Fake XRP airdrops spread; Ledger Foundation warns users
XRP Ledger Foundation and RippleX warned on Aug. 6 that scammers are using fake airdrops, impersonation accounts and a counterfeit ‘XRP Rewards Scanner’ to phish users.
On Aug. 6 the XRP Ledger Foundation posted a warning on X that fake XRP airdrops, impersonation accounts and phishing campaigns are targeting investors on social media. RippleX, the developer-facing division of Ripple, issued a related public service announcement the same day about a counterfeit ‘XRP Rewards Scanner.’
The Foundation said scammers are using fraudulent giveaway posts, impersonation accounts and direct messages to direct users to external websites or private chats that can harvest sensitive information or prompt unsafe wallet actions. RippleX reported operators of the fake scanner used fabricated screenshots and familiar branding to make the service appear legitimate and asked users to scan wallets or approve transactions that could transfer funds out of their control.
Scammers are relying on impersonation and social-engineering tactics. Posts claiming unclaimed rewards or wallet activity often create urgency and request that users sign transactions, provide secret keys or reveal recovery phrases. The Foundation warned: ‘Beware of scammers targeting the XRP community! There are no XRP airdrops or rewards given out by us, Ripple or wallets in the community.’ It added: ‘Don’t share your XRP wallet keys. None of us will DM or engage with you directly. Keep your guard up and stay vigilant.’
RippleX published a PSA stating: ‘Ripple is not running an “XRP Rewards Scanner” or offering unclaimed XRP through a wallet scan. Screenshots claiming otherwise are fake.’ The division advised users to verify posts through official channels before clicking links or connecting wallets and reminded the community: ‘Never share your secret key or recovery phrase. Review every transaction before signing.’
The warnings follow earlier incidents in which scammers exploited trusted-looking platforms. In July 2025 Ripple flagged hijacked channels that were altered to resemble official accounts and promoted fraudulent XRP content. In December 2024 Ripple warned about fake giveaways that appeared as XRP’s market capitalization rose to become the third-largest cryptocurrency.
U.S. agencies have issued similar cautions. The FBI recommends independently verifying investment opportunities and avoiding transfers to unknown individuals or platforms. The Federal Trade Commission has advised consumers to be wary of impersonation schemes and fake payment requests. The Securities and Exchange Commission has highlighted the use of fake endorsements, misleading promotions and fraudulent websites that aim to build trust with victims.
Organizations and security experts outline basic precautions to reduce risk: protect private keys and recovery phrases, avoid clicking suspicious links, confirm announcements through official channels before connecting wallets, and carefully review every transaction before approving it. These steps address the tactics scammers use to obtain access to wallets and move funds without owners’ consent.
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