The TradingView community has recently been targeted by a sophisticated wave of scams involving fake YouTube channels impersonating TradingView.
These scams are not only undermining the trust in our brand, but also putting users’ cryptocurrency wallets and personal data at serious risk.
Scammers create convincing YouTube channels that appear to be official TradingView accounts, often using stolen or hijacked channels with large subscriber bases and verified badges.
These fake channels upload videos or livestreams, sometimes featuring deepfake personalities or paid actors, and direct viewers to download what is claimed to be the “developer version of TradingView application” or “cracked version of paid application,” etc.
In reality, the download link leads to a malicious script — commonly a Windows PowerShell command — which, when executed, installs a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on the victim’s device.
The RAT gives attackers unauthorized access, allowing them to steal sensitive information, including cryptocurrency wallet credentials, and ultimately drain users’ funds.
Victims have reported losing access to their cryptocurrency wallets and funds after following instructions from these fake channels.
These scams are sophisticated. Scammers often use legitimate-looking videos, positive comments from fake accounts, and even mimic TradingView’s real content to appear credible.
There are a few things to remember that can help you secure your data.
- Subscribe to TradingView’s official YouTube channel and never accept any offers from any other channel on behalf of TradingView.
- Never download TradingView software from unofficial sources. The only legitimate TradingView apps are on the TradingView website, where you can download the mobile app and TradingView Desktop app.
- TradingView will never ask you to run command-line scripts or PowerShell commands to install its platform. Any such request is a red flag.
- Check the authenticity of YouTube channels. The official TradingView YouTube channel is verified and linked directly from the TradingView website.
- Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers. Scams often promise giveaways, free or discounted access to paid Tradingview services, beta access to “developer edition” of the TradingView software, free AI-based trading indicators, etc.
- Report suspicious content. If you come across a suspicious channel or video, report it to YouTube and notify the TradingView support team immediately.
TradingView is actively working with YouTube and law enforcement agencies to identify and take down fraudulent channels.
