Warning: XRP Users Targeted by Phishing Scheme Involving Fake Ripple Tokens

A new and sophisticated phishing scheme is currently draining the wallets of XRP users, utilizing the widespread distribution of counterfeit non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This alarming trend has been highlighted by Bithomp, a blockchain explorer dedicated to XRP.

Understanding the Scam

The recent warnings indicate that fraudsters are deploying fake tokens named 'reward' and 'payout' to seduce unsuspecting investors into authorizing harmful transactions. Unfortunately, one victim reportedly lost a staggering $15,000 due to this deceitful tactic.

The Mechanics of Deception

According to information shared by Bithomp, the scam was executed by recording a transaction under the term NFTokenAcceptOffer. The deceived individual thought they were claiming a legitimate digital asset called 'Ripple Payout Token #7357'. However, this led to a significant withdrawal of approximately $15,000 from their account, which was promptly transferred to the scammer's wallet. Consequently, the victim received nothing but a worthless counterfeit NFT.

How Scammers Operate

These malicious actors are taking advantage of the low transaction fees within the XRP Ledger, which allows them to mint numerous fraudulent NFTs daily. By employing terminology that sounds official and urgent, they lend a false sense of credibility to their schemes.

The range of deceptive tokens includes names like 'Securing XRPL Proof', 'XRP Earning Permit', 'XRP Cashback Card', and more, which they distribute to active XRPL wallets or promote across social media. Often, victims are led to a site that prompts them to sign a transaction after connecting their wallets.

The Broader Context of Crypto Scams

The surge in cryptocurrency fraud has reached alarming proportions, with the FBI reporting that crypto-related scams amassed over $11.3 billion in losses for Americans in 2025 alone. Moreover, a 2026 report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis indicates that a staggering $17 billion was stolen globally through crypto scams, highlighting the ongoing prevalence of impersonation fraud, exacerbated by the rise of generative AI technologies.