Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), David Schwartz, widely known as @JoelKatz on X/Twitter, has recently issued a critical series of warnings addressed to the XRP community. The core message is clear: scams and impersonation threats in the crypto space, particularly those targeting XRP holders, are escalating rapidly.

As one of the most respected figures in the XRP Ledger ecosystem, every message from Schwartz must be taken seriously. This warning is not just “bad news”; it is a crucial call to action to defend your digital assets.

The Details of Ripple CTO's Warning (Summary)

Schwartz’s recent alerts have often centered on several evolving scam tactics:

  • Fake Videos (Deepfakes) and Impersonation: Scammers are using sophisticated technology, including AI, to create deepfake videos featuring Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse or David Schwartz himself. These fake videos often claim to share “future XRP plans” or announce fraudulent “giveaways” or “airdrops.”

  • Fake Social Media Accounts: Scammers are actively creating fake profiles on platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube, impersonating Ripple executives or official company accounts. Schwartz has specifically warned that he does not post on Instagram—any profile claiming to be him there is a scam.

  • Requests to Send XRP: Ripple and its executives WILL NEVER ask you to send XRP to any wallet address with the promise of rewards, doubled investments, or airdrop claims. This is the biggest red flag.

Why are these Scams Proliferating?

The rise in popularity and Ripple’s legal successes (concerning the SEC lawsuit) have attracted positive attention, but also opportunistic scammers. The large and passionate XRP community is a prime target due to its engagement and trust in the project.

🛡️ Secure Your Assets: Protection Steps

David Schwartz and Ripple emphasize several key measures:

  • Verify the Source: Always check for verification ticks (if available) and compare the username against official handles. If you see an offer that is too good to be true (like "send 100 XRP, get 1,000 XRP"), it is a scam.

  • Avoid Suspicious Links: Do not click on links from unknown sources, especially those appearing in the comments section below official posts.

  • Ripple Will Never Ask for Funds: Remember the golden rule: Ripple, David Schwartz, or Brad Garlinghouse will never ask you to send them any crypto for any reason.

A Call for Community Interaction and Discussion

This warning is vital, and community interaction is our best line of defense!

We invite you to share your views and experiences in the comments section below.

1. Questions for the Community:

  • Have you encountered any of these impersonation scams? If so, in what form (Deepfake video, Twitter, Telegram)?

  • What do you think is the most effective way to spread this warning to new XRP holders who might be unaware?

  • What is your personal "golden rule" for keeping your crypto assets secure?

2. Share Your Experience!

By sharing your experiences and security tips, we can help protect other community members. Let's make this discussion a place to raise collective awareness.

$XRP

#XRP #Ripple #CryptoSecurity #JoelKatz #ScamAlert