Hailey Johnson
Faze Banks, also known as Ricky Banks, is an American YouTuber and founder of the esports organisation FaZe Clan. Banks initially gained popularity by posting short clips of video game highlights and kills on his YouTube channel. He has since expanded into vlogging and podcasting, and currently resides in the FaZe house in Los Angeles with other members of the organisation. Banks has been accused of betraying FaZe Clan by prioritising money over the interests of the brand and its fanbase. He has also been criticised for normalising gambling and promoting scams, such as the Save the Kids cryptocurrency token, which caused financial losses for many investors. Despite the controversies, Banks has a significant online presence and influence, particularly among younger audiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 33 years old |
| Real name | Richard "Ricky" Bengston |
| Online alias | FaZe Banks, Ricky Banks, Banks |
| Nationality | American |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Profession | YouTuber, esports organization founder and owner, podcaster |
| Organization | FaZe Clan |
| YouTube content | Short clips of trickshots or insane kills, Call of Duty gameplay, vlogs |
| Controversies | Assault allegations, crypto pump and dump scams, failed stocks, association with gambling and prostitution |
| Political affiliation | Donald Trump supporter |
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What You'll Learn
FaZe Banks' involvement in the 'pump and dump' crypto scam
FaZe Banks, also known as Richard "Ricky" Bengston, is the Chief Operating Officer of the FaZe Clan. The FaZe Clan is a multiplatform gaming organization that started with teenagers playing Call of Duty. FaZe Banks and other members of the FaZe Clan have been accused of being involved in a ""pump and dump" cryptocurrency scam. This scam, known as the "FaZe Crypto Scam" or the "SaveTheKids" token, involved influencers promoting a relatively obscure coin, encouraging their audience to buy it and drive up its value before cashing out and profiting as the value then tanks.
In an interview with Mashable, BankSocial CEO John Wingate accused FaZe Banks and the FaZe Clan of pumping and dumping a coin. Wingate claimed that FaZe Banks walked out of the deal midway with the money he was paid for the promotion. However, FaZe Banks has denied any involvement in the "pump and dump" scam and has stated that he never sold a single token. He also maintains that his wallet is public information and that he never asked people to "buy or invest" in any cryptocurrency. Despite his denials, some fans believe that he influenced people to invest due to his popularity and position in the world of esports.
The "pump and dump" crypto scam has caused a massive backlash against FaZe Banks and the FaZe Clan, with some fans feeling betrayed and accusing them of only caring about money. The scandal has also led to the suspension or removal of several FaZe Clan members, including Kay, Jarvis, Nikan, and Teeqo. While FaZe Banks has not faced any official consequences, the scandal has damaged his reputation and that of the FaZe Clan.
The FaZe Crypto Scam has brought attention to the issue of influencers promoting questionable or scam cryptocurrencies to their fans. It has also raised concerns about the influence that these individuals have over their young, impressionable audiences and the potential financial harm that can result from their actions. While FaZe Banks has denied any wrongdoing, the scandal has left many fans feeling disappointed and betrayed.
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FaZe Banks' alleged assault on Jake Paul's assistant
In August 2017, YouTuber Jake Paul posted a video accusing fellow YouTuber FaZe Banks of assaulting his assistant, Meg Zelly. Paul claimed that FaZe Banks clotheslined Meg, put her in a headlock, and dragged her inside a nightclub. FaZe Banks denied the allegations and threatened to take legal action against Paul for defamation of character and slander.
The incident occurred at an LA club called Warwick, where Meg spotted FaZe Banks making out with YouTuber Alissa Violet, who was Paul's ex-girlfriend. Meg claims that she was on her way back to her table when FaZe Banks clotheslined her, knocking the wind out of her and leaving a bruise on her neck. FaZe Banks responded to the allegations in a YouTube video, claiming that he did not remember clotheslining Meg but did not deny that it could have been possible as he was drunk that night. He accused Paul's team, Team 10, of manipulating their followers and lying about the incident to defame him and ruin his career.
The controversy sparked a social media war between Jake Paul, FaZe Banks, and Alissa Violet, with Paul's brother, Logan Paul, also joining the fray. In the aftermath of the allegations, Jake Paul lost over 60,000 subscribers, while FaZe Banks gained 200,000 followers in 24 hours. Despite the initial heated exchanges, it appears that Jake and FaZe Banks attempted to resolve the issue offline, as indicated by a tweet from FaZe Banks.
The incident involving Jake Paul's assistant is not the only allegation of assault against FaZe Banks. In October 2018, YouTuber Shane Dawson's docuseries brought up the assault allegations against Meg Zelly, with Dawson confirming that he had witnessed text messages and voicemails from Zelly regarding the incident. Dawson's girlfriend, Erika Costell, who is also Jake Paul's girlfriend, appeared to confirm the allegations, stating that Zelly had filed a police report.
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FaZe Banks' focus on making money
FaZe Banks, also known as Richard "FaZe Banks" Bengtson, has been criticised for focusing on making money rather than creating meaningful content for the FaZe brand. FaZe Banks is the CEO of FaZe Media, a spin-off of FaZe Holdings that operates as an esports company and an internet media company. FaZe Media received $11 million in investment from Matt Kalish, the president and co-founder of DraftKings, resulting in Kalish owning 49% of the company.
FaZe Banks has been accused of betraying FaZe by prioritising profits over the interests of the fanbase. Some fans believe that he is only interested in increasing shareholder value and that he has kicked out original FaZe members who did not share his corporate vision. FaZe Banks has also been criticised for shifting the content away from gaming towards catering to a younger audience, with some speculating that he will try to make money through cryptocurrency scams.
FaZe Banks' income comes from various sources, including stream donations, sponsorships, and other deals. As the owner of the most famous gaming organisation in the world, he likely has connections and ventures that contribute to his wealth. Additionally, new FaZe members may give a portion of their earnings to FaZe Banks or the organisation as a form of revenue sharing.
While FaZe Banks' focus on making money has drawn criticism, it is important to recognise that his success has provided him with financial stability and the opportunity to invest in other ventures. However, as a public figure with influence over younger audiences, it is essential for FaZe Banks to balance profit-seeking with ethical considerations and the interests of his fanbase.
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FaZe Banks' shift in content to cater to Gen Z
FaZe Banks, also known as Richard Bengtson, is the CEO of FaZe Media, an esports company and internet media company. FaZe Banks was previously known for playing Call of Duty on YouTube. However, as Gen Z began to emerge, FaZe Banks shifted his content to cater to this younger audience. This shift involved changing his content style from gaming to a focus on lifestyle content.
FaZe Banks has been accused by some of selling out and betraying the FaZe brand by prioritising money over the interests of the fanbase. This shift in content to cater to Gen Z is an attempt to secure and hold the interest of a younger audience. FaZe Banks has been successful in this endeavour, as demonstrated by FaZe winning Best Content Organisation at The Streamer Awards in December 2024.
Gen Z has increasing spending power and is a lucrative market for companies, including banks, to target. This generation is hypersensitive to inauthentic content and seeks a personalised experience. Therefore, companies must adapt their marketing strategies to appeal to Gen Z. This involves using natural language and tones that resonate with younger generations, as well as continuously testing new options and approaches to learn about and support this wide age group.
FaZe Banks has implemented these strategies by shifting his content style and focus to cater to Gen Z, a generation that is increasingly influential in the digital space. By doing so, he has successfully engaged a younger audience and grown his company's revenue.
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FaZe Banks' involvement in the FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan, or simply FaZe, is a professional esports and entertainment brand founded on May 30, 2010. The organization has professional players and content creators from around the world, across multiple games. FaZe Banks, whose real name is Richard Bengtson, was the CEO of FaZe Clan.
FaZe Banks was involved in the creation of the first FaZe shared home in 2014 in Plainview, New York, intended to facilitate lifestyle content alongside their gaming content. FaZe Banks and COO Richard "Banks" Bengtson moved to Los Angeles in 2017, starting a new shared home with YouTubers called the Clout House.
FaZe Banks and other FaZe members promoted the $MLG meme coin in early 2025, which reportedly saw a massive spike in value before it crashed. Banks stepped down from his role as CEO of FaZe Clan in July 2025 amid accusations of scamming fans through the $MLG cryptocurrency venture. He denied the allegations, stating that he had never scammed anyone and that the accusations were unfair.
In addition to his involvement in the FaZe Clan's business operations and the controversy surrounding the $MLG meme coin, FaZe Banks was also a content creator. He gained popularity by playing Call of Duty on YouTube and has been accused of shifting his focus to cater to a younger audience, particularly Gen Z.
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Frequently asked questions
Richard "Ricky" Bengston, better known as FaZe Banks, is an American YouTuber and founder of the FaZe Clan, an e-sports and gaming organisation.
FaZe Banks has been accused of normalising gambling to children and young people through his involvement in crypto pump and dump scams. He has also been accused of assaulting Jake Paul's assistant, Megan Zelly.
The FaZe Clan is an American e-sports organisation that started when a group of teenagers began playing Call of Duty together. Members put FaZe before their alias as a status symbol.
FaZe Banks has a large following of young fans, many of whom look up to him and want to join the FaZe Clan. However, some have criticised FaZe Banks for taking advantage of impressionable young people and prioritising profit over the interests of his fans.
