XRP News Today: XRP ETF Nears Launch as Airdrop Fends Off Scams

Ripple Launches Major XRP Airdrop as Community Growth Accelerates Amid Scams and ETF Hopes

Ripple (XRP) is set to distribute a large community-backed airdrop as part of its ecosystem expansion efforts, coinciding with heightened regulatory clarity and market activity. The airdrop, announced via social media, aims to reward XRP holders and incentivize broader adoption. However, the move has been overshadowed by a surge in scams impersonating Ripple employees, with fraudulent deepfake videos and fake giveaways proliferating ahead of the first U.S. spot XRP ETF launch.

The XRP price has faced volatility, dropping 5.1% to $2.41 amid technical sell-offs and large whale transfers. Despite this, analysts remain optimistic about the token's long-term prospects. Egrag Crypto, a prominent analyst, noted that XRP's price action within a symmetrical triangle on the monthly chart suggests a potential bullish breakout, with a $30 price target still intact. Meanwhile, technical indicators point to a fragile near-term outlook, with the token struggling to reclaim key moving averages and facing a bearish "Death Cross" pattern.

The XRP ETF landscape is also evolving rapidly. Tennessee-based Canary Funds filed its 8-A form with the SEC, positioning its spot XRP ETF for a likely launch on November 14. This follows regulatory progress from Ripple, which secured a $50 million settlement with the SEC in July 2025, ending years of legal battles. The ETF's debut could attract significant inflows, contrasting with Ethereum's recent outflows, which reached $107 million on November 11.

Scammers have capitalized on Ripple's momentum, using AI-generated deepfakes to mimic CEO Brad Garlinghouse and promote fraudulent "airdrop" schemes. RippleX, the company's development arm, has repeatedly warned users to verify all information through official channels, emphasizing that employees will never request private wallet details or funds.

From a technical perspective, XRP's immediate support lies at $2.38, with a rebound observed as short-term buyers entered the market. However, the token remains under pressure from distribution patterns and weak retail demand. Analysts like XForceGlobal argue that XRP's "distribution" phase is nearing completion, setting the stage for a potential Wave 3 rally to $15–$30.

The broader crypto market is also shifting, with Ethereum experiencing outflows and capital rotating toward alternatives like XRP. Ripple's strategic investments in fintech infrastructure and community initiatives, including the XRPL Accelerator grants, underscore its push for institutional adoption. Meanwhile, projects like Kamirai and Mutuum Finance are leveraging DeFi and gaming ecosystems to drive utility-driven growth.

As the XRP ETF launch approaches, market participants remain cautious. The token's ability to stabilize above $2.43 could signal renewed buying interest, while a breakdown below $2.38 may invite further corrections. For now, Ripple's airdrop and regulatory progress offer a counterbalance to persistent scam threats and technical headwinds.