The Beast Plinko App Scam: Everything You Need to Know
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
YouTube superstar MrBeast is known for his expensive stunts and massive cash giveaways. But don’t believe ads claiming he just launched a mobile casino app called The Beast Plinko. This wildly unrealistic scam preys on fans with fake celebrity endorsements created using deepfake technology. Learn how to spot the manipulation techniques and protect yourself from this hoax aiming to steal money and personal information from victims.
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Scam Overview
The Beast Plinko scam revolves around fake advertisements displayed to Instagram users, claiming that MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has launched a casino game mobile app called “The Beast Plinko.” The ads feature videos that appear to show cable news hosts like CNN’s Laura Coates or Fox News’ Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity discussing the purported app on their primetime TV shows.
These videos use deepfake technology for the visuals and artificial intelligence-generated audio for the vocals to make it seem like legitimate news segments. They typically start with the recognizable host apparently talking about MrBeast’s casino app, followed by fabricated interview clips with celebrities like actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, controversial internet personality Andrew Tate, or “Dude Perfect” podcast host Tyler Toney endorsing the app. The videos conclude with the news host encouraging viewers to click a download link.
However, the truth is that no such casino game app called “The Beast Plinko” exists on either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. MrBeast himself has never created or endorsed any gambling mobile apps. The entire premise is a scam designed to mislead people and potentially cause harm.
The scammers use sophisticated AI and deepfake technology to manipulate footage and audio, making it appear as though MrBeast and the featured celebrities are discussing and promoting the non-existent app. For example, the fake videos show the cable news hosts claiming that “The richest man on the internet, who has paid the bills of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, decided to open his own online casino where everyone wins. In one of his videos, he showed us his safe which stores funds for all players of his online casino.”
Similarly, the deepfake celebrity endorsements have them saying things like “I installed an app from MrBeast on my phone. The thing is, I didn’t put more than $50 into it. I lost count of how many times I won money there. One hour after installing it, I earned $4,000. And here’s the interesting thing: I almost never lost. What’s the point? Why create a game like this?”
Even MrBeast’s own likeness is manipulated in these scam videos, with an AI-generated clip of him supposedly saying, “It’s already become a problem. No one believes that such a game exists. But in the past, people didn’t believe it when I gave them a bag with $10,000. I just show everyone this game on my phone and say, ‘Look, it’s true. I just invented a new way to give away money.'”
The ads always end with a call-to-action for viewers to “beware of fakes” and download the “original application” from a link provided below the video. However, these links lead to scam websites designed to trick people, not legitimate app stores.
It’s important to understand that MrBeast, the celebrities featured, and the news organizations shown have no involvement whatsoever with these scam ads. Their images and likenesses are being used without permission to lend false credibility to the scam.
This scam has been also investigated by Jordan Liles on his YouTube channel, where he offers a detailed video on the subject. We recommend watching his content for a comprehensive understanding of the scam.
Next, let’s break down exactly how scammers carry out this scam from start to finish.
How the Scam Works
The Beast Plinko scam operates in a step-by-step manner to lure victims and mislead them into potentially harmful actions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:
Step 1: The scam begins with fake advertisements served to Instagram users’ feeds. These ads feature compelling videos that grab attention by claiming a well-known celebrity like MrBeast has launched a casino game app.
Step 2: The videos use deepfake technology and AI-generated audio to manipulate footage of real cable news hosts like Laura Coates, Laura Ingraham, or Sean Hannity. It makes them appear to be reporting on MrBeast’s purported casino app on their actual news shows, lending false legitimacy to the scam.
Step 3: Following the introductory “news segment”, the videos show fabricated endorsements from other famous personalities like Dwayne Johnson, Andrew Tate, or Tyler Toney. Using deepfakes and AI voice synthesis, the scammers make it seem like these celebrities are raving about how much money they easily won using MrBeast’s app.
Step 4: To further the illusion, the videos include a deepfaked clip of MrBeast himself talking about the app, claiming “I just invented a new way to give away money” and encouraging people to see for themselves that it’s real.
Step 5: Each video ends with a call-to-action segment with the news host urging viewers to “beware of fakes” and only download the app from a link provided below the video. This creates a false sense of urgency and exclusivity.
Step 6: When a user clicks the link, instead of being taken to the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store, they are redirected to a website designed to closely resemble an app store. The URL is usually something like “pseville.fun” or similar.
Step 7: The fake app store page shows a download link for “The Beast Plinko” app which claims to be published by “Beast Group” (which doesn’t exist). It may even display fake reviews and install numbers to seem more convincing.
Step 8: If a user clicks the download button, instead of a legitimate app, they will likely be installing malware or a fake app designed to steal information or sign them up for paid subscriptions without their knowledge. Alternatively, it may direct to pages phishing for personal/financial info.
Step 9: The malicious app or page may also ask for invasive permissions to contacts, messages, and other data which can then be exploited by the scammers for further fraud or sold on the black market.
By following this step-by-step process, the Beast Plinko scam tricks users every step of the way by leveraging the credibility of famous figures and presenting a very convincing flow that seems to lead to a real, exclusive “celebrity app.” However, the entire chain is a fabrication designed to mislead.
Sure, here’s a section that highlights how the scammers keep changing the name of the app but use the same deceptive tactics in their ads:
The Shapeshifting Scam: Same Tricks, Different Names
One of the most insidious aspects of “The Beast Plinko” scam is its chameleon-like ability to change its name and appearance while still employing the same underhanded strategies to fool unsuspecting victims.
Whether it’s called “Sweet Bonanza & MrBeast Casino,” “The Plinko Beast,” “MrBeast Plinko,” or any other variation, the core of the con remains unchanged. Each iteration of the scam features:
Fake celebrity endorsements: Using sophisticated deepfake technology, scammers create incredibly realistic videos of well-known figures like MrBeast, Elon Musk, or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson singing the praises of their fraudulent app.
Phony MrBeast voiceovers: By leveraging AI voice synthesis, the con artists make it sound like MrBeast himself is enthusiastically urging you to download the app and start raking in cash.
Fabricated news segments: The scammers even go so far as to create fake local news clips featuring AI-generated anchors discussing the app’s supposed success and legitimacy.
Promises of easy money: Each ad invariably touts the app as a surefire way to make thousands of dollars quickly with minimal effort, preying on people’s desire for financial security.
Despite the varying names and superficial changes, the underlying deception remains constant. By continually shape-shifting, the scammers aim to stay one step ahead of detection and maintain an air of novelty to lure in new victims.
Don’t be fooled by the shifting façade. Whenever you encounter an ad promising effortless riches endorsed by a celebrity you admire, take a step back and examine it critically. Chances are, you’ve stumbled upon yet another incarnation of this persistent scam.
Remember, genuine opportunities don’t need to hide behind a kaleidoscope of names and faces. Trust your instincts, do your research, and stay vigilant to avoid falling into the shapeshifting scammer’s trap.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you’ve unfortunately fallen prey to The Beast Plinko scam, don’t panic. Here are some important steps you should take right away to mitigate potential damage and protect yourself going forward:
Immediately uninstall any apps you may have downloaded from the scam links. Don’t open them again and check to make sure they’re fully removed from your device.
Run a thorough virus and malware scan using reputable security software. Some malicious apps can be difficult to detect, so a deep scan is important. Follow instructions to quarantine and remove any threats found.
If you entered any personal information or signed into any existing accounts via pages the scam directed you to, change those passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Check your phone bill and credit card statements for any suspicious charges related to premium app subscriptions you didn’t knowingly sign up for. If you find fraudulent charges, dispute them with your bank or carrier right away.
If you shared any financial details like credit card numbers or bank account info on scam pages, contact your bank and card providers to alert them. They can put additional fraud monitoring on your account and replace cards if needed.
Be sure to report the scam ads to Instagram if you encountered them there. This can help get the ads removed and protect others. You can also report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Inform your friends and family about the scam to help spread awareness. The more people know about how these cons work, the less likely they are to fall for them.
Stay vigilant for follow-up scams. Sometimes, scammers may contact you claiming to be from customer support to help fix issues caused by their initial scam as a way to defraud you further. Be extremely wary of unsolicited outreach.
In the future, always be cautious of celebrity endorsements, especially those claiming you can make easy money. If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Take time to verify claims independently.
Only download apps from official app stores, and even then, check reviews and developer info carefully. Scammers can sometimes sneak malicious apps onto official stores as well.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
The Beast Plinko scam is a prime example of how modern con artists are leveraging cutting-edge technology like deepfakes and AI voice synthesis to create incredibly convincing scams that can fool even savvy internet users. By hijacking the credibility of well-known celebrities and news outlets, these scammers lure people into downloading malicious apps or sharing sensitive info.
It’s critical to always be skeptical of online advertisements, celebrity endorsements, and “get rich quick” schemes. Anything that seems too good to be true likely is. Taking a moment to verify claims independently can save a lot of headache later.
As scams continue to evolve and improve, staying informed is the best defense. Knowing how to spot red flags, being judicious about what you download and share, and taking quick action if you do get scammed can help keep you safe online.
Remember, even if a story comes from what appears to be a trusted source, it’s always best to double-check. Legitimate opportunities don’t need to resort to high-pressure, cloak-and-dagger tactics. When in doubt, trust your gut. If your spidey-sense is tingling, listen to it and steer clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MrBeast actually involved with The Beast Plinko scam?
No, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has no involvement with this scam whatsoever. The scammers are using his name and likeness without permission to trick people. MrBeast has never launched a gambling app.
Are the celebrity endorsements in the Beast Plinko ads real?
No, the celebrity endorsements are completely fabricated using deepfake video technology and AI-generated audio. None of the featured celebrities like Dwayne Johnson or Andrew Tate are in any way affiliated with or endorsing these false products.
Did real news shows report on MrBeast’s Beast Plinko app?
No, the news show segments featuring hosts like Sean Hannity or Laura Ingraham are also faked using AI technology. Those news organizations have not covered this story as the app doesn’t really exist.
What happens if I downloaded an app from one of these scam links?
If you downloaded an app from a scam link, it’s likely malware or a fake app designed to steal info and money. You should delete it immediately, run virus scans, change related passwords, and check statements for fraudulent charges. Alert your bank if you shared financial details.
Can I get my money back if I was scammed?
It depends. If you paid via credit card or app store, you may be able to dispute charges as fraudulent. However, scammers usually employ tactics to make it difficult to recover money. Focus effort on preventing further loss.
Should I contact law enforcement about being scammed?
You can file reports with the FTC and your local police, but unfortunately investigating individual cases is often not feasible. The best path is taking steps to secure your info and finances, and spreading awareness to prevent others from being victimized.
What should I do if a scammer contacts me again?
Do not engage further with scammers under any circumstances, even if they claim they can help undo damage from the original scam. This is a common follow-up technique to extract more money and info. Block and report them.
Key Takeaways
The Beast Plinko app is not a real product launched by MrBeast. It is a scam designed to mislead people into downloading malware or sharing sensitive information.
Scammers use deepfake technology and AI-generated audio to fabricate convincing video endorsements from celebrities and news figures. These are not legitimate.
Always be cautious of ads promoting easy money, and verify info independently. Only download apps from official app stores after checking reviews carefully.
If you’ve fallen victim to this or a similar scam, delete any suspicious apps, run virus scans, change passwords, and check financial statements. Report the scam to help protect others.
Stay informed about evolving scam tactics and trust your instincts if an offer seems fishy. Sharing knowledge is key to thwarting scammers.
As our online lives become increasingly complex, so do the techniques used by digital thieves looking to exploit us. Scams like The Beast Plinko con demonstrate the level of sophistication bad actors are employing, leveraging our trust in familiar faces to lull us into a false sense of security.
However, by staying alert, critically evaluating what we see online, and looking out for each other, we can make it much harder for scammers to succeed. Working together to spread awareness and to support those who have been victimized, we can create a safer, more resilient community.
In the end, the best defense will always be a discerning eye and a commitment to pausing before acting on exciting offers. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof, and when that proof is lacking, the smart choice is to walk away.
The Beast Plinko scam may be the latest in a long line of online cons, but it doesn’t have to be the last. By learning from these incidents, staying vigilant, and looking out for our fellow netizens, we can work to create an online environment where scammers find far fewer opportunities to practice their craft. Together, we can make sure the real beasts in this digital jungle are the ones left out in the cold.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
