On September 18, a stream was launched on the Cardano YouTube channel featuring a deepfake of blockchain founder Charles Hoskinson promoting a crypto scam.
The live broadcast purported to be a community meeting as part of Project Catalyst, a decentralized fund supporting innovation and grant programs for communities. The stream lasted nearly two hours.
The video was accompanied by a post promising to “change your life in minutes,” with a QR code placed nearby.
Hoskinson warned users about the scam broadcast through his social media page on X.
The IOG YouTube apparently has been compromised. Do not trust any videos or click on any links on it. Working with YouTube to take it down and reset credentials
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) September 18, 2026
“It appears the IOG YouTube account has been hacked. Do not trust any videos or click on links,” the developer wrote.
The Cardano team is currently working to remove the account and reset credentials.
Earlier, in May, unknown individuals hacked the social media accounts of trader Keith Gill, known as Roaring Kitty. The perpetrators promoted the meme coin RKC.
