Former Binance Boss Issues Chilling AI Warning: Deepfake Scams Now a Real Threat

Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has issued a stark warning to the crypto world and beyond. The threat he warns about is not just hackers. It is the advent of AI-driven deepfakes, so real that they can trick you in live video calls.

His warning isn’t just about theory but is based on real-world events with real people who have lost money.

The Rise of Deepfake Hacking

Zhao, known widely as “CZ” in crypto circles, recently tweeted his concern:

“Even a video call verification will soon be out of the window.”

That’s chilling. For years, live video calls were a trusted verification method. Especially in the crypto space, where funds and privacy are always on the line. AI has moved fast indeed.

Today, anyone with access to the right tools can create a synthetic video that mimics a person’s face and voice in real time, and it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

The Mai Fujimoto Case: A Costly Zoom Trap

This danger became a reality for Mai Fujimoto, a well-known Japanese crypto influencer. She’s also known online as “Miss Bitcoin.” Earlier this week, she revealed that her main X account had been compromised. The cause? A Zoom call with someone she thought she knew.

The person on the call looked like her acquaintance. Sounded like them too, only it wasn’t. It was a deepfake and a well-crafted clone.

The impersonator claimed they were having audio issues. They sent Fujimoto a link and asked her to follow a few simple steps to “adjust the audio settings," which she clicked.

That single click opened the door for a full-scale breach. Her computer was compromised, her Telegram and MetaMask wallets were exposed, and her identity was hijacked.

North Korea-Linked Group Behind Similar Attacks

Just days earlier, another incident followed the same chilling pattern.

BlueNoroff, a hacker group linked to North Korea, used a similar deepfake scam. This time, the target was an employee at a cryptocurrency foundation. According to reports, the victim was on Zoom calls for weeks with AI-generated videos of their own company’s executives.

These weren’t short calls. These were long, casual meetings. The fake executives discussed projects, gave instructions, and built trust.

But it was all a lie. The attacker eventually claimed the victim’s microphone wasn’t working. They sent a link just like in Fujimoto’s case, and suggested downloading a “fix.”

That download contained a malicious extension. It included a keylogger, a screen recorder, and a powerful info stealer focused entirely on crypto assets.

The Bigger Problem: No One is Immune

Zhao’s warning doesn’t just apply to influencers or executives. It applies to everyone in crypto. Especially those working remotely.

Crypto professionals rely heavily on messaging apps, video calls, and file sharing. It's a culture built on speed, trust, and digital interactions. But now, even that trust can be forged.

These AI-generated calls are convincing. Victims don’t even realise anything is wrong until it's too late. Even standard security practices, like verifying someone’s identity by hopping on a video call, are now unreliable.

Simple Links Can Become Deadly

In both Fujimoto’s and the BlueNoroff incidents, it started with one small step: clicking a link. That’s why Zhao added another clear warning:

“Never install software from unofficial links.”

This advice isn’t new. But today, the stakes are much higher. A decade ago, phishing attacks meant poorly written emails. Now, they can mean live AI impersonations of your boss or close friend.

What This Means for Crypto Security

These attacks signal a new chapter in cybersecurity. Deepfakes, once thought of as entertainment gimmicks, have evolved into high-stakes tools for crime.

They don’t just fake a voice or text. They fake full interactions, study behaviour, build trust, and strike only when you're convinced everything is normal.

For the crypto industry, which already battles regular hacks, rug pulls, and scams, this adds another layer of complexity. It’s no longer enough to double-check a transaction or use strong passwords.

The new threat is deception at a human level.

Protecting Yourself in the Deepfake Era

So what can you do?

Here are real-world steps that can help lower the risk:

• Be skeptical even in live video calls, especially if the person is pushing you to take quick action.
• Verify communication through multiple channels. If someone messages you on Telegram, confirm on X or another verified channel before following instructions.
• Avoid clicking update links or installing software during calls. Take time to research the source or confirm it with your IT team.
• Use hardware wallets for crypto storage, and never expose seed phrases or sensitive keys during screen shares.
• Limit the personal information you share publicly, as AI tools often feed on online data to build more realistic clones.

A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

These stories are warning shots. Changpeng Zhao has always been outspoken about security, but this warning hits differently. He’s saying out loud what many feared: even video calls aren't safe anymore. The AI arms race is real, and hackers are ahead of most people’s defenses.

Deepfake technology is now so advanced that standard cyber hygiene won't be enough. Security needs to evolve. Protocols need to be updated. And everyone—from seasoned traders to beginners—must be trained to spot red flags in a new way.

Final Thoughts: Trust is the New Target

The crypto space has always operated on digital trust, wallets, and smart contracts. But now, it’s emotional trust that’s being targeted. Trust in voices, faces, and friends. AI is blurring the line between real and fake. The question is no longer "Is this email safe?" but "Is the person I’m talking to even real?"

Fujimoto’s experience is a painful example. And it likely won’t be the last. Zhao’s warning may seem harsh. But it’s necessary. The future of crypto doesn’t just depend on blockchain upgrades or token prices. It depends on our ability to adapt to new threats, especially those powered by AI.

In the end, staying safe won’t come from better firewalls alone. It will come from sharper instincts, slower clicks, and a lot more doubt. Welcome to the new normal, and stay cautious.