OpenAI Press Account Hacked in New Crypto Scam Token
In a recent incident that has raised concerns among users, OpenAI’s official press account on X, formerly known as Twitter, was allegedly hacked by cryptocurrency scammers. The fraudulent activity was detected late on Tuesday afternoon and has since sparked discussions regarding the security of social media accounts.
Hacked Account Promotes Non-Existent Token
The OpenAI Newsroom account, which was recently established to share updates related to products and policies, shared a misleading tweet promoting an “$OPENAI” cryptocurrency token. The tweet claimed that this token would “[bridge] the gap between AI and blockchain technology.”
We're very happy to announce $OPEANAI: the token bridging the gap between Al and blockchain technology.
All OpenAI users are eligible to claim a piece of $OPENAI's initial supply. Holding $OPENAI will grant access to all of our future beta programs.
Notably, the tweet further stated, “All OpenAI users are eligible to claim a piece of $OPENAI’s initial supply,” enticing users with promises of future benefits. However, experts have pointed out that the token is non-existent, and the associated link led to a phishing site designed to imitate the legitimate OpenAI website, albeit with a suspicious URL: “token-openai.com.”
Phishing Attempts and User Risks
The fake site included a prominent “CLAIM $OPENAI” button, urging users to connect their cryptocurrency wallets. This tactic likely aimed to steal login credentials from unsuspecting individuals who might have been lured by the promise of free tokens. As of the time of publication, both the fraudulent post and the phishing site remained active, raising alarms about the potential risks posed to OpenAI’s user community.
Moreover, the comments on the malicious post were disabled, making it less obvious that the account had been compromised. This strategic move by the scammers may have contributed to the effectiveness of their scheme, as users could not alert others to the scam through comments.
Community Response and Security Concerns
In light of this incident, many users have expressed their concerns regarding the safety of their accounts and the vulnerability of high-profile social media platforms to such scams. Experts emphasise the importance of vigilance and caution when interacting with cryptocurrency offers, particularly those that appear on social media channels.
Cybersecurity professionals recommend that users verify the legitimacy of any cryptocurrency claims, particularly those involving high-profile entities such as OpenAI. As a preventive measure, users are advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to report any fraudulent activity they encounter online.
Conclusion
The hacking of OpenAI’s press account highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in social media security, especially concerning cryptocurrency scams. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, users must remain alert and informed to protect themselves from potential phishing attempts.
