$OPENAI Token Phishing Scam promoted by hacked OpenAI X Account

In September 2024, OpenAI's official Newsroom account on X (formerly Twitter) was hacked and used to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency token called $OPENAI. Hackers posted a phishing message claiming the token was a bridge between AI and blockchain technology. The post directed users to a fraudulent website, where they were prompted to connect their cryptocurrency wallets, risking the theft of their credentials and funds.

In September 2024, hackers took over OpenAI's Newsroom account on X, promoting a fake cryptocurrency, $OPENAI. Users were lured to a phishing site to connect their wallets, putting their crypto at risk. Despite OpenAI's immediate action to remove the posts, this phishing scam exposed the vulnerabilities of social media accounts, especially with high-profile companies. The investigation is ongoing, with no reported victims yet. Stay alert and avoid interacting with suspicious token offers. More details on crypto-related phishing can be found in our Investment Scams section.

• Defendant: Unidentified hackers who compromised the OpenAI Newsroom account.
• Crime: Fraudulent promotion of a non-existent cryptocurrency token ($OPENAI).
• Amount Defrauded: Unclear, but the intent was to steal cryptocurrency wallet credentials.
• Method: The hackers posted a message advertising the $OPENAI token, luring users to a fake website resembling OpenAI’s legitimate page. The scam encouraged users to connect their wallets to claim the fake token, potentially leading to credential theft.
• Sentence: No known sentence; the investigation is ongoing.
• Investigation: X and OpenAI are likely investigating the breach. The FBI may also be involved, as similar crypto phishing campaigns have attracted federal attention.
• Plea: None reported.
• Prosecutor's Statement: None available at this time.

• September 23, 2024: The OpenAI Newsroom account on X was compromised at 6:24 PM ET, with hackers posting a message promoting the fake $OPENAI token.
• September 24, 2024: The malicious post was still visible, although comments were disabled by the hackers to prevent scrutiny. The fake site encouraged users to connect their wallets under the guise of claiming the token.

In September 2024, hackers took control of the OpenAI Newsroom account on X, promoting a fake cryptocurrency called $OPENAI. The post claimed the token would bridge AI and blockchain technology, urging users to connect their cryptocurrency wallets to claim the token. This was a phishing attempt aimed at stealing login credentials. OpenAI’s reputation took a hit as this was not the first phishing campaign linked to its name. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear how many users fell victim to the scam.

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Preventative Steps:

• Always verify the URL before connecting wallets, and cross-check it with legitimate sources.
• Use browser extensions or services like NordVPN’s link checker to flag potential phishing sites.
• Regularly update social media account security with two-factor authentication (2FA) and use password managers to store strong passwords securely.