Drake’s X Account Hacked to Promote Fake Cryptocurrency Coin
Drake's X account was hacked on December 14, promoting a fraudulent cryptocurrency meme coin called “Anita.” The attackers falsely linked the coin to Stake, a gambling platform with which Drake has partnered since 2022. The post included a smart contract address and promotional content to enhance its credibility. Although the post was deleted quickly and the associated account suspended, this incident highlights the increasing number of crypto scams targeting high-profile users on X.
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT revealed that this hack is part of a broader trend of social media scams exploiting celebrity popularity. Drake’s association with cryptocurrency likely added perceived legitimacy to the fake coin, facilitating deception. This case reflects a pattern where prominent accounts, such as the Cardano Foundation’s, have been leveraged to promote fake tokens or bogus airdrops, manipulating followers into trusting fraudulent schemes.
The increase in crypto scams on X has been notable. According to Scam Sniffer, a blockchain security firm, the number of fake crypto-related accounts rose from 160 daily in November to over 300 fake accounts per day. Many impersonate influencers, luring users into fraudulent Telegram groups. In these groups, victims are prompted to verify their identity using a bot called OfficialSafeguardBot. This bot employs social engineering techniques to create urgency, convincing users to take harmful actions.
During verification, the bot inserts malicious code into the victim’s clipboard. If activated, this code can install malware that accesses crypto wallets and steals private information. Scam Sniffer reported that this malware, identified by VirusTotal, has already led to confirmed thefts of private keys, causing financial losses for victims.
The combination of phishing, malware, and social engineering presents a heightened risk of crypto scams, endangering users’ assets. Security experts advise caution, recommending avoidance of suspicious crypto promotions and unverified accounts. With the proliferation of scams on social media, maintaining vigilance is crucial for crypto users to safeguard their investments.