CZ Warns Users About Fake Images Used for FUD and Scams

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has warned users to stay alert. He posted an article after seeing his fake images being used to spread fear and scams online. He gave an example of an account with over 860K followers. This account used a fake group photo. While claiming that the person had met him at a recent BNB Chain event. 

CZ said the image was clearly edited and didn’t match reality. With that, he added that such behavior is at least dishonest. It can even be fraud. Also, he reminded users that Binance still welcomes real feedback. He said, the warning is about fake content and fake narratives, not honest criticism.

Fake Photo Spotted at BNB Chain Event

CZ said that the account used a banner image from a real event in South Korea. It looked like proof of support at first. But when he looked into it, he found a selfie that looked strange. The shirt color in the photo didn’t match any of his shirts. He added that he never took pictures in front of the stage.

CZ 发文提醒警惕伪造图片进行 FUD 或诈骗的账号。CZ 称，其发现一名拥有 86 万粉丝的账号使用伪造的合影图片冒充与其在 BNB Chain 活动中合照，相关图片在服装颜色、拍摄场景及清晰度上均明显造假，原图实为与其他项目方 CEO 的合影。CZ…

— 吴说区块链 (@wublockchain12) February 4, 2026

Later, he saw another photo that looked even more fake. Where he and another person appeared in low quality. While the person in the front looked sharp and clear. With that, CZ shared the original photo and said it was taken with the CEO of another project. The edited version tried to swap the person out for someone else. As such, CZ called the account a faker at best. He also added that it can be a part of a scam.

Message to the Community

CZ used this case to make a point. You shouldn’t trust everything you see. People need to think clearly and check their sources, he said. Also added that account block him, making it unable for him to see what they post. As such, he said that is another warning sign.

Changpeng Zhao pointed out that photos with him don’t mean support. The price won’t increase even if he holds a coin or talks to a project. He advised users not to follow the hype and do their own research. The post quickly drew attention from the crypto community. Some users claimed they had seen a fake image before and nearly believed it. While others made fun of the poor editing, particularly the wrong shirt color. Many agreed that fake photos are becoming more common.

Rising Risk of AI and Edited Images

This case shows a wider problem. With AI and simple tools, fake photos now look more real than before. Which makes it easier to mislead people. In crypto world, this can be used for FUD or to build fake trust. CZ said the industry needs to stay careful. With that, he added that real criticism is still welcome for Binance and BNB Chain. As such, fake stories hurt everyone. Currently, the main lesson is simple: check images, sources and don’t trust posts just because they look popular. In crypto, seeing is no longer believing.