How fake x links work
Hackers often make up trusted accounts or create fakes before posting phishing links that look legitimate.
If you regularly use x, you probably saw a giveaway post oa “Limited-Time AirDrop” link That seems to come from a trusted resource. This is exactly what the scammers rely on. They can break into that -verified accounts or Get to know big names In Crypto. They have then published posts that urge you to click on a link and connect your Wallet.
On May 29th, an X user alerted the community about a fake $ sonic airdrop announcement Moving -moving On the platform, others are urged not to click on any related links and stay vigilant against phishing attempts.
What happens next depends on the scam. Some links lead to fake purse pages designed to steal your credentials. Others motivate you to approve a Smart contractproviding access to attack your funds. These scams get more shiny, often mimic real websites with convincing design and close identical URLs.
Why crypto is a major target
Crypto transactions are fast, irreversible and often anonymous, making it perfect for scammers. When a transaction is confirmed to BlockchainNo one will return it. That makes it attractive -crypto to hackers. Many users also store their funds in hot wallets connected to browsers or apps, which is more vulnerable to PHishing attempts.
Add to that the growing popularity of Nfts and Defi projects And there is a greater possibility for attacks. Approving the wrong contract, at least once, can be all it takes to lose everything in your purse.
Do you know? In March 2025, the official X account of both the NBA and NASCAR was that -hack, sending fake messages to millions of their followers. These messages incorrectly announced the launch of their own cryptocurrencies, $ NBA coins and $ nascar coins.
Examples of real world crypto scams by fake x links
They are not hypothetical. Hackers have already taken some high-profile attacks using fake X links.
1. That -Hijack the wired journalist’s X account (May 2025)
In May 2025, a wired journalist revealed that his X account was compromised and used to promote a fraudulent wired cryptocurrency by MEMECOIN LAUNCHPAD PUMP.FUN. Attacks created a coin and started a Pump-and-dump schemePrice manipulation with fraudulent promotions before quickly selling their holdings.
As a result, many investors lost money and the journalist became the target of harassment, including racists and threatening messages, especially from an anonymous telegram user who requested a refund of $ 2,800.
Assessment from chainalysis and hudson intelligence revealed Attacks controlled about 12% of the coin and make an estimated $ 8,000- $ 10,000 in under 20 minutes. The funds were laundered by various crypto wallets and was later deposited in Binance, where the route ended. The journalist failed to secure their account Two-factor validationthat facilitated the hack. Despite the dangers and frequent scams, trading in Memecoins continues to be famous, emphasizing ongoing weakness on social media and cryptocurrency platforms.
2. Pump.Fun x Account Compromised (February 2025)
In February 2025, Pump.Fun’s official X account, a Solana -based Memecoin generator, is that -hijack to promote a fraudulent Management token Called “pump.” Shortly after the initial scam post, hackers increased in their efforts by establishing another fake token, “GPT-4.5,” while threatening to remove the pump.Fun X account if the token reached a $ 100 million market cap, additional addition to chaos and confusion to users.
The Pump.Fun quickly recognized the violation of its Telegram channel, urging users not to engage in the compromised X account. This incident features how even platforms dedicated to memecoins can be targets for sophisticated scams.
3. Accounts in X and Tiffany Trump were violated (September 2024)
In September 2024, the hackers violated Lara’s X account and Tiffany Trump, which posted fraudulent content that promotes an adventure in the cryptocurrency family, World Liberty Financial. Eric Trump announced the posts of a scam, confirming the compromise on X and the rapid removal of fake posts.
The incident is noticeable because of President Donald Trump’s relationship Elon Muskowned by X. The family is promoting the World Liberty Financial, which has not been launched and targeted by scams. An official Financial Financial World account warned users to avoid any links or token purchases from compromised profiles.
These examples emphasize the importance of watching over cryptocurrency promotions on social media platforms.
How to see a fake x link
Fake links often look real, but a closer look usually shows red flags. Being aware of small details will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you scroll to X and find a post that promotes a new token, an exclusive airdrop or a link to “connect your purse,” take a moment before clicking. These types of posts are usually phishing scam tools, and they often decrease to check the link and the context closely.
Here are some things you can find:
1. Carefully check the URL
Before you can click, have a link to the link (if you are on the desktop) oi -tap and handle to review it on mobile. Find small changes such as:
- Incorrect words (eg, binancee.com instead of binance.com)
- Odd characters or super symbols
- Unfamiliar domain endings such as .click, .lol, or .xyz
If something is feeling, maybe it is.
2. Watch the urgent or emotional language
Scam posts often try to force you. You can see phrases such as:
- “Only 30 minutes left!”
- “I -Claim your free tokens now!”
- “Exclusive to early supporters!”
This urgent Get you to act before you can think. Real companies do not rush you to financial decisions.
3. View the account on the back of the post
Although the post looks professional, take a moment to investigate the account:
- Is the username slightly different from a real brand or influencer?
- Is there a verification of the account, or is it paid?
- The previous posts were the same and legitimate, or suddenly the account started posting about crypto?
Scammers often use new created or recently -hacked accounts to spread malicious links. For example, in December 2024, the SCAM SNIFFER KNOWS users of a sharp increase in Crypto fake accounts XWarning that more than 300 impersonator profiles have appeared day -day, almost double the average November.
4. Notice the relationship patterns
Are the responses of the weak -comments, fake compliments, or bot activity filled? Scammers sometimes flood comments on bots saying, “It worked!” Or “Thanks, I just got my AirDrop!” It is meant to develop false trust.
5. Double-check before you connect
If a link will take you to a purse connection page, double-check the website address. Fake wallet popups are one of the most effective tricks used to steal your crypto. Always make sure you are on the official site, not a look.
Do you know? A single victim lost $ 2.6 million in stablecoins after falling for two zero-value transfer of phishing scams in just three hours, featuring the growing Threat of poisoning to the crypto address.
How to protect yourself with x
X is a powerful platform for staying knowledgeable about crypto, but it is also a favorite target for scammers. Knowing how to protect your account and your owners can save you from serious losses.
You do not need to avoid X completely staying safe. But if you are active in crypto circles, you should treat the platform with the same care that you will monitor in a crowded market.
- Be careful: Scammers often use urgent and fake credibility to deceive you by clicking on malicious links or connecting your purse.
- Check URLs: Always have the links to review them. Watch the mildly wrong sales or weakening domain ends such as .xyz, .Click or .site.
- I -verify accounts: Even the verification profiles can be hacked. Look at the post history, the quality of contact and the account of the account before trusting the promotions.
- Use 2FA: Enable two-factor validation with an app such as Google Authenticator or Authy to add a second layer of protection.
- Avoid DMS: Treat the unsolicited messages that promote crypto projects or ask you to click on links as a weakening, especially if they ask for access to the purse.
- Separate your wallets: Use a purse for active contacts (airdrops, mints, trade) and another for long-term storage to limit exposure.
- Report and Dumb: Help reduce the visibility of the scam by reporting fake accounts and moving any weakening to your feed.
- Stay Knowledge: Follow reliable resources for updates on new phishing tactics, purse canals and trending scam formats.
Remember, a little care goes a long way in maintaining your genitals and identities that are protected in a space where trust is often the first thing that is targeted.
