Scam Offers for Influencers: What to do if Fraudsters Target You with Fake Crypto Endorsements And a Large Paycheck

Kanye West recently revealed that scammers offered him a staggering $2 million to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency. The deal? A quick post to his followers, a fat paycheck, and a scripted excuse to claim he was hacked once the damage was done.

But he said no.

“I was proposed 2 million dollars to scam my community-those left of it. I said no and stopped working with the person who proposed it,” West stated.

This revelation raises a bigger question: If scammers are approaching global celebrities, how many content creators with large followings get similar offers? And what happens if they say yes?

How It Works

Besides celebs with large followings, scammers may target influencers—YouTubers, Twitch streamers, Instagram personalities, and even niche content creators—with lucrative offers to promote scam projects.

Here’s how one of the scenarios could play out:

• A fake brand, investment firm, or anonymous crypto project reaches out to you and offers thousands (or millions) of dollars for a post.
• They promise you quick cash and upfront payments if you post about a new crypto token or NFT drop on your social media page.
• You might receive a vague contract. This may look legitimate, but it’s just to shift the liability to you.
• The scam runs its course, the token crashes and the fraudsters disappear with investors’ money. Creators who participated are left to clean up the mess—or claim they were hacked.

Some influencers may take the money and try to cover their tracks. But here’s what’s at risk:

• Legal trouble – If you knowingly promote a scam, you could be sued or investigated for fraud. The FTC has already cracked down on influencer endorsements that mislead audiences.
• Destroyed reputation – Your credibility is on the line. Followers trust you, if they lose money, they’ll remember who led them there.
• Platform bans – Social media platforms are cracking down on fraudulent promotions. You could lose your account and your entire audience.
• Your digital safety and livelihood – Once you work with them, you’re on their list. You should expect more scam offers which can also be accompanied by blackmail threats.

What Should You Do If Scammers Contact You?

If you receive a suspicious brand offer:

Research the company – Check if they have a legitimate website, reviews, and history. Be skeptical of brand-new projects with no real team members.

Protect your accounts – Enable strong security measures to protect against account takeovers.  Look for red flags – Are they pushing you to post quickly? Are they offering unusually high payments? Are they avoiding calls or video meetings?

Use security solutions – Scammers target influencers using phishing emails and malware-laced contracts. Use Bitdefender Security for Creators to protect your livelihood.

Report the scam – If the offer is shady, warn your fellow creators. The more awareness, the fewer people fall for it.

Read our dedicated guides and security tips for protecting your social media accounts:

Content Creators: Why 2FA Isn't Enough – How Hackers Bypass Basic Security

Content Creators: Here's How to Prevent Hacks and What to Do If You're Compromised

Content Creators: How Hackers Steal Your Account

Use Bitdefender Security for Creators

If Kanye West can be approached for a scam, then any influencer could be next. Stay vigilant, protect your online presence, and think twice before saying yes to a suspicious deal – it could ruin everything you’ve built.

Your reputation is worth more than a scammer’s offer. With Bitdefender Security for Creators by your side, you can safeguard your YouTube account and devices against a wide range of digital threats.

Key Features Include:

• YouTube Channel Protection: Monitors your channel 24/7 for account takeover attempts and provides a guided recovery process if compromised.
• Account Health Monitoring: Continuously scans for security vulnerabilities and potential breaches.
• Guided Recovery: A step-by-step guide to help you regain control of a hacked account.
• Scam Guard: Flags suspicious emails from fraudulent sponsors, preventing phishing attacks.
• Device Protection: Secures login credentials, protects against malware, and ensures safe public Wi-Fi usage.
• Team Shield: Extends protection to all team members with access to your YouTube account.
• Live Reports: Provides real-time security insights, tracking account performance and risks.