- 1. Crypto Fear & Greed Index hits 12, extreme fear level.
- 2. Bitcoin surges 2.6% to $73,207 USD on April 13, 2026.
- 3. AI deepfake crypto scams rise 400%, $5.6B losses in 2025.
Actor Ben McKenzie promoted his Ben McKenzie crypto doc 'Easy Money' on WNYC's 'All Of It' on April 13, 2026. He exposed AI deepfake scams targeting crypto investors. Bitcoin climbed 2.6% to $73,207 USD that day, per CoinMarketCap.
Host Alison Stewart asked about McKenzie's journey from 'The O.C.' to crypto critic. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index dropped to 12, signaling extreme fear, via Alternative.me.
McKenzie Exposes Deepfake Deceptions
McKenzie's Ben McKenzie crypto doc unmasks crypto's dark side. Scammers use AI deepfakes of celebrities like Elon Musk to lure victims. Those cons cost investors $5.6 billion USD in 2025, Chainalysis reports.
"AI makes scams nearly undetectable," McKenzie told Stewart. His film shows victims who fell for fake video endorsements promising huge returns. Ethereum rose 1.9% to $2,254.06 USD, per CoinGecko.
McKenzie co-wrote 'Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Degeneracy of Our Times.' The book reveals DeFi Ponzi schemes. XRP edged up 0.7% to $1.35 USD despite SEC fights.
In the WNYC studio, McKenzie leaned forward, eyes fixed on Stewart. He described a retiree who lost her savings to a deepfake ad touting 1,000% gains. Her voice cracked as she recounted the betrayal.
Burgers Anchor Real-Life Stories
Stewart shifted to George Motz, author of 'Hamburger America.' Motz profiles 100 genuine U.S. burger spots, ignoring fast-food chains.
"A burger's heart lies in its history," Motz said. His guide adds 20 new joints since the pandemic. Callers shared memories of family diners surviving tough times.
McKenzie compared crypto hype to fast-food gimmicks—shiny but hollow. BNB gained 2.0% to $608.12 USD, per CoinMarketCap. AI bots fuel online buzz, experts warn.
Smoke rose from a NYC flattop as a burger sizzled. Grease popped in the rain-soaked air. This simple pleasure grounded listeners amid crypto chaos.
Dog Park Rules Echo Scam Safeguards
Veterinarian Dr. Sophia Yin outlined NYC dog rules: leash dogs, pick up waste, yield to small pups. Park disputes rose 30%, NYC Parks data shows.
Fines hit $250 USD. AI collars now track pet habits. Stewart tied this to crypto's trust issues.
USDT stayed at $1.00 USD, offering stability. McKenzie agreed: rules like leashes foster safety, much like scam verification.
Dogs dodged through Central Park crowds on leashes. Owners nodded politely. Smart contracts demand similar discipline in crypto.
Literature Festival Sharpens Skepticism
The NYPL World Literature & Arts Festival hosted authors from 15 countries. Curator Johnny Lorenz showcased AI poetry and translations.
"Stories combat lies," Lorenz stated. Crowds swelled 25% to 5,000 attendees.
McKenzie praised reading's role in debunking crypto myths. Holographic poems glowed in the library hall, merging tech with human insight.
Victims Drive McKenzie's Mission
Sarah Kline lost $120,000 USD to an AI-faked broker voice in 2025. "It sounded just like him," she told the show.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler pushes strict identity checks. Platforms prepare for new rules. Inflation reached 15% in 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, pressuring diners like Motz's favorites.
XRP's gain suggests legal wins ahead.
WNYC Blends Warnings with Everyday Wisdom
Stewart connected the segments seamlessly. McKenzie's Ben McKenzie crypto doc reveals tech's risks: innovation breeds fraud.
AI deepfake scams surged 400% in 2025, Chainalysis confirms. Burgers deliver authenticity. Dog rules enforce respect. Literature hones doubt.
Bitcoin's rally shows resilience despite Fear Index 12. McKenzie predicts tougher regulations. The Federal Reserve's next rate move may shape crypto's future.
