Deepfake Video 'KYC Verification' Calls Impersonating Coinbase
Scammers use deepfake video technology to impersonate Coinbase compliance officers in video calls, claiming a new KYC requirement must be satisfied immediately or the account will be locked — pressuring victims into sharing identity documents or account credentials during the call.
Part of: Deepfake Video Call Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Coinbase, as a regulated cryptocurrency exchange, has genuine KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements that may require users to submit identity documents at various stages. This legitimate compliance process has been weaponised by criminals who use AI-generated deepfake video to impersonate Coinbase staff during video calls, creating a convincing but fraudulent verification encounter.
The video call scenario works because it mimics a process users may genuinely expect: a professional-looking person, using official-seeming credentials and a background that resembles a financial institution's office, walks the victim through a fake compliance step. The deepfake face and voice look and sound real. The urgency is real (account locking is a genuine consequence of failed KYC). The process feels procedurally correct — which is precisely the point.
The outcome is identity theft (from the documents shared) combined with potential account compromise if the victim also provides login credentials or verification codes during the call.
How this scam works on the Coinbase brand
Genuine Coinbase KYC verification is conducted through the official Coinbase app or website — you upload documents to the Coinbase platform directly, and any review is performed by Coinbase internally. Coinbase does not schedule video calls to conduct identity verification, and its staff will never request your login credentials or 2FA codes during any call.
A deepfake Coinbase KYC call is arranged via email or Calendly-style booking link, claiming to be from Coinbase's compliance department. The video call features a convincing AI-generated face. During the call, the 'officer' instructs the victim to hold up their passport or driver's licence to the camera, then asks for the account email address and the 'temporary verification code' that Coinbase just sent — which is actually a 2FA OTP the attacker triggered to gain access.
The attacker now has high-quality images of the victim's identity document (useful for further identity fraud) and, if the OTP was shared, full access to the Coinbase account.
Common red flags
- You receive an email scheduling a video call with a 'Coinbase compliance officer' to complete mandatory KYC
- During the video call, you are asked to show your passport or driver's licence on camera
- The caller asks for the verification code that Coinbase just sent to your phone or email
- The caller's face or voice has subtle uncanny qualities — stiff facial movements, slight lag between speech and lip movement
- Genuine Coinbase's account dashboard shows no KYC action required when you log in directly
- The scheduling link or call invitation came from a domain other than coinbase.com
How to protect yourself
- Coinbase does not conduct identity verification via video call — treat any such invitation as a scam
- Never share a verification code or OTP with anyone during an unsolicited video call
- Never show government ID documents on camera in a call you did not initiate through official channels
- Log in to your Coinbase account at coinbase.com directly to check for genuine KYC requirements — they will appear in the app
- If you received a suspicious call request, contact Coinbase support at help.coinbase.com to verify before participating
- Be aware that deepfake video is now realistic enough that visual cues alone are insufficient to detect fraud
How to report it
- Report the fake compliance communication to Coinbase at help.coinbase.com
- Report to IC3.gov (US) or Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 (UK)
- File an identity-theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov if documents were shared
- Report to your national data protection authority if sensitive documents were transmitted
- Preserve all call recordings and email evidence for law enforcement
Frequently asked questions
Does Coinbase ever conduct video calls for KYC?
Coinbase's standard KYC process involves document upload through the official app or website, not video calls. For institutional clients there may be different onboarding procedures, but these would be arranged through dedicated account managers and never involve sharing login credentials or OTPs.
What is the risk of showing my passport on a video call?
A high-resolution image of your passport allows identity thieves to open accounts, apply for credit, or commit financial fraud in your name. Treat your passport image with the same care as the physical document — do not share it with any unverified party.
How do I report potential identity theft from a deepfake call?
File a report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov, which provides a personalised recovery plan. Also notify your bank and any financial institutions where your identity documents are on file. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaux as a precaution.