The recent total solar eclipse that captivated millions across the United States was overshadowed by a nefarious attempt to defraud unsuspecting viewers. A fake SpaceX YouTube channel livestreamed the celestial event, featuring a deepfake of Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, promoting a cryptocurrency investment scheme.

The Deepfake Deception

The livestream, titled "Live: Solar Eclipse Spectacular 2024 of SpaceX," played a pre-recorded video of Musk addressing a crowd. However, the video's audio had been manipulated using AI technology, making it appear as though Musk was discussing a crypto investment opportunity and promising double returns.

According to reports, the fake video displayed a QR code with the text "Eclipse of 2024 – Change your life," enticing viewers to scan the code and invest.

The Scam Unravels

Once scanned, the QR code directed users to a fraudulent website impersonating SpaceX and promoting the cryptocurrency scheme. The website was hosted in Russia, further raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the operation.

The live chat section of the video was also riddled with messages from fake accounts claiming to represent Elon Musk. These messages mentioned a "big giveaway" to commemorate the total solar eclipse and included links to the scam website.

One message claimed that 630 Bitcoin (BTC) and 5,200 Ethereum (ETH) had already been "sent to live stream viewers," a clear attempt to lure more victims into the scam.

Spreading Awareness and Caution

The fake livestream was first flagged by the research group and iOS developer Mysk, who alerted the public to the scam on Twitter. Mysk noted that the stream appeared among the top search results for "solar eclipse livestream" on YouTube, potentially reaching a vast audience.

The fraudulent channel had amassed over 310,000 subscribers and had been rebranded to closely resemble the official SpaceX channel, making it more convincing to unsuspecting viewers.

A Recurring Issue

Unfortunately, this is not the first time SpaceX and Elon Musk have been exploited by scammers. In October 2023, a manipulated video circulated online, featuring Musk encouraging viewers to invest in a dubious trading platform called BitVex.

Musk himself addressed the issue at the time, stressing that he was not involved in any such fake promotions.

Conclusion

The exploitation of the solar eclipse and the use of deepfake technology to impersonate Elon Musk highlights the evolving tactics employed by fraudsters in the cryptocurrency space. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountered with suspicious online activities. Platforms and regulatory bodies must also play their part in combating fraud, misinformation, and the misuse of emerging technologies to protect users and maintain trust in the digital landscape.