According to videos displayed in Instagram ads, MrBeast purportedly said, “It’s already become a problem. No one believes that such a game exists.”
An online scam is making waves, falsely claiming that YouTuber MrBeast launched a casino game mobile app for gambling called “The Beast Plinko.“
In May 2024, Meta approved and allowed scam ads on Instagram that claimed the famous YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, whose real name is, created the gambling app. However, no such app is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Moreover, MrBeast has never developed or endorsed any gambling mobile apps. The fraudulent advertisements leveraged deepfake technology and artificial intelligence to make it appear that MrBeast and other celebrities were endorsing the app.
The Instagram ads featured videos that followed a consistent format. These began with a recognizable cable news host discussing MrBeast’s supposed casino game. The videos included fabricated interview clips featuring MrBeast and other well-known figures, followed by the same news host encouraging viewers to click a download link.
For instance, some scam videos used deepfake technology to depict CNN host Laura Coates, Fox News host Laura Ingraham, or Sean Hannity as promoting the fictitious mr beast casino app. In these videos, Coates, Ingraham, or Hannity appeared to say, “The richest man on the internet, who has paid the bills of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, decided to open his own online casino where everyone wins. In one of his videos, he showed us his safe, which stores funds for all players of his online casino. And in an interview with another famous blogger, MrBeast talked about his motives.”
The deception didn’t stop there. The scam videos also included endorsements from other well-known personalities, whose images and voices were manipulated using deepfake and AI-generated technology. Depending on the version of the video, it appeared as though actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, divisive social media figure Andrew Tate, or “Dude Perfect” podcast host Tyler Toney had installed the app and were profiting from it. In the manipulated clips, each of these individuals was shown saying, “I installed an app from MrBeast on my phone. The thing is, I didn’t put more than $50 into it. I lost count of how many times I won money there. One hour after installing it, I earned $4,000. And here’s the interesting thing: I almost never lost. What’s the point? Why create a game like this?”
Additionally, MrBeast was depicted in a deepfake video supposedly endorsing the app. In this manipulated footage, he appeared to say, “It’s already become a problem. No one believes that such a game exists. But in the past, people didn’t believe it when I gave them a bag with $10,000. I just show everyone this game on my phone and say, ‘Look, it’s true. I just invented a new way to give away money.'”
Each scam video concluded with the same fabricated call to action. Laura Coates, Laura Ingraham, or Sean Hannity was shown saying, “Thank you very much, MrBeast. I’ll try your game. Beware of fakes. Download the original application at the link below the video.”
Clicking on the link in these ads directed users to a website called Seville. fun. This site was designed to resemble the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, attempting to convince users they were downloading a legitimate app. The site prominently displayed a supposed download link for “The Beast Plinko” and claimed it was developed by “Beast Group.”
However, as previously stated, no such game exists. This elaborate scam relied on cutting-edge technology to exploit the trust and recognition associated with MrBeast and other celebrities. Deepfake technology enabled scammers to create compelling visuals. At the same time, AI-generated vocals added more authenticity to the deceptive videos. By presenting fabricated endorsements from respected news anchors, social media influencers, and A-list celebrities, the scammers sought to maximize their credibility and lure unsuspecting users.
The involvement of deepfake technology in scams like these is particularly concerning. By manipulating videos and audio, scammers can convincingly impersonate public figures, making it challenging for viewers to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content. This digital deception is becoming increasingly prevalent, posing significant risks for individuals and organizations.
Meta’s role in allowing these ads to appear on Instagram raises serious questions. Despite the company’s efforts to combat misinformation and fraudulent activities, this scam highlights vulnerabilities in its ad approval process. The presence of these deceptive ads on a significant social media platform underscores the need for stricter oversight and improved mechanisms to detect and remove such content.
The implications of this scam extend beyond financial losses for individuals who might fall victim to it. It also damages the reputations of those falsely implicated in the scheme, such as MrBeast, who has built a brand centered on philanthropy and positive impact. These videos may seem entirely credible for viewers who need to become more familiar with deepfake technology and its capabilities, further compounding the problem.
To protect themselves, users are advised to exercise caution when encountering online advertisements, particularly those involving high-profile figures and offers that seem too good to be true. Verifying the authenticity of apps by checking official app stores and reputable sources can help mitigate the risk of falling prey to scams. Additionally, being aware of the existence of deepfake technology and understanding how it can be misused is essential in today’s digital landscape.
Related Topics: Your Expert Guide to MrBeast Casino: Is It Legit?
In conclusion, the “Beast Plinko” scam exemplifies the growing sophistication of online fraud schemes. By combining deepfake technology, AI-generated audio, and social engineering tactics, scammers created a compelling narrative that exploited people’s trust and admiration for Mr Beast and other public figures. As this digital deception evolves, it underscores the importance of vigilance, education, and robust safeguards to protect users from falling victim to such schemes.