Amidst The Pinay Gold Medalist Scandal, A Viral Japanese Video Link Triggers New Wave Of Online Scams: Here's What We Know

Amidst the Pinay gold medalist scandal, a viral Japanese video link is triggering a new wave of online scams across social media. The initial scam, centred on fake leaked videos of Filipina influencer Zyan Cabrera—also known as Jerriel Cry4zee—has tricked users into phishing sites that steal Facebook credentials.

Now, fraudsters are blending this with AI-catfishing using the Japanese rap song 'Just a Boy', luring victims during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. As of 11 February 2026, reports indicate rising cases in the Philippines and beyond.

The Pinay Gold Medalist Phishing Trap

The scam began circulating on Facebook and Telegram, using enticing posts about a 'Pinay gold medalist viral video scandal' to draw clicks. Scammers exploit names like Zyan Cabrera, promising explicit content tied to the Olympics, but links lead to fake login pages or malware downloads.

Cybersecurity experts note it's part of a global phishing wave, with similar tactics seen in cases involving Alina Amir and Arohi Mim. In the Philippines, over half the population has encountered scams, with 68% of victims losing money—11% reporting large sums.

One retired teacher lost £1.8 million ($2.5 million) in a related romance fraud, though authorities recovered £14.8 million ($20.1 million) from such schemes last year. The timing with the Olympics hardly surprises, as fraudsters capitalise on high-profile events to spread misinformation.

The Viral Japanese Rap 'Just a Boy'

The Japanese rap song 'Just a Boy', by Italian band DrINsaNE, exploded on Instagram after Delhi vocalist Pragati Naagar's cover went viral on 28 January 2026. Her reel garnered millions of views, but soon AI-generated profiles hijacked her voice, pairing it with hyper-realistic model faces in trending clips.

Accounts like Aanyaa Sheoran and Ira posted videos racking up 2.5 million to 3.8 million views, soliciting paid collaborations. Naagar remarked, 'Seeing my voice used in AI videos with millions of views is surprising. I don't mind AI usage - credit matters.' These admins earn substantial sums through the deception, fuelling a catfishing boom.

Experts advise checking for poreless skin, unnatural movements, and new account ages to spot fakes. In Japan, similar deepfake tactics have amplified traditional scams, like impersonating executives, causing losses over £464.7 million ($635 million) in some cases.

The Fusion of Scams and Rising Risks

Fraudsters are now merging the Pinay gold medalist scandal with the viral Japanese video, creating AI reels that mimic the athlete using 'Just a Boy' audio to bait users into scams. This hybrid approach exploits Olympic hype, directing victims to phishing links disguised as scandal footage. Visa has disrupted over £735.3 million ($1 billion) in global scam attempts, highlighting the scale.

On X, accounts like Unseen Japan have noted how deepfakes exacerbate Japan's 'ore-ore' frauds, where scammers pose as relatives. With phishing reports in Japan hitting 1.2 million in early 2025, the blend poses fresh threats.

Cybersecurity groups and platforms continue urging users to report suspicious posts and avoid unverified links, especially those tied to trending Olympic or viral content. In the Philippines, where digital fraud rates reached 13.4% last year—above the global average—authorities emphasise vigilance against evolving AI-driven tactics that target working-age adults most heavily. The Pinay gold medalist scandal and its associated scams show no signs of slowing as online hype persists.