YouTubers Beware: Crypto Scammers Trick with Fake Brand Deals

For several months, popular fighting game YouTubers have been targets of clever crypto scams. Even the most careful ones have fallen for these tricks. Here's how it works: Scammers take over verified accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and pretend to be marketing managers from real brands. They make these accounts look real by linking to actual brand websites and sharing old posts. These scammers contact YouTubers, offering sponsorships. They might chat for a while before asking for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). When users download a file or click a link to sign the NDA, malware is installed. This happens quickly, and within minutes, YouTubers lose their accounts. For many, this means losing their main source of income. Michael Townsend, known as "Rooflemonger" on YouTube, shared his story. He's been making fighting game guides and reactions for seven years, gaining over 200, 000 subscribers. When his account got hacked by scammers posing as JBL Audio, he lost his channel for days during a big game announcement. Though his account is back, he missed out on a big news cycle, lost subscribers, and had to recreate old playlists. He wants others to learn from his experience. These scams are smart. They use real brand info and talk to YouTubers for a while before striking. It's easy to fall for something that looks so real.