Danny de Hek is a serial entrepreneur, digital educator, and fearless advocate for truth in the online world.
His journey from a Christchurch school-leaver to a respected business leader, content creator, and scam-buster is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
The Early Years – From Paintbrush to Pixels
Born in Christchurch in 1970, Danny knew early on that traditional schooling wasn’t for him. At just 14 years old, he left school and jumped straight into the workforce, sampling various jobs before settling into a four-year painting and decorating apprenticeship with Ray Martin Limited.
After seven successful years, Danny’s entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. Partnering with Michael Johnson, he co-founded a specialized interior decorating business that still operates today. It was during this time that Danny received a digital diary as a leaving gift from his former boss—an unassuming gadget that would spark his fascination with technology and change the course of his career.
The Birth of an Internet Pioneer
Danny’s tech journey took a major leap forward in 1995 when he partnered with Peter Young to create Christchurch’s first-ever internet café, The E-mail Centre, on Worcester Boulevard. This pioneering venture provided the public with their first hands-on experience with the internet—a revolutionary concept at the time.
Seeing the vast potential of the internet, Danny envisioned a digital network that would promote tourism in New Zealand. Armed with a backpack, laptop, and an unrelenting drive, he hitchhiked across the country, connecting with tourism operators and building what would soon become New Zealand’s Information Network—a groundbreaking initiative that helped businesses reach global audiences.
From these humble beginnings, Danny expanded his expertise into website development, digital marketing, and online business consulting, helping thousands of businesses navigate the online world.
A Passion for Travel & Street Photography
Danny has always had a passion for capturing moments in time, something that began when he got his first digital camera, the Fujifilm DS-7 CLIP-iT. His love for street photography grew as he traveled the world, with most of his early shots taken on a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F505K featuring the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens.
In 2000, Danny embarked on a four-month journey across 25 countries, taking over 15,000 photos along the way. It was more than just a sightseeing trip—it was about understanding global markets, different cultures, and the way businesses operated internationally.
When he turned 50, Danny hit the road again, this time traveling to China, Bangladesh, and India.
- China was a business powerhouse, where he got to see the inner workings of a booming economy.
- Bangladesh was breathtaking, full of raw, unfiltered life.
- India was, by far, the most challenging country he had ever traveled to—but also the one he wanted to return to the most.
Danny has since explored Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, always with his camera in hand, capturing everyday life through street photography. He travels light—no luggage, just a day bag, a laptop, a camera, a phone, one pair of undies, a t-shirt, and a whole lot of tickets in case he gets lost.
His current camera of choice? A Sony A6400, which, along with the help of an expert editor, has helped him capture some of his most striking images yet.
ELITE : SIX – The Business Networking Revolution
In March 2013, Danny took ownership of ELITE : SIX, a business networking company that brought together over 150 businesses each week.
ELITE : SIX wasn’t your typical business networking group. Meetings were held in cafés, where like-minded individuals would grab a coffee, network, and share their experiences, knowledge, and skills. A highlight of the network was the Friday morning “Think Tank Meetings”, where all groups could come together to brainstorm solutions to small-to-medium business challenges using a mind map on a large screen. These sessions were so powerful that Danny decided to start recording them as a podcast—marking his first real dive into the world of content creation.
The Transition to Podcasting & YouTube
The Think Tank podcast was only the beginning. Then, COVID-19 happened.
Virtually overnight, eight years of work in ELITE : SIX unraveled as in-person meetings became impossible. But as a serial entrepreneur, Danny adapted and evolved. Seeing the shift to online learning and remote business, he pivoted into digital workshops, helping small business owners survive and thrive in uncertain times.
This shift into online education and content creation led to the launch of his YouTube channel, initially focused on business survival strategies. But then—fate intervened.
The Birth of The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger
One of Danny’s former ELITE : SIX members attempted to recruit him into a Ponzi scheme called HyperVerse. Sensing a scam, Danny did what he does best—he researched, exposed the scheme, and created a YouTube video warning others.
That video gained significant traction, drawing worldwide attention to Danny’s mission of exposing financial fraudsters. Soon after, The New York Times published an article featuring his quest to name and shame anyone running or promoting Ponzi schemes and scams.
It was The New York Times that first coined the name “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger.” Danny embraced it, and the name has stuck ever since.
Today, Danny’s YouTube channel boasts over 1,900 videos, with a strong focus on long-form content and live investigations. He crashes scam Zoom meetings in real time, exposing fraudsters to their own recruits while educating the public about the tactics these criminals use.
Of course, scammers retaliate, launching smear campaigns, fake reviews, and endless attacks—but that only proves he’s doing something right.
Helping Businesses Succeed – Drop Shipping & Digital Consulting
Beyond exposing scammers, Danny continues to help people build legitimate, sustainable online businesses.
One of his areas of expertise is dropshipping, an e-commerce model that allows entrepreneurs to sell products online without holding inventory. He helps people set up their own Shopify stores, find reliable suppliers, and learn the skills needed to run a profitable online business.
With over a decade of experience in e-commerce and $3 million in online sales, Danny has learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to online selling. He currently runs multiple dropshipping stores and provides guidance to those looking to create their own online income streams.
Merging Personal Branding with Business Success
In June 2020, Danny rebranded his business from NEWZEALANDNZ.CO.NZ LIMITED to DANNY : DE HEK LIMITED, merging New Zealand’s Information Network with his personal brand. Today, his platform dehek.com is a hub of knowledge, offering travel guides, business advice, and investigative journalism.
What’s Next?
Danny continues to lead the charge in digital branding, online business education, and scam exposure. Whether he’s educating entrepreneurs, fighting fraudsters, or empowering business owners, Danny remains at the forefront of helping people succeed in the digital age.
An interesting and varied life by someone who knew early on what he wanted to do. Well done, Danny.
That’s a lovely comment thank you 😉
With your own creating online income streams and your reporting on other on other so called fraudulent businesses seems to me to be a contradiction and or conflict of interest and also a way for you to make your millions Sir.
Oh no — you’ve caught me! Busted! I run a legitimate dropshipping business (you know, with actual products and customers), and at the same time I expose people who peddle fake investments, crypto Ponzi schemes, and MLM nonsense that funnels money upwards while offering absolutely nothing of value in return. What a shocking contradiction!
Yes, I help people build websites and online stores. Yes, I sell real products through real platforms to real buyers. And brace yourself — I even make money doing it. But here’s the twist you’re struggling with: I don’t scam people. I don’t lure them into “just invest $250 today and make $10,000 by Tuesday.” I don’t tell them a magic token will 1000x. I don’t push “AI arbitrage bots” from Dubai or fake trading apps “backed by Visa.” And most importantly, I don’t prey on vulnerable people’s hopes and dreams.
You seem confused about what a conflict of interest actually is. Me running a transparent business while calling out fraudulent ones isn’t hypocrisy — it’s integrity. If I made my millions by hyping up fake coins and pumping garbage tokens before a rug pull, then you’d have a point.
But sure, I could give everything away for free, live in a cave, and power my laptop with good intentions. Or… I could run an honest business and use that income to fund my real passion: exposing criminals, protecting victims, and helping people see through the lies they’re being sold daily.
So next time you want to accuse someone of hypocrisy, at least learn the difference between a legitimate business and a criminal enterprise. Spoiler: only one of them gets raided by regulators, deletes their websites in the middle of the night, and hides their founders offshore.
Great response to Nathaniel and very cool life!
In the world of cryptocurrency, fraud and deception are as prevalent as innovation and opportunity. The rapid rise of digital assets has created a fertile ground for scammers, promising huge returns on investments and often leading people down a perilous path. Among the various figures in this space, one name stands out, not just for his claims of exposing scams but for the controversy surrounding his own actions—Danny De Hek. Touted by some as “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger,” De Hek presents himself as a campaigner against fraud. However, a closer look reveals a more complex and unfavorable narrative. Danny De Hek is a self-authorized “scam buster” from New Zealand who has gained fame for his YouTube videos, blogs, and social media rants. His content often targets cryptocurrency projects and influencers, labeling them as fraudsters and warning people to stay away.
The Controversy Surrounding De Hek
While De Hek has built a following based on his purported mission to expose scammers, many have started to question his credibility and intentions. Numerous individuals and projects that De Hek has labeled as scams have countered his claims, accusing him of defamation and spreading misinformation. Critics argue that De Hek often attacks projects without conducting thorough research, relying instead on sensationalism and fear-mongering to gain views and followers.
For instance, several cryptocurrency projects and influencers have pointed out factual inaccuracies in De Hek’s videos. In some cases, he has been accused of taking comments or actions out of context to fit his narrative. This has led to a growing perception that De Hek is not the “avenger” he claims to be but rather a figure who manipulates facts for his gain.
The Accusations of Lying and Deception
One of the most damaging accusations against De Hek is that he is a “liar” who fabricates or exaggerates claims to fit his agenda. Critics have cited multiple instances where De Hek has made bold accusations without providing concrete evidence. For example, he has been accused of labeling legitimate projects as Ponzi schemes simply because they didn’t conform to his understanding or expectations of how a project should operate.
Moreover, some of the people De Hek has targeted have argued that he uses his platform to bully and harass rather than educate and protect the public. They claim that De Hek often resorts to personal attacks and derogatory language, which undermines his credibility as an objective commentator in the cryptocurrency space.
The Impact on the Crypto Community
The actions of Danny De Hek have had a polarizing effect on the cryptocurrency community. On one hand, there are those who support his mission and believe that his efforts are essential in a space rife with scams and fraud. On the other hand, there are those who see him as a disruptive force, spreading fear and misinformation.
One of the unintended consequences of De Hek’s approach is that it can create a chilling effect on innovation. By labeling new and unconventional projects as scams without substantial evidence, De Hek may discourage legitimate innovators from entering the space. This is particularly concerning in a rapidly evolving field like cryptocurrency, where new ideas and approaches are essential for growth and development.
Furthermore, De Hek’s approach can also harm the reputation of legitimate projects, leading to financial losses for investors and developers alike. In some cases, projects that have been targeted by De Hek have seen a significant drop in their market value, even if his accusations were unfounded. This raises serious ethical questions about the responsibility that comes with having a platform and the power to influence public opinion.
Conclusion: A Complex Figure in a Complex World
Danny De Hek’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of taking things at face value in the digital age. While his mission to expose scams in the cryptocurrency space might seem commendable, the methods he employs and the impact of his actions suggest a more complicated reality. The accusations of lying and deception against De Hek are serious and cannot be dismissed lightly. They remind us that even those who claim to fight for the truth can sometimes be the biggest purveyors of falsehoods.
In the end, Danny De Hek serves as a reminder that the world of cryptocurrency is fraught with complexity, where the line between hero and villain is often blurred. As investors and enthusiasts, it is crucial to approach this space with a healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking, always questioning the motives and credibility of those who claim to have our best interests at heart. The truth, as it often does, lies somewhere in the middle, waiting to be uncovered by those willing to dig deeper.
It’s not surprising to see anonymous attempts like this surface, especially when you’re directly exposing the dirty underbelly of crypto scams and MLM frauds. This post reads like a textbook scammer smear campaign—anonymously written, laced with vague accusations, and filled with baseless commentary. Let’s break down a few of the more laughable claims and if you’d like a full story about this type of defamation attack read the whole blog instead of posting anonymous shit https://www.dehek.com/general/whistleblowers/youtube-termination-of-the-crypto-ponzi-scheme-avenger-channel-a-fight-against-scammers-or-a-flawed-system/
1. “Accusations without evidence”
That’s rich coming from an anonymous writer offering zero proof themselves. Every one of my videos, blogs, and investigations links to verifiable documents, Zoom recordings, internal presentations, or statements made directly by the scammers themselves. I don’t just talk—I show receipts.
2. “He bullies and harasses people”
Translation: I call out scammers publicly and unapologetically. If you’ve conned people out of their savings, you should be uncomfortable when your face and name go public. That’s not harassment—it’s accountability.
3. “Legitimate projects harmed”
Funny how no actual legitimate companies are named here. Why? Because none have been wrongly exposed. What is usually harmed are Ponzi schemes whose revenue dries up once the lies are exposed. If a business collapses because someone said, “show us your registration, licenses, or customer protections,” maybe it wasn’t a business to begin with.
4. “Spreading fear and misinformation”
Fear? No. Facts. If people are scared after watching my content, it’s usually because they realize they’ve been lied to by someone they trusted—not because I made up a scary story.
5. “Creates a chilling effect on innovation”
If your version of “innovation” includes hiding who’s running your project, offering fake returns, or recruiting people into a money game masked as a business opportunity—yes, I hope I chill that down to zero.
Let’s be honest: if I were wrong, scammers would sue me and win. But they don’t—because I speak the truth. Instead, they publish anonymous hit pieces like this, trying to discredit me while hoping no one notices their real crimes.
If you’re reading this and starting to question who to believe, here’s my advice:
Look for the one showing proof, not the one hiding behind anonymous blogs and emotional manipulation.
Hi Guy. –
Hope you’re still fighting the good fight!
I first found out about you when you went after Steve Colwill, (Digital Degen). Steve has a likable enough personality, so I wanted to prove you wrong by investing in some of the crap he promoted. I spent $180 USD of my own money, and only got $10 back. So ….. I guess your point was conclusively proved!
The majority of it was lost to Beonbit, so if you can somehow put that bitch Mai Summer Vue behind bars, (and I’ll bet not too many folks would shed a tear if she would up under ground), that would be fantastic!
Anyway, take care! The world needs people like you.
Peace,
A Fat Old Bastard Who Should Know Better Than To Throw Away His Money
Hey my friend,
I wish I could say “glad to be right,” but honestly—I hate being vindicated this way. It breaks my heart every time someone reaches out after losing money to these parasites. I get no satisfaction from being proven right when it means people like you got scammed. That $180 may not be life-changing, but it’s still yours, and they had no right to it.
As for Mai Summer Vue—she’s on borrowed time. The evidence is piling up, and the web is tightening around her and everyone who helped prop up BEONBIT’s lies. Whether it’s bars or full public shame, we’ll make sure she doesn’t walk away clean.
Thank you for the honesty, and for having the guts to admit what so many are too embarrassed to say out loud. You’re not alone. And for the record, being a “fat old bastard” who learns is still a million times better than being a scammer with no soul.
Peace right back at you. Let’s keep fighting this filth.
– Danny (The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger)