Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous and influential athletes in the world. With over half a billion followers across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, Ronaldo has unparalleled reach and impact. This massive following also makes Ronaldo an ideal target for scammers looking to exploit his fame and reputation to defraud victims.
In recent months, a new type of scam has emerged using deep fakes and voice synthesis technology to impersonate Ronaldo promoting fake cryptocurrency giveaways. Scammers are running an elaborate ploy across platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, using AI-generated videos of Ronaldo telling viewers they can earn free Bitcoin by using a special “promo code” and signing up on a shady crypto exchange website.
This guide will provide an in-depth look at how the scam works, analyzing the tactics and technology used by fraudsters. We’ll also offer advice on how to spot these fake promotions, steps to take if you lost money, and key strategies to avoid becoming a victim.
Overview of the Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin Promo Code Scam
Cristiano Ronaldo’s fame and influence has made him a prime target for scammers seeking to capitalize on his reputation. In recent times, an elaborate cryptocurrency scam has emerged exploiting AI-generated deepfake videos to impersonate Ronaldo promoting fake Bitcoin giveaways. This incredibly deceptive fraud has already cheated unsuspecting victims out of millions in stolen cryptocurrency deposits.
The scam works like this:
Fraudsters produce sophisticated deepfake videos showing Ronaldo endorsing a cryptocurrency trading platform and urging viewers to sign up for a special Bitcoin giveaway promotion. The deepfakes use advanced AI to replace Ronaldo’s face and voice with stunning accuracy that makes them appear totally genuine.
In the fake videos, Ronaldo provides step-by-step instructions for claiming free Bitcoin. First, viewers must create an account on the recommended cryptocurrency exchange website. Next, they need to enter a special promo code – often something like “CR7” or “TikTok11” playing off Ronaldo’s personal brand.
By using this code, Ronaldo claims users will receive a bonus Bitcoin deposit worth around 0.31 BTC credited to their exchange account. To withdraw the funds, they simply need to complete ID verification by making a minimum deposit of 0.005 BTC, which will activate withdrawal capabilities.
This is the trap. The cryptocurrency platforms promoted are entirely fake and controlled by scammers. When users submit actual Bitcoin deposits, the funds go straight into the fraudsters’ wallets. The “verification” requirement is only a ploy to steal real crypto assets.
Some examples of the fake domain names used include:
- Todexy.com
- Xbirex.com
- Rexorex.com
- Koledex.com
Despite appearing legitimate at first glance, these websites do not allow any actual trading or transactions. The account dashboards showing “bonuses” are completely fabricated. Once victims make a real deposit, they lose access to their accounts.
The scammers aggressively promote the deceptive Ronaldo endorsement videos on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. They often buy video ads to target the videos at sports fans and cryptocurrency enthusiasts most likely to fall for the ruse.
With cryptocurrency surging in mainstream popularity, this scam exploits two powerful elements – the public’s trust in celebrities like Ronaldo combined with the hype surrounding crypto trading and investments. While the deepfake technology behind it continues advancing, awareness remains the best protection.
Read on to learn more about spotting and avoiding fake celebrity-endorsed crypto promotions trying to steal your hard-earned money
How the Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin Promo Code Scam Works
The fraudsters rely on a combination of increasingly sophisticated technology and manipulative psychological tactics to give their scam credibility. Here is a step-by-step look at how they target and ultimately fleece victims out of hard-earned money:
Step 1: Create Fake Ronaldo Endorsement Videos
The scammers produce videos designed to look like Ronaldo is genuinely endorsing a cryptocurrency giveaway offer. They leverage two primary techniques:
- Deep fake technology: Sophisticated AI algorithms swap the face/voice of Ronaldo into existing footage. The deep fakes look and sound incredibly realistic.
- Voice synthesis: The scammers take real Ronaldo interview footage and use voice mimicking software to generate a voice narrating an endorsement script.
In both cases, a simulated Ronaldo talks directly to the viewer, describing a special Bitcoin giveaway opportunity in partnership with a cryptocurrency trading platform.
Key details include mentioning a unique promo code (e.g. “CR7”, “TikTok11”) viewers can use to claim bonus Bitcoin, along with instructions to sign up on the fake crypto site.
Step 2: Promote Videos on Social Media
Once created, the fraudsters distribute the fake endorsement videos across popular social platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
- YouTube ads: The scam videos are promoted as YouTube ads, targeting sports fans and crypto enthusiasts.
- TikTok hashtag campaigns: Using popular crypto and investing related hashtags, the videos spread rapidly on TikTok.
- Facebook ads: Fake accounts and groups share the videos to reach Facebook users.
The goal is mass distribution to reach as many potential victims as possible. Ronaldo’s fame and influence causes the videos to generate huge viewership numbers.
Step 3: Drive Traffic to Fake Crypto Sites
The videos all include links to sign up on fake cryptocurrency exchange websites controlled by the scammers. Domains follow patterns like Todexy.com, Xbirex.com, Rexorex.com, etc.
These fraud platforms falsely claim users can easily buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies. But in reality, they exist solely to collect deposits which feed directly into the scammers’ crypto wallets.
To appear legitimate, the sites have well-designed interfaces, fake customer support chats, bogus market pricing graphs, and account dashboards. But none of it actually functions – the entire operation is an illusion.
Step 4: Direct Victims to Enter Promo Code
After creating an account, users are prompted to enter the promo code mentioned in the Ronaldo video. Common codes include “CR7”, “TikTok11”, “Ronaldo75” or similar combinations playing off the footballer’s personal brand.
Victims enter the code, believing it will unlock free Bitcoin in their account per Ronaldo’s endorsement. But in reality, this step just draws them deeper into the scam funnel.
Step 5: Display Fake Bonus Balance
Upon entering the promo code, users see a balance of around 0.31 BTC added to their account dashboard. The interface makes it look like the code deposited free Bitcoin into their wallet, as promised.
This is just a fake balance generated by the scam site itself. No actual cryptocurrency is deposited. But victims believe the promo code worked as advertised and they now have funds available to withdraw.
Step 6: Prevent Withdrawals Until Minimum Deposit
After seeing the bonus balance, users naturally attempt to withdraw their newfound crypto funds. But once they request a withdrawal, a pop-up message appears stating:
“To withdraw funds to a third party address, you need to activate your account. To activate your account, make a minimum deposit of 0.005 BTC. The deposit can also be withdrawn after account activation.”
This tricks victims into thinking they must first send crypto to the platform as verification before withdrawing the bonus balance. However, once they submit a real deposit, the scammers will block access to the account and the money is gone.
Step 7: Close Accounts and Websites Once Funds are Stolen
After accumulating enough victim deposits, the scammers suddenly close down the fake crypto websites without warning. They shut off any means of contacting customer support. Users are unable to recover their deposits or access their account.
The fraudsters quickly setup new domains and start the whole process over again with fresh Ronaldo fake promotion videos. Meanwhile, the stolen crypto deposits are laundered and cashed out through various dark web techniques.
This allows the scam network to operate indefinitely, constantly finding new victims to prey upon with their deceptive videos and websites.
How to Spot the Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin Promo Code Scam
With scammers constantly finding new ways to exploit interest in cryptocurrency and admiration for celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s crucial to be able to identify deceptive promotions targeting fans.
Here are key signs to watch for to detect the fake Bitcoin giveaway ads before becoming a victim:
- Too good to be true offers – Be skeptical of any promotion promising free or bonus Bitcoin funds just for signing up on a website. Scammers use this to entice victims. Legitimate platforms do not give away cryptocurrency.
- Aggressive urgency tactics – Scam promotions insist you must act fast by claiming bonus Bitcoin before an deadline expires. This creates pressure to skip proper vetting in the rush.
- Directing to unverified crypto platforms – Research any exchange site mentioned thoroughly before providing personal info or depositing. Many use lookalike domains of real brands but are fake.
- Requests deposits before withdrawals – Genuine crypto platforms never demand you deposit first before allowing withdrawal of account balances. This is a huge red flag of fraud.
- No mention of risks – Real cryptocurrency promotions always cite the volatile nature of crypto markets and investing risks. Scams portray free money through bonuses.
- Text and video don’t match – Some scams use voiceover narration about bonuses dubbed over Ronaldo’s actual interview answers about unrelated topics.
- No other online mentions – There’s no media coverage or chatter about Ronaldo making such an endorsement. Scams rely on fabricating the entire promotion.
- Odd social media engagement – Scam videos often have comments disabled and use bot accounts/hashtags to create artificial engagement.
- Poor deepfake quality – While some fakes are highly realistic, lower quality edits expose glitches like mismatched skin tones or blurry edges.
Stay vigilant about any viral celebrity cryptocurrency endorsement that exhibits red flags. Verify authenticity through the athlete or celebrity’s official site/accounts before interacting or providing personal information. If something seems questionable, it’s best to simply avoid it.
What to Do If You Lost Money in the Scam
If you deposited funds into one of these fake websites after seeing the fake Ronaldo endorsement videos, here are important steps to take right away:
- Contact the real cryptocurrency platform: If the scam used the name/brand of a legitimate cryptocurrency company, contact them immediately. Explain you were defrauded by an imposter website and see if they can stop the transactions or trace the scammer’s wallet address.
- Report the fraud website: Look up the domain on Whois to find the site owner details. File reports about the scam website with ICANN and the web host listed in the Whois record.
- Inform your bank and credit card provider: If you purchased cryptocurrency using a credit card or bank account prior to depositing it into the scam site, let your financial institution know what happened right away. They may be able to reverse the transactions.
- Report to authorities: File reports about the crypto scam with agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and your local law enforcement. Provide all details about how the scam worked, fraudulent sites/accounts, and any tracing information you uncovered.
- Watch out for recovery scams: Beware follow-up contact from people claiming they can recover your lost crypto funds. This is nearly always another scam tactic to steal even more money from victims. Only work with legitimate law enforcement officials.
- Spread awareness about the scam: Share your experience through social media posts, complaints on consumer sites, and by commenting on the scam YouTube/TikTok videos. Make the truth heard to protect others from falling for false celebrity endorsements.
While recovering lost funds is very difficult after crypto deposits leave your wallet, taking quick action can increase the chances. Document everything about the scam, stay vigilant against further exploitation of your information, and never pay an alleged “recovery expert” upfront – legitimate help will never ask for money first.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin Promo Code Scam
The elaborate cryptocurrency scam exploiting Cristiano Ronaldo’s image to promote fake Bitcoin giveaways has generated many questions for consumers. This FAQ guide provides answers to help you identify, avoid and report these fraudulent promotions targeting fans.
What is the Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin promo code scam?
This is a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme using deepfake videos of Cristiano Ronaldo to fool people into depositing funds on fake crypto trading platforms. Scammers produce sophisticated AI-generated videos making it appear Ronaldo is endorsing a Bitcoin giveaway.
The deepfakes show Ronaldo urging viewers to use a promo code like “CR7” on a recommended crypto exchange website to claim bonus Bitcoin. But the platforms are fake, designed to steal deposits.
How do the scammers create the fake Ronaldo videos?
They use two primary techniques:
- Deepfake technology swaps Ronaldo’s face/voice into existing footage with a high degree of realism.
- Voice synthesis software can mimic Ronaldo’s voice and dub it over real interviews to make an endorsement.
Both approaches leverage AI to convincingly simulate Ronaldo promoting the scam giveaway.
Where do the scammers promote the fake videos?
The videos spread via paid ads and hashtags on major social platforms:
- YouTube ads target sports fans and crypto audiences.
- TikTok campaigns use crypto-related hashtags.
- Facebook ads reach users through fake accounts/groups.
Mass distribution gives the scam scale to ensnare more victims.
What happens when victims use the promo code?
Entering the code on the fake crypto site generates a bonus Bitcoin balance in the account dashboard. This convinces users the code works as advertised.
But the balance is completely fake, engineered by the scammers. No actual Bitcoin is deposited.
How do the scammers steal money from victims?
When users try withdrawing the bonus balance, a message states they must first make a 0.005 BTC deposit to “activate” withdrawals. This tricks victims into sending real crypto funds which the fraudsters steal.
How can I spot fake celebrity crypto endorsements?
Watch for these red flags:
- Extremely generous giveaways or bonuses requiring little effort.
- Pressure to act fast and invest before missing out.
- Directing to shady looking crypto platforms.
- Requiring deposits before accessing funds.
Do your own research before participating.
What are some examples of the fake crypto sites?
Known fraudulent domains include:
- Todexy.com
- Xbirex.com
- Rexorex.com
- Koledex.com
Check exchange licenses, reviews, certifications before using.
What should I do if I lost money in the scam?
- Contact your bank/credit card provider.
- Report the fraud to authorities and regulators.
- Alert social media platforms hosting fake videos.
- Spread awareness about the scam publicly.
Work quickly to trace funds and shut down scam accounts. Never pay alleged “recovery experts”.
How can I avoid falling for the Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin scam?
- Verify endorsement authenticity before acting.
- Research crypto platforms thoroughly first.
- Do not make deposits purely to “activate” bonuses.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Report fake videos/accounts to social platforms.
Stay vigilant – as crypto grows, scams exploiting hype and celebrities will increase.
Why does the scam use Cristiano Ronaldo?
Ronaldo’s fame as a footballer and public figure provides the scam credibility. His massive social following allows fraudsters to reach a huge audience with the fake videos.
Scammers exploit public trust in celebrities like Ronaldo to create an illusion of legitimacy.
Does entering the promo code compromise your security?
Simply entering a code on a website should not put your information at risk. However, creating an account and entering personal data on shady sites gives scammers access to compromise your identity and accounts.
Guard personal information carefully online.
Stay alert about new crypto scams trying to capitalize on hype and impersonate celebrities. Verify legitimacy, conduct thorough platform research, and think critically before providing any sensitive data or making deposits. Report any fraudulent promotions you encounter to protect other consumers.
The Bottom Line – Protect Yourself from Celebrity Crypto Endorsement Scams
As cryptocurrency continues growing in popularity, scammers will find new ways to exploit interest and trust using deep fakes and psychological manipulation. The fake Cristiano Ronaldo Bitcoin giveaway scam provides some key lessons:
- Watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers – If a promotion promises free cryptocurrency, assume it’s a scam.
- Verify endorsement authenticity – Search for credible confirmation any celebrity backing is real before taking action. Deep fakes are nearly flawless now.
- Research before investing – Take time to thoroughly vet any cryptocurrency site before creating an account or depositing funds.
- Beware account verification requirements – Legitimate crypto platforms won’t demand deposits before withdrawing funds. Decline such requests.
- Report fraud – Alert platforms, regulators, hosts, and ad networks about any scam promotion to get it shut down fast.
With cryptos like Bitcoin surging in value in recent years, scammers have unfortunately taken notice. Stay vigilant about any viral promotion promising free cryptocurrency, use best practices to secure your accounts and wallet, and don’t let the promise of easy money cloud your judgment.
Investing always involves some risk. But arming yourself with knowledge about the latest crypto scams plaguing social media can help you avoid costly mistakes. Share this guide to help protect others from predatory fraud targeting fans of celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo.
