Cardano’s IOG YouTube channel hijacked for AI-driven crypto scam

The unauthorized broadcast, which utilized Project Catalyst branding to gain a veneer of legitimacy, remained active for approximately two hours. During this window, the stream displayed QR codes directing viewers to external payment links. Input Output (IOG) has since issued an advisory instructing the community to refrain from clicking any links, transferring funds, or providing personal information until the company confirms it has fully regained administrative control of the platform.

While IOG has not disclosed the technical specifics of the breach or verified if any users suffered financial losses, the incident mirrors a long-standing pattern of social engineering targeting the Cardano ecosystem. Scammers frequently hijack established YouTube channels to host deepfake-style content, banking on the familiarity of figures like Hoskinson to deceive viewers. Although IOG has previously experimented with AI-generated content for its own promotional purposes, the company maintains that this specific giveaway is entirely malicious and unaffiliated with its operations. Cardano’s official security guidance continues to emphasize that no legitimate project will ever ask users to send cryptocurrency in exchange for a guaranteed return.