Multiple prominent twitter accounts were hacked on Wednesday and users were lured in to send bitcoins to the address bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf2493p83kkfjhx0wlh. The tweet claimed the bitcoin amount will be doubled and sent back to those who send it. Unfortunately, Blockchain explorer reveals that 376 people falling prey to it and sending a total of 12.86584703 BTC to the address. The tweets were coordinated and posted simultaneously by legitimate verified accounts and it was easy for users to fall prey as it claimed the amount being doubled. The real-life money heist scammed uninformed users but it was surely executed carefully – Who doesn’t love free cash?
Domain registered bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf2493p83kkfjhx0wlh.com
A well-wisher also registered a domain name with the bitcoin address to safeguard users from falling into the trap. The website informs people that it is a hack and they shouldn’t send any bitcoins to it. As whois privacy is being used, the details of the registrant aren’t available but his twitter handle is mentioned on the website itself: example_dev
Twitter Bitcoin Hack
Twitters accounts of not only personalities within the blockchain industry were hacked, but also the usual celebrities including Barack Obama, Bill Gates Elon Musk. The major cryptocurrency exchanges including but not limited to Coinbase, Binance, Kraken and Gemini were also hacked. The announcements were related to COVID-19 and how the organizations are generous enough to double the bitcoins received. They also urged users to send in the bitcoins as soon as possible as the offer only lasted for the next 30 minutes. The twitter hack involved an employee who partnered with hackers and shared access to an internal tool that made this possible.
