the call, a deepfaked version of the acquaintance urged her to click a link to “fix audio settings”.
That link triggered a full-scale hack.
Fujimoto shared on X,
“The hacking occurred when I was on a video call with an acquaintance and unknowingly stayed in a Zoom call with a deepfake. The cause was clicking a link sent to me for an update because I couldn’t hear the audio.”
Shortly after, her Telegram and Metamask accounts were breached—exposing her crypto holdings to the intruders.
Changpeng Zhao Warns Of New Wave Of AI Scams
Following the incident, CZ took to social media platform X on 20 June 2025 to alert the crypto community.
He cautioned that even video call verification methods may soon be untrustworthy due to AI-generated deepfakes.
“AI already used in new types deepfake hacking. Even a video call verification will soon be out of the window. Don't install software from a non-official link, especially NOT from your "friends" (they are most likely hacked).”
His message reignited concerns about the growing sophistication of scams targeting crypto users and industry insiders.
North Korean Cyber Group Uses Similar Strategy
Just days before CZ’s warning, another alarming case surfaced.
A cryptocurrency foundation employee fell prey to a multi-week scam believed to be the work of BlueNoroff, a cybercrime group with links to North Korea.
In this case, deepfaked company executives appeared repeatedly in Zoom calls, gradually building trust with the victim.
When prompted to download a file to resolve microphone issues, the user unknowingly installed malware.
The download included a keylogger, screen recorder, and crypto-draining tools.
Video Verification Now Questionable As AI Imitations Improve
These attacks raise serious doubts about the reliability of identity checks through video calls.
With AI now able to mimic real people in real time, traditional security steps are no longer enough.
Experts warn that remote workers in the crypto industry are especially vulnerable.
As impersonations become more realistic, the line between legitimate communication and scam tactics is blurring fast—forcing users to rethink how they verify trust.
Crypto Community Responds With Heightened Vigilance
Zhao’s warning has sparked conversations across the industry.
Cybersecurity professionals and crypto users alike are urging greater caution when handling unsolicited messages, links, or software requests—even from familiar faces.
Binance has previously flagged incidents involving impersonation of its executives, adding to concerns about the growing difficulty in spotting fake identities online.
In a space where every second counts and every click could result in a loss, these cases are fuelling a shift in how the industry approaches digital trust.
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