XRP Holders Targeted as Ripple Officially Warns of Rising XRP Scams

As market interest in XRP surges, the Ripple team has renewed its warnings over a growing wave of crypto-related scams. 

The company issued an alert on X, pointing to an increase in fraudulent schemes targeting XRP holders, especially those tied to fake airdrops and impersonation tactics. According to Ripple, these scams have persisted and are now adapting quickly, using sophisticated tactics to exploit unsuspecting users during market highs.

🚨 PSA: Uptick in the crypto market = uptick in scams: https://t.co/k7CQpDNWaT

1️⃣ @Ripple will NEVER ask you to send XRP
2️⃣ Brad, Monica, David, Stu, or anyone from Ripple won’t either
3️⃣ Avoid clicking suspicious links
4️⃣ Always verify official accounts before engaging

Stay…

— Ripple (@Ripple) May 19, 2025

Rise in Fake Giveaways and Executive Impersonation

One of the most common scams flagged involves fake giveaways. These posts typically promise users double returns if they send a specific amount of XRP. The messaging often mimics Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, and other executives, employing deepfake technology to create convincing yet entirely fabricated promotional content.

In parallel, scammers are cloning profiles of Ripple executives using verified X accounts and accurate logos. These impersonators often send direct messages or tag users in posts claiming urgent XRP developments or exclusive airdrops.

Ripple has advised users to always verify account authenticity through official channels rather than relying on post interactions or direct messages. The firm stated that these scams have become more dangerous due to their increasing use of AI-generated content, such as deepfake videos and manipulated interviews involving Ripple executives.

Malicious Wallets, Phishing Traps, and the Treasury Hoax

Beyond fake giveaways and impersonations, scammers have created malicious wallets and exchanges designed to steal funds. These platforms often masquerade as legitimate XRP wallets but serve as drainers. Ripple recommended that users stick to recognized wallet providers such as Ledger, Trust Wallet, Xaman, Atomic, and GateHub. 

In addition, phishing scams remain a prevalent threat. Fraudsters send emails or direct messages that appear to be from Ripple support, using clean branding and accurate language. These messages typically include links asking users to verify their wallets or claim bonuses. However, clicking such links often leads to data breaches or wallet drains. 

Another dangerous trend identified was the “Fake U.S. Treasury Wallet” hoax. This scam gained traction in 2024 and falsely claimed that the U.S. Treasury was holding XRP in a government wallet.

The narrative was amplified by verified influencers on X, leading over 10,000 individuals to fall victim. Ripple reiterated that sensational claims should always be cross-checked with credible media sources before action.

How to Stay Safe as XRP Holder

Beyond Ripple, other influential voices in the XRP community are also flagging the threats and thus advising how to stay safe. An account on X, All Things XRP, has warned holders to stay alert, especially during price surges when scams often spike.

They caution users against FOMO-driven traps like “limited-time offers” or “pre-SEC decision rewards,” which are common scam tactics. To stay protected, XRP holders should use non-custodial or hardware wallets such as Ledger or Xaman. Moreover, they must avoid sharing private keys or seed phrases and only access official Ripple and XRPL websites.

The account also reminds users about the XRP reserve requirement, currently just 1 XRP. Any service demanding more, such as 10 XRP for wallet activation, is likely a scam.

9. Know the XRP Reserve Rule.

XRP wallets need 1 XRP as a base reserve (used to be 10).

If a service says “Send 10 XRP for wallet activation,” it’s likely a scam.

Legit wallets don’t charge you beyond the XRPL reserve.

— All Things XRP (@XRP_investing) April 18, 2025

Security Incident at Leading U.S. Crypto Exchange

Only hours ago, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into a recent security breach at Coinbase Global Inc., the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

Federal investigators, including personnel from the Justice Department’s criminal division in Washington, are now examining how the incident occurred. 

Coinbase revealed that the breach involved threat actors who bribed support staff and contractors based in India to gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data. The company disclosed the breach in a recent regulatory filing, noting that the attackers later demanded a $20 million ransom.