Scammers often use social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, to try to trick people into giving away personal information or money. These scams can take many different forms, and they can be difficult to spot, especially if the scammer is using a fake profile or impersonating a legitimate account.
Types of Twitter scams
Twitter Crypto Scam
Twitter crypto scams operate by impersonating well-known individuals or organizations in the cryptocurrency space. First, the scammer creates a Twitter account with a similar handle or username, and a similar profile picture and bio. Next, they tweet out messages offering cryptocurrency giveaways or investment opportunities and ask followers to send a specific amount of cryptocurrency to a specific address to participate.
Promising that the follower will receive a large amount of cryptocurrency in return or that their investment will yield high returns.
In reality, once the follower sends their cryptocurrency to the specified address, the scammer disappears, and the follower does not receive any returns. Furthermore, scammers may also use malicious links to steal the credentials of the followers or use phishing tactics to gain access to their personal information or crypto wallets.
To avoid being scammed – avoid sending any cryptocurrency to anyone you meet on Twitter.
Celebrity Account Scams
Hackers often target the social media accounts of celebrities and public figures as they are high-value targets. Many notable individuals such as Joe Biden, Bill Gates, Kanye West, Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, and many others have had their online accounts compromised.
Once in control of a well-known individual or organization’s Twitter account, scammers will often host fake crypto and NFT giveaways and raffles to trick users. For example, in May, the popular NFT artist Beeple’s Twitter account was hacked and the hackers ran a fake NFT raffle, requiring participants to send 1 ETH, worth approximately $2,300 at the time. Though the hackers promised to return all the money after the raffle, it was clear that it was never going to happen.
Malware scams on Twitter
Scammers may also use Twitter and Instagram to spread malware or other malicious software. They may do this by sending a message with a link that, when clicked, downloads the malware onto the victim’s device. The malware may then be used to steal personal information or to gain access to the victim’s accounts.
Our investigations into Common Scams of 2023
How to tell if a Twitter account is legit
There are a few signs that can help you determine whether a Twitter account is legitimate or not.
Here are a few things to look for:
The account’s username
Scammers often create fake accounts with names that are similar to those of well-known individuals or organizations. If the account’s username is very similar to that of a well-known person or organization, but the profile picture and other information do not match, it may be a fake account.
The account’s profile picture
Scammers may use a picture of a celebrity or other well-known person as the profile picture for their fake account. If the profile picture looks like a well-known person but the account’s username and other information do not match, it may be a fake account.
The account’s activity
Legitimate accounts are typically active and regularly post updates. If the account has very few followers and has not posted anything in a long time, it may be a fake or inactive account.
The account’s followers
Scammers may try to make their fake accounts look more legitimate by following a large number of people. If the account has a large number of followers but very few people following it, it may be a fake account.
The account’s tweets
Scammers may use their fake accounts to promote scams or spam links. If the account’s tweets contain links to suspicious websites or make unrealistic promises, it may be a fake account.
It is always a good idea to be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar accounts on so. If you are unsure whether an account is legitimate, you can try verifying the account’s information by searching for the account on other social media platforms or by contacting the organization or individual directly.
Twitter Scam Blacklist
The following phone numbers, websites, and emails have been reported to us by the consumer. If you feel this information is incorrect, you may submit a request for removal or correction by contacting us using this form.
Submit phone numbers, websites, or email addresses associated with a scam. Your submission will be published as soon as it gets reviewed by one of our staff members.
Attention: Consumers who have been contacted by scammers could have had their personal information breached. TotalScam!™ highly recommends that consumers whose information has been breached obtain an identity theft protection service immediately.
There are several companies that offer identity theft protection in the US. One of the most inexpensive options we were able to find is the protection offered by LifeLock. You can start your protection here.
Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained on this site are not endorsed by LifeLock. TotalScam!™ receives compensation from LifeLock. This helps support our scam prevention efforts.
Our investigations into Common Scams of 2023
