There have been numerous instances where hackers exploit the popularity of well-known personalities to promote illegal cryptocurrencies or crypto projects through Twitter accounts, particularly those associated with well-celebrated figures.
Recently on August 9, 2023, scammers targeted the Twitter account of Blockchain Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in cryptocurrency. These scammers impersonated the firm and deceitfully offered a giveaway of “BCAP” tokens, leading users to a fake website resembling Blockchain Capital’s official site. Their aim was to trick individuals into linking their crypto wallets, a common strategy employed in phishing attacks aimed at stealing funds.
Compounding the issue, the scammers astutely disabled comments on their posts, preventing users from alerting others to the scam. This incident mirrors a trend highlighted by the FBI, where cybercriminals hijack social media accounts of renowned crypto personalities to direct users to fraudulent websites.
In a similar vein, a series of coordinated cyberattacks targeted notable figures in the crypto sphere, including Cole Villemain, Steve Aoki, Pete Rizzo, and Peter Schiff. The hackers gained unauthorized access to their Twitter accounts through methods such as SIM swaps and potential admin panel entry. These breaches resulted in the misappropriation of nearly $1 million worth of cryptocurrency.
Recently, false news circulated that Ratan Tata had invested $12 million in a Bitcoin startup, Abra, purportedly in conjunction with American Express. However, the exact investment amount remained undisclosed. Subsequently, Tata clarified on Twitter, stating, “I have no association with any form of cryptocurrency.” Sir Ratan Tata also shared a screenshot on Instagram, countering the “untrue and scam-ridden” reports about his cryptocurrency involvement.
In a recent article by Todayq News on June 8, 2023, the European Consumer Organization (BEUC) released a report, warning about consumer unawareness of crypto risks. It criticized Twitter, and other social media platforms for enabling misleading crypto ads by influencers, violating rules against non-licensed financial promotions.
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the CEO of Binance and a prominent Twitter figure, recently issued a warning concerning the escalating frequency of phishing attacks. These attacks frequently adhere to a pattern wherein hackers seize control of verified accounts to propagate spurious giveaways. These incidents underscore the imperative for heightened vigilance and prudence within the cryptocurrency domain, as scammers consistently refine their strategies to exploit unsuspecting users.