In a recent alert, Ripple CTO David Schwartz has issued a critical scam warning. This warning comes in response to a phishing comment that promoted a fake X account posing as the Ripple CTO.
Scammers are increasingly targeting the social media accounts of high-profile individuals in the crypto world, creating fake accounts that closely mimic the real ones. In some cases, these bad actors go as far as hacking verified accounts to push phishing links or spread misinformation.
pic.twitter.com/cqy6IiDHex
— David "JoelKatz" Schwartz (@JoelKatz) August 27, 2024
In this particular case, the said fake account, which was meticulously crafted to mimic Schwartz's account, claimed to be the private account of the Ripple CTO while mirroring the exact posts and content. The only noticeable difference was in the account name and profile details, something that might easily go unnoticed by users unfamiliar with the legitimate account.
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These scams are typically designed to trick users into clicking on phishing links that lead to malicious websites, often promising giveaways, rewards or exclusive offers. Once users interact with these links, they risk losing their funds, private information or even having their accounts compromised.
Scam warning issued
The scam came to light when a phishing comment appeared under the Ripple CTO's reaction to a tweet from xSpectar, redirecting users to the fake account.
This X account attempted to lure users into participating in a supposed exclusive offer, a tactic frequently employed by scammers. Fortunately, the deception was quickly spotted, and Schwartz promptly issued a scam warning to his followers.
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The alert serves as a crucial reminder for users to remain vigilant and always double-check username and profile details to verify the authenticity of accounts, especially when engaging with high-profile figures on social media. Even slight variations in spelling, characters or account names can indicate a fake profile.
Crypto users should also be wary of links shared in comments, direct messages or posts, especially those promoting giveaways or rewards. If they encounter a suspicious account, they should report it immediately. This helps protect others in the community and ensures quick action against scammers.
