Scammers Exploit NiKo’s Identity Using Deepfake in YouTube Ad Scam

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, star player for Team Falcons, has issued a public warning to the Counter-Strike 2 community after discovering that scammers have used his likeness—and his team’s brand—in a fraudulent YouTube advertisement. The scam, which mirrors a previous incident involving Vitality’s apEX, is part of a growing trend targeting esports fans using deepfake technology and fake giveaways.

🕵️‍♂️ How the Scam Works

These scams leverage:

• Deepfake videos mimicking players' appearances and voices
• Cloned websites and social accounts
• Fake giveaways offering CS2 skins or prizes like $10,000

Scammers entice victims by promising rare items such as an AWP | Fade, or large cash prizes. QR codes or fraudulent links are typically embedded in the scam, redirecting users to phishing pages designed to steal Steam accounts or cryptocurrency wallets.

🚨 Security experts warn these campaigns often escalate during major events like IEM Dallas, when fan engagement is high and players’ visibility increases.

📣 NiKo’s Statement on X (formerly Twitter)

“Hey guys, both me and Falcons are aware about the scam ad that is going on on YouTube. Please do not engage with it—don’t enter any giveaways or try to link your accounts. We will do our best to resolve it as soon as possible. Take care.”— Nikola “NiKo” Kovač

🔁 Not an Isolated Incident: apEX Also Targeted

This situation echoes a similar scam involving Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, captain of Team Vitality, who was impersonated in another deepfake-powered YouTube giveaway. In both cases, scammers exploited the trust fans place in well-known players to push fraudulent offers.

🔒 A Widening Issue Across Esports

Unfortunately, these aren’t isolated cases. Other prominent CS2 figures like s1mple and m0NESY have also been used in scams of this nature, signaling a systemic problem in the esports industry.

• Team Falcons is urging fans to report any suspicious ads or links immediately.
• Community members are actively discussing the threat, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources and remaining vigilant.

As esports continues to grow, so do the risks. These events highlight the urgent need for stricter digital security protocols and increased awareness among fans—especially during high-traffic tournaments.