Drake, the famous Canadian rapper, had his X account (formerly Twitter) hacked on December 14, with the attackers using it to promote a fake cryptocurrency meme coin called “Anita.” The scam falsely claimed the coin was linked to Stake, a gambling platform Drake has partnered with since 2022. The fraudulent post included a smart contract address and promotional content to make the scam appear credible. While the post was quickly deleted, and the fraudulent account tied to the coin was suspended, the incident highlights the rising wave of crypto scams targeting high-profile users on X. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT exposed the hack, which is part of a growing trend of social media scams exploiting the popularity of celebrities and influencers. Drake’s involvement in cryptocurrency may have given the fake coin more credibility, making it easier for hackers to deceive users. This case is one of several recent examples where prominent accounts, such as the Cardano Foundation’s, were used to push fake tokens or bogus airdrops. These scams aim to manipulate followers into trusting fraudulent schemes. The rise in crypto scams on X has been significant. According to Scam Sniffer, a blockchain security firm, fake crypto-related accounts on the platform have jumped from 160 daily in November to over 300 fake accounts per day. Many of these impersonate influencers, tricking users into joining fraudulent Telegram groups. In these groups, victims are urged to verify their identity using a bot called OfficialSafeguardBot. This bot employs social engineering techniques to create urgency, convincing users to perform harmful actions. During the verification process, the bot discreetly inserts malicious code into the victim’s clipboard. If executed, this code installs malware capable of accessing crypto wallets and stealing private information. Scam Sniffer reported that this malware, identified by VirusTotal, has already caused several confirmed thefts of private keys, resulting in financial losses for victims. The combination of phishing, malware, and social engineering represents a more dangerous wave of crypto scams, putting users at greater risk . Security experts urge caution, advising users to avoid engaging with suspicious crypto promotions or interacting with unverified accounts. With the number of scams on social media growing, it’s more important than ever for crypto users to remain vigilant and protect their assets.
