Key Takeaways
- X will now auto-lock accounts that post crypto for the first time to stop phishing attacks.
- Nikita Bier flags sudden meme coin drops by big accounts as almost always the result of hacking.
- New measure aims to kill 99% of scam incentives while keeping real crypto talk alive.
X is cracking down hard on cryptocurrency scams with a new automated security feature that could temporarily lock accounts the moment they mention crypto.
The move, announced by Head of Product Nikita Bier, aims to neutralize phishing attacks where hackers hijack accounts to push fraudulent promotions.
X Shuts Down Crypto Scam Promotions
In a series of posts on Apr. 2, Nikita Bier directly addressed the surge in crypto-related phishing and spam.
Bier stated that X is “in the process of implementing auto-locking + verification if a user posts about cryptocurrency for the first time in the history of their account.”
He emphasized that the change “should kill 99% of the incentive.”
This is particularly because phishing emails continue to bypass protections from services like Google.
Bier also highlighted a common red flag.
Accounts with more than 10,000 followers that suddenly launch a memecoin or crypto promotion despite having no prior connection to the space.
“If you have over 10,000 followers and you drop a memecoin without any prior connection to crypto, it is always a hack,” he wrote.
Such systems will now automatically detect these accounts and require mandatory ownership verification to deter hijacking attempts.
His comments come amid ongoing criticism of low-effort crypto engagement farming on X.
Bier has repeatedly stressed that he wants “crypto to proliferate on X.”
However, he refuses to tolerate spam, raids, and harassment driven by reward apps or undisclosed promotions.
The new measure builds on earlier steps, such as Paid Partnership labels and API policy changes that revoked access to apps, which incentivized mass posting.
Parameters That Might Lead to the Ban or Lock
Accounts that pass verification or have established crypto posting history appear unaffected.
Key triggers include:
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First crypto post: Accounts with no prior crypto-related activity may be automatically locked if they suddenly mention tokens, wallets, airdrops or memecoins. Users will need to complete extra verification to regain posting access.
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Sudden shift in behavior: High-follower accounts that abruptly start promoting crypto without any history in the space may be flagged as potentially compromised.
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Red flags in content: Posts asking for engagement, promising unrealistic returns, or resembling common scams (like “double your BTC” giveaways) may face faster review. Though the main trigger is still the first-time crypto post.
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Existing rules still apply: Policies on undisclosed promotions, spam and engagement bait remain in place. The new verification step adds an extra layer specifically for crypto-related content.
Bier noted that the goal is to raise the cost of phishing without stifling organic discussion from genuine users and projects.
How Crypto Scams Became Rampant on X
Crypto scams have plagued X for years, turning the platform’s real-time, high-visibility environment into a prime hunting ground.
Phishing emails trick users into surrendering credentials, after which attackers lock out the owner and flood followers with fraudulent promotions.
Bot networks amplify the chaos by mass-replying, tagging users, and flooding timelines with fake invitation graphics and presale links.
The problem intensified as crypto adoption grew. Low barriers to entry, combined with X’s algorithmic reach, made it easy for scammers to impersonate influencers, celebrities, or even verified brands.
Undisclosed paid promotions and “infofi” reward apps further incentivized spam, degrading trust and user experience.
Data from crypto analytics showed sharp increases in bot content.
This prompted X to act at the source by revoking API access.
2024 $HACKED Solana Token Pump
Hackers compromised dozens of major accounts—including People Magazine, MoneyControl, Lenovo India, director Oliver Stone, and soccer star Neymar Jr.—to promote a fake memecoin.
Celebrity Impersonation Giveaways
Scammers repeatedly hijacked or mimicked accounts of Elon Musk, Vitalik Buterin, and others to post “send 1 BTC, get 2 back” schemes. One 2020 wave alone netted attackers over $118,000 in minutes.
Malicious Ad Campaigns (e.g., iToken Scam)
Fraudsters exploited X’s advertising system by running Apple-branded ads that linked to fake presale sites. Victims were lured with fabricated testimonials from Tim Cook and directed to send funds to scammer wallets.
Recent “X TOKEN” Bot Spam
Just days before Bier’s announcement, bot networks flooded replies under popular posts.
They published fake invitation graphics promising access to a nonexistent “X TOKEN” presale on Solana.
These incidents highlight why X’s new verification layer is viewed as a necessary “scam kill switch.”
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Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
His coverage spans major industry events, including the high-profile collapses of FTX, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and LUNA, offering readers insightful analyses of their regulatory and market implications. Prashant’s technical background enables him to bridge the gap between intricate blockchain technology and its real-world applications, making his work accessible to novices and experts.
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