As cryptocurrency grows, so does the creativity of scammers. One of the most dangerous tricks? Fake links posted on X (formerly Twitter) that mimic legitimate crypto offers. These deceptive tactics are increasingly convincing and can lead to instant, irreversible loss of your funds. Let’s explore how these scams work, how to spot them, and how to stay safe in the evolving digital world.
How These Fake X Links Operate
Scammers often either hack high-profile accounts or set up new ones that look nearly identical to reputable crypto brands or influencers. Once in control, they post content like:
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“
Huge giveaway! Claim your free tokens now!” -
“
Exclusive airdrop for early supporters!” -
“Limited-time event, connect your wallet here!”
These posts often contain phishing links designed to look like official sites. Once clicked, you might be asked to:
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Log in with your wallet credentials on a fake site.
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Approve a malicious smart contract that drains your funds.
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Or simply be tricked into giving up access to your private keys.
Real Case: Fake $SONIC Airdrop (May 29, 2025)
An X user warned the community about a fraudulent $SONIC airdrop post circulating widely. The link redirected users to a phishing site designed to look like an airdrop claim page. Many users reported near-miss situations, while others weren’t so lucky.
Why Is Crypto Such an Attractive Target?
Cryptocurrency transactions are:
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Fast
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Irreversible
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Often anonymous
That makes them ideal for scammers. Once a transaction is processed, it’s gone forever. Additionally, most users store their coins in hot wallets (wallets connected to apps or browsers), making them especially vulnerable.
Real-World Scams: 3 Alarming Examples
WIRED Journalist’s Account Hijacked (May 2025)
A respected journalist at WIRED revealed that his X account was compromised. Hackers used it to promote a fake WIRED-themed coin on Pump.fun, launching a pump-and-dump scheme. Victims lost thousands, and the journalist became a target of hate and threats—especially from a Telegram user demanding $2,800.
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Attackers owned ~12% of the supply.
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Profited ~$8,000–$10,000 in just 20 minutes.
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Laundered funds through wallets into Binance.
Pump.fun X Account Compromised (Feb 2025)
Hackers took over the official Pump.fun account and pushed a fake token named “PUMP.” They escalated by hyping another scam token—“GPT-4.5”—claiming they'd delete the account if it didn’t hit a $100 million market cap.
Pump.fun responded quickly on Telegram, warning users to ignore posts from their X account.
Trump Family Targeted (Sept 2024)
Hackers breached Lara and Tiffany Trump’s X profiles to promote a fake family crypto venture: World Liberty Financial.
Eric Trump confirmed the hack and disavowed the scam. Even though the token hadn’t launched, the family’s promotion had already drawn scammers.
How to Spot a Fake X Link
Fake links are becoming harder to spot—but here’s how to stay alert:
1. Inspect the URL
Hover or press and hold the link. Watch for:
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Misspellings like
Binancee.com -
Extra or strange symbols
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Suspicious domain endings like
.xyz,.click,.lol
2. Emotional Triggers
Phrases like:
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“Last 30 minutes!”
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“Urgent wallet connection required!”
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“You’ve been selected!”
These are scare tactics. Real projects don’t pressure you.
3. Investigate the Account
Ask yourself:
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Does the name look slightly off?
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Is the verification badge purchased?
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Has the account suddenly pivoted to crypto?
4. Scan the Replies
Fake comments like:
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“Thanks, I got my airdrop!”
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“100% legit!”
These are usually bots creating false credibility.
5. Watch Wallet Connections
Never approve unknown contracts or click “Connect Wallet” on unfamiliar pages.
How to Stay Safe on X
Here’s how to protect your funds and peace of mind:
Ignore posts urging quick decisions.
Check for subtle misspellings or strange endings.
Don’t trust just the badge—look at behavior and consistency.
Use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy.
Especially those promoting crypto or asking for wallet access.
Keep long-term holdings in a cold wallet, use a hot wallet for daily use.
Help clean the space by reporting suspicious activity.
Follow reliable sources for the latest on scams and security trends.
Conclusion: Be Smart, Stay Safe
In a world where a single click can cost you everything, awareness is your best defense. Scammers evolve—but so can you. Educate yourself, use common sense, and never let urgency cloud your judgment.
