A crypto dev almost lost everything to an AI deepfake scam. CZ and experts share urgent security tips every crypto user needs now.
A crypto developer came dangerously close to a major security breach. The developer, known on X as Big Pey, shared a chilling account of a targeted scam.
Someone impersonated a Cardano Foundation executive using AI deepfake technology. The incident quickly interested Binance co-founder CZ and other crypto voices.
How the AI Deepfake Scam Unfolded
Big Pey had a prior working relationship with Pierre Kaklamanos, Head of Digital Assets Adoption at the Cardano Foundation.
My laptop got hacked yesterday by someone claiming to be Pierre from the Cardano Foundation.
I have had a relationship with Pierre in the past, we've talked, we've video called.
He reached out to me for a new call, asking about Atrium.
I responded and setup a call for the next…
— big pey (@bigpey) April 23, 2026
When someone reached out posing as Pierre, nothing seemed off at first. The attacker arranged a Microsoft Teams call and even displayed a convincing AI-generated face and voice matching Pierre’s likeness.
During the call, Big Pey received a prompt claiming his Teams software needed updating. The prompt directed him to run a command through his Microsoft Terminal.
He followed the instructions.
Fortunately, his laptop died shortly after, and he shut it down immediately. He later switched to Google Meet and invited the contact again. The scammer made excuses and went quiet.
Big Pey eventually pieced it together.
He took to X to warn the community, writing that the call featured what he now believes were AI-generated faces and voices of multiple Cardano Foundation members.
CZ and Crypto Community Sound the Alarm
Binance co-founder CZ shared Big Pey’s post on X with a brief but pointed warning to his followers. His repost widened the reach of the alert significantly across the crypto space.
Watch out for hacks like these 👇 https://t.co/hQejLFo2ON
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) April 24, 2026
Former CIA officer Beau also weighed in.
He noted that this type of scam has become increasingly common. His advice was direct: never download software at someone else’s request, and never run terminal commands from an outside prompt.
Community members also flagged similar tactics circulating through hacked Telegram accounts, often paired with Calendly meeting links.
Crypto analyst Crypto Patel praised Big Pey for going public. He highlighted the significance of the incident, noting that the attacker used real relationship history as a weapon.
Patel pointed out that this is no longer a generic phishing attempt. It is a targeted, sophisticated operation that can fool technically skilled individuals.
Read also:
AI Deepfake Tool Threatens Binance, Coinbase, and Crypto KYC
Security Habits Every Crypto User Should Build Now
Crypto Patel outlined a practical set of precautions in response to the incident.
He advised users to never install software prompted during a video call. If any call requests an update or download, ending the call immediately is the right move.
He also recommended verifying any unexpected contact through a separate communication channel before proceeding.
Using a dedicated device strictly for crypto activity adds another layer of protection. Treat every unsolicited call link as a threat until confirmed otherwise.
The broader takeaway from the incident is clear.
AI tools have raised the bar for scammers in a significant way. Stronger security habits, not just better software, remain the most reliable defense.
