What has happened to my YouTube channel?
If you're on the ball, you'll have noticed that my YouTube channel has been deleted:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBNG0osIBAprVcZZ3ic84vw
or https://youtube.com/JimBrowning
It's the result of a scam .... Yes I fell for it.
It only goes to prove that if you get the circumstances just right, ANYONE can fall for a scam.
I am hoping that YouTube Support can recover the situation by 29th July and I can get the channel back, but they've not promised anything as yet. I just hope it is recoverable.
I will make a video on how all of this went down, but suffice to say, it was pretty convincing until the very end. I hope to post a positive update soon.
Jim
Comments (185)
I saw videos on YouTube. Checking out Jim on Patreon.
Thanks Lily Rose
sorry to hear that Jim. Even the heroes take some bad hits every now and then. I hope it gets resolved but will definitely support your new channel if you end up having to make one
glad you’re back, Jim Browning.
Glad you’re back. Look forward to learning more from the best. Thanks, Jim.
All is well that ends well.
Glad you are back!
So it really can happen to the best. Looking forward to the video about it. Keep up the good work.
Good to see you back..
its back and I hope with a vengeance now that you see how it hurts the innocent and hard working
welcome back to youtube now go take down scammers like those that did this to you and take them down hard
It's back
Sorry to hear what happened. I heard it on scammer payback. So I decided to show my support and became a member. Good luck restoring your you tube channel.
Omg Jim I’m so very happy to see your channel back. God sure answers prayers 💝
🤞🤞🤞🤞
I'm sure the last few days have been stressful and probably a little embarrassing - but as you say, it truly can happen to anyone. I hope they get the channel back up tonight. This doesn't undermine the validity and importance of your work in any way. Best wishes to you!
Best of luck Jim
How distressing! I hope you can recover your channel and all of your content! 🙏❤️
It should be fixed tonight (fingers crossed)
What you are doing is great and please do not stop. We need more people like you who in my opinion should educate the police force on digital crime prevention. This should be part of every countries police force or even a worldwide organisation of some sort.
Were here for you hope you get the channel back and hope you have the videos backed up somewhere as do like to get back to the older ones every now and then. If you do start a new channel I will promote it everywhere I can! Stay strong
Hope you get your channel back. We are with you no matter what happens.
We're here for you, our hero💖
you literally shut down their businesses and expose them, they trick you into deleting your channel. it's easier to make a channel than it is to get out of jail :) don't ever give up. we will all still be here no matter what they pull
Hope you get your channel back soon, Jim. Hang in there!
How goes it? Doesn't look good so far?
It felt wrong "liking" this post, just guess it means we support you! You had a pretty big target on your back for a while, hopefully you get everything back. This is a good reminder to always second guess everything, even if it seems legit.
How to tell it was a scammer: You were talking to someone from 'Google'
I appreciate everything you do. I have fallen victim to a few scams myself. I wish our government took these scammers as seriously as you and the other scambaiters out there. You are a hero.
The primary reason I support your channel is that you do important work, and as long as you do that, whether or not I ever see another video of yours again, is money well spent.
That's the truth! I do enjoy his videos and I think they're important for people to see because every video is a learning opportunity and that is why Jim does what he does. But I too will support him regardless of whether his channel is backup or not. I do hate it because he has over three million subscribers and that too is revenue that helps him do what he does to fight the good fight. The subscription number is important as well as the patreon support. Thank you all who are able to continue to support him and to new supporters as well. Every penny helps and Jim will not give up because of this setback. He's a man on his mission and they've just given him even more reason 2 take down scammers
Jim, we're with you. We're not going anywhere.
Best of luck Jim.
I'm sorry to hear this happened. No matter what happens to the channel, the fans and the people you saved will always be here! Stay strong!
Jim, do you think this could have happen to your channel? Here is a YouTube video from Pleasant Green about scammers impersonating popular youtubers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CpkNJx_7bs
This may interest some of you and I hope that is many of you who are able will join me in what I just did. I went to patreon and was able to increase my monthly donation to our dear friend mr. Jim Browning. I hope to goodness he's able to access these donations because we all want to help get him back on YouTube as quickly as possible. Once he is back on YouTube we can all do everything we can to help increase his subscription level even higher then his current approximately 3.5 million. Jim Browning has done so much for so many and this is the least that we can do to help this man who has gone out of his way to help countless victims in the middle of a scam, but also to help so many millions more become aware of how easy it is to be scammed. He has personally saved me from what might have cost me hundreds of dollars. Not only that he's brought awareness to so many to stop it before it starts. I sent Jim a personal message to ask him if he's able to get his donations and I hope he is. But this is what I'm doing and I hope as many of you who are able will join me. Thank you for allowing me to say my piece as even though it's a small way to help at least it's the help we can give. I sincerely hope to see Jim back online ASAP and I know all of you feel the same way. Thank you all and thank you Jim Browning. Nobody takes down Batman without repercussions!
As soon as I find out that this is not compromised I am going to do a month of "Slightly ridiculous" level. I have the cash and I know JB will put it to good use helping people proactively.
Rooting for you, Jim. Hope your channel is back on with all the videos restored.
This only proves the point that as other scambaiting youtubers have said you don't have to be an idiot to fall for phishing emails anyone is susceptible to them. I really hope you get your channel back its a shame that people tried to suppress information about the type of scams out there and all the work you have put in over the years.
Oh, no. I'm so sorry. Hope everything works out. You were the first person I ever supported on Patreon, because I wanted to help you to help other people. If there is ANYTHING I can do, just know you have my backing and support and I have no doubt that other will do the same.
Awesome Andrew! I doubled mine for every month every little bit helps. They can't take down our Batman
Wow, that is really bad news. I hope your channel is restored. Everyone here will support you regardless.
Damn, sorry to hear. Godspeed in getting the channel back!
Hi Jim! I’m here from the Scammer Payback community. Here for the support ! You’ve done some amazing work and can’t wait to see you back doing what you do best!!
Watching Perogi LIVE! Can’t believe the support Kari!!! ❤️
Just to show that the scammers are evolving at a rapid rate. I'm hearing of channels being deleted, or even having their video's hidden, and the channel turned into sketchy cryptocurrency advertisement. Been happening through dodgy "try and advertise my product" emails from what looks like legit companies. Nasty buggers.
It’s even happening if you don’t go to the direct site of certain web addresses. I got scammed by Trilogy Media because I didn’t go to their direct site. ☹️
Glad to hear you getting your YouTube channel back
Man I’m sorry Jim. Hope you get things back soon.
Maybe I’m dense, but the loss of YouTube also causes the Patreon videos to vanish? I’m new to Patreon (only signed up recently to support Jim) but I figured since the videos here are different - ie unblurred - that they were completely separate platforms.
I suspect the Patreon vids are different uploads from the normal ones but they’re all under the same account
Makes me not feel so bad about someone hacking and stealing my Facebook the other day. If it can happen to you it really can happen to anyone and we need to start taking cyber security way more seriously. Gave me the push I needed to abandon Facebook finally though.
They did this to you because they are scared and they know how effective you are. They are trying to shut you down so they wont have to worry about you anymore. Thankfully you are not alone in this and you will make a comeback and I wouldnt want to know them
So sorry to hear, Jim. We are behind you. Hope you hunt and destroy these criminals.
It just shows that this can happen to anyone... Even the most tech savvy it can happen too.
Everyone is talking about it live on trilogy media. They’re all behind you Jim!! Stay strong.
This could be a good time to look into Rokfin or Rumble as additional outlet.
Oh my! This is quite a turn. Well your work still helps so many even without the YT eyes but nonetheless those eyes are needed to elevate the cause to even more eyes. Thank you for your commitment please let us know how we can help. I see this as a setback but certainly not a failure in any sense.
Call me thick but how could Jims channel vanish and suddenly appear as someone else with the channel name when that person hasn't got the subs to have a proper name as part of the URL?
A search just finds another Jim Browning. I guess the vanity domain reverts to the person with the closest name.
I'm not surprised they are after you. What can we, your patrons, do to help?
I was stopped from making comments and it was telling me it was permanent. I asked why? No reply. Months went by, I asked again, they asked me what comments did I think resulted in my being banned. I told them, the next day I was fully reinstated. I was referring to my city in comments, I can only guess someone in the city(I suspect a councilor) complained and had me banned. I was truthful the city was not.
Wtf hopefully yt support could help
Jim, you’ve put a couple of big time scammers in jail and put a lot of them out of business and the only thing they have been able to do is to temporarily halt your channel. Of course it’s a surprise and it’s a bad surprise but still what you’ve done and I’m sure is going to further do is has much more impact then their little operation. Keep up the good work, Jim, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you.
I am so sorry this happened. You are fighting the good fight and I am sure this was a hyper-targeted attack because they feel threatened by you. It's unfair that those who are doing good in the world are subject to attack, but you have supporters! I am sure if there is anything your patrons can do to support here, we will!
I noticed the https://youtube.com/JimBrowning channel was live but it seems to have personal videos on it. Were these videos private now made public?
The channel URL was automatically reassigned to the nearest channel, that channel owner didnt request it and isnt associated with our Jim :)
Ah Jim! I'm so sorry friend. I do hope you're okay and seeing the funny side!
Wow Jim, You are the last one I expected to get caught, but it is re-assuring for the rest of us that even you can get caught, so we don't need to feel quite so bad if we are! I do hope that the situation can be retrieved. Do you need us to contact YouTube?
Good Lord, Jim, this is unexpected indeed! I've added a wee subscription, had been meaning to support you for some time, didn't get around to it, probably as I view mostly on my TV screen rather than my PC. I do hope the channel can be recovered. All the best x
So sorry this happened Jim. It really can happen to anyone. I sometimes click on sketchy links and stuff to learn how scams/phishing work for my tech education project. I accidentally got my Instagram account compromised that way. I am paranoid about security practices and it still happens.
OMG!!! This sux. I hope they can recover it. Keep us posted.
hope you recover you channel "James", keep going Regards
this will make for good content :)
Congratulations! You've seriously scored. If someone is prompted to launch an attack like that then you are making a profound impact. Well done. Hopefully you kept the base material and can reconstitute it?
Horrible
Just goes to show that the that is real, and you can never be too vigilant! You can use mine in the meantime....
Awful. Shows that anyone can fall for a scam.
Sorry to hear this, Jim. Just shows how hard the scammers are trying to stop you - a sure sign you're doing a lot of good! Keep up the good work and I hope you get everything sorted soon. If it means a new YouTube channel then count on me signing-up.
Never click links my dude.
Nothing to add but "good luck" -- I hope you get this sorted soon.
Dang, that sux. I guess this was somewhat inevitable though. You've taken down so many scammers by now, that they probably speak of you like the Boogeyman. Hope YouTube can help you with your channel. If not, we stand ready to subscribe to a new channel.
I’m very sorry to hear this, Jim. You do very good work, and it really can happen to anyone.
Shocking news. I do hope you get a successful outcome.
Oops - keep smiling and keep going!
It takes only a moment when you are tired, rushing with some deadline and distracted (the modern business world lol) and you hit the wrong link before your good sense catches up. Good luck with this Jim
I have uploaded my archive of the channel here: https://hobune.stream/channels/UCBNG0osIBAprVcZZ3ic84vw
Horrified to hear this, so so sorry. If there’s anything you need your supporters to do in the way of lobbying etc, then please don’t hesitate to ask.
Good luck Jim
Happens to all of us at some point.
Makes me feel better I’m not the only one 🙁
Don't worry. We won't drop our support. Sometimes scam is getting *very* convincing. Thanks for the heads-up!
YouTube has terrible customer support, my channel got deleted WITHOUT any explanations. Hope they look into it at least
Oh shit!
Can we do anything to help Jim?
I’m saddened by this, but I know, as your supporters know also, this will not be the finale..Jim, you will return! We are all behind you, we and the world cannot be without your channel and the work you do…
If you get your channel back, have a backup email/account linked up to the main channel so that in future events like this, recovery is so much easier.
There wasnt a breach, recovery email wouldn't have helped - Im guessing he probably did have a backup recovery email though, that's always a good tip!
Jim, I believe you will get your channel restored, I just hope that will happen soon. Just a thought, it may be worth investing in vimeo subscription (~$80 / year), where you would start posting your videos and from there it is one-click to post the videos on YouTube or Facebook.
I think they can get you anywhere because Vimeo still sends a link. ☹️
Hi Jim as you say nobody is bulletproof it go to prove that the scammers are getting worried about getting caught I hope you are up and running as soon as possible good luck with your quest we're all behind you and if needs must we should set up a petition to YouTube again good luck Jim your in my prayers
Channel or no channel. I'm a Jim Browning supporter. It isn't about the videos. Drive on, and best of luck to fixing this mess.
I followed the link that was included with your message and there's a picture of a gentleman there and there's only about seven hundred subscribers. Is that you Jim or is somebody trying to cash in on you? I don't believe you would ever reveal your face for any reason I just want to know if that's truly a new link that you posted or if somebody is spoofing you. Thank you for the info either way. We're all here for you
The URL is automatically re-assigned to the nearest channel. The channel owner didn't request the URL. Hopefully it will be re-assigned back once the channel is restored :)
That's horrible! I hope you get your channel back! Sending good vibes your way!
Jim I wanted to add that I can assure you as one of your three and a half million subscribers and a patron that we all support you and will continue to do so in your fight to get your channel back and to come back even stronger and madder than hell. We are all in this together and we are all behind you whatever you need whatever we can do. We are Jim's Army
I thought your email was fake news. It is sad to see that it wasn't fake news. You should get it back ASAP.
Oh no! I hope you can get it back up. Your channel is very important to keeping everyone informed on the world of scams. Ironically this event also proves how necessary it really is. Thanks and good luck Jim!
Oof. Got backups I hope. Hopefully only your Youtube account got compromised.
This scares me because sometimes I think the only victims of scams are old/naive people but that’s absolutely not the case
Oh heavens no! My goodness our Dearest Jim Browning, we hold the highest hope and regard as well as keeping you in our prayers for all your hard work that you've done for so many hundreds of thousands of people it must be recovered. You've got some three and a half million subscribers and so many millions more who should be subscribed. We all look to you for guidance and we admire your altruistic personality and Brilliance of your work. God bless you sir and we just have to trust that the techies at YouTube can find all of your work and restore it. We're also saddened for you and for ourselves, because selfishly we need you but sincerely we admire and respect you for the work that you do not for yourself but for all of us and so many others. If there's any right in this world your channel will be completely recovered with all of your work. I am truly and sincerely sorry to hear this but I'm hoping for the best outcome. Deb
I’d love to know the details of the scam Jim, can you please share so that no one else falls for this clearly very sophisticated scam? Thank you!
Sorry to hear. Not the end of the world, right? You can make a fresh start. You still have us, your true fans. Good vibes to you Jim, we believe in you and your talents. You are the best!
Good luck Jim. I hope it gets sorted.
Lmao they got so mad that they pulled together to finally take a stab at the man himself. I believe in ya, bud!
Sorry to hear mate do u know who it was im sure YT would have a back up
They are hurting and this shows it's true. Once anyone becomes compliance, it leaves them vulnerable... unfortunately.
Soz to hear about this, hope u will get everything back and up and running again!
So sorry to hear that Jim! I hope YouTube can get everything back up for you soon, and I can't wait to hear the story about what happened.
Yikes! So sorry about this Jim. Since you operate under a well-known name, why don't you at least register a domain where you can post content yourself in case YouTube can't/won't do anything? JimBrowning dot co.uk seems to be still available to register. All the best.
you needed another Jim Browning to call and warn that you're being scammed
Something i have always said, there's a scam for every one out there
I fell for a similar scam too many years ago. I hope YouTube will do something about this. Stay safe!
Sad to hear that Jim. I hope that you recover it ASAP. Waiting for the whole story 😅
Wow! That came from nowhere.. Man, hope things work out well on this! 🤞
Don’t give up 🙏
We’re all doomed I guess!
It's probably safest to just create a whole new account! I would love to know what happened!
There's already something at the shortened YouTube link - is that a squatter or did you post the wrong link?
YouTube automatically reassigned the URL to the next nearest channel by the looks of it.
Holy shit. I'm so sorry, Jim. Praying this gets sorted out soon!!
Wow, that's plain crazy. Yes, anyone can get scammed.
I've seen a boat channel get scammed by a eBay seller.
Oof they are getting really good 😅 I hope YouTube fixes this ASAP …
Jim make sure no matter how long it’s takes and fight just to get your channels back please keep on fighting. As your subscriber what do I have to do to help you just tell me please. Kind regards Aydin
There’s a guy on YouTube that does some great videos on this sort of thing.
I think that the only thing I can say right now ist, lol scammed. But fuck I need ur channel it's just to much fun
Woah you got caught in a scam! That is a story I need to hear.
Holy crap! Some scammer is undoubtedly getting a million scammer pats on his back for this one. Wow. No wonder I couldn’t find your videos yesterday!
Jim if there is anything we can do as subscribers and supporters let us know.
Holy crap! So sorry this happened to you 😕
The perfect allegory that truly anyone can fall for a sophisticated enough social engineering scam. Hope you're able to get the channel back soon!
How is it that someone has claimed your /JimBrowning youtube URL already?
YouTube automatically directed it to the nearest named channel. The channel owner didn't request it in any way.
Oh man! This really sucks, very sorry to hear that. I hope YouTube can help, best of luck!
I hope the channel is back with everything on it! Do you think this situation ends there or were your tools compromised as well?
Luckily, nothing was ever compromised, Jim has been in control of all his accounts the whole time. The breach was a complete mindgame in its entirety =) Just want to make sure people are aware and at peace with that as many, like yourself, have been concerned about it.
Love your work, there are plenty of alternative sites Jim
Hi Jim, be assured that your channel will be recovered, as the Youtube is run by Google, and to be able to backup and restore info (user data first!) is the very basic and primary thing. There is no way your channel would not be restored. All the best! See you soon on Youtube!
Jim hopefully you have all of your videos archived but I know it would be a massive task to restore everything. Wishing you the best and standing by. Thanks again for the public service you provide.
I've seen World Wars start for less. I look forward to watching you completely dismantle them.
Gosh darn it!! I hope it all works out in the end Jim, sending positivity!!
I'm so sorry. You Tube hopefully has archives it can restore. It is unique to see Subscribed right under "This channel does not exist"
It's only proof you're doing good work. We're proud of you. Thanks for everything you do.
That would explain why no videos where popping up in my home page all of a sudden. That is so terrible but hopefully YouTube can do the right thing,, (for once) and get your channel back
Mega oof
Oh My God! I’m so sorry to hear that! Is there any chance of getting your channel restored? Your work is so inspiring and important. I really hope things work out!
Oooh wow the scammers strike back! Fingers crossed you get it back! And get them as well!
This will definitely be interesting for the scamers that attempted this attack (not in a fun way)
Wow it's all out war!
Nah, it's all 💘 LOVE. By Indi lovers
Keep up the fight Jim get them back
Oh boy, now the follow-up NCA investigator scam will show up to save you. No doubt YouTube archives the channel for quite a while to sort things and/or retain evidence. Graham Stephan was under deletion threat recent due to filters flagging his comments as bots. What he has learned is that once your channel gets large enough you're supposed to get a YouTube support partner to handle any major issues that crop up like this. He mentions this particular topic at the 4:40 mark. https://youtu.be/DTeVkixa1tE
Hugs
Btw if you have to start a new page your subscribers will subscribe to you because we will be promoting you and word of mouth is the best advertising ✌🏽💝
I hope they will feel your wrath😁 I mean, they literally chose the worst possible target
Oof..that sucks. Good luck!
My heart aches for you Jim. You are only human and as much as it hurts you will overcome this. I’m praying that YouTube will be able to recover your page. Again I am so sorry 🙏🏽❤️🩹
wow.. Hope it gets resolved, and that Youtube actually shows some intelligence in the matter. (Not their strong suite) It's bad, but shows that everyone is at risk of these scams, not just the old and "silly" as some claim.
Thanks for letting us know what happened, I hope you can get it all sorted out soon!
Oh dear. Yes, I guess anyone can fall for it afterall. Best of luck getting it back.
I always hope to help others in the same way you have helped spread the word on scams.
Man I'm really sorry to hear this! The irony!
Jim, I’m so sorry! I am sure YouTube will work with you to get things back in order. If not I’m sure we can get the right people to make the right noise in a civil way so they take action. Your work is important and unique and that stands out on YouTube.
Keep strong. Anyone can fall victim to it, they are always updating how they work! Don't worry your hard work isn't gonna be forgotten if you can't get it back. Just start a new one and carry on doing what you can. Try make people make some noise on social media as youtube can be very slow but twitter can really help youtube be quicker
My Twitter was hacked baaaaad through an Instagram FacebookBot.
I think snapchatters did it or Indian scammer did it to terminate Jim Browning's YouTube account? I guess someone is telling lies to make stories for deleting YouTube channel. (Moral of story much?)
Good luck on getting in back Jim!
Oh wow that is awful news. Fingers crossed everything works out.
What scam did you fall for?
Get em Jim!
Don’t worry you aren’t the only YouTuber experiencing that problem at the moment
Oh crap...you are making them mad...keep up the good work!
Hope you get your channel back
:( wishing you luck!