The official OpenAI account on X (formerly Twitter) faced a security breach on Monday evening, resulting in the spread of a cryptocurrency scam. The compromised account, known as @OpenAINewsroom, which serves as a platform for sharing updates and news from OpenAI, has a substantial following of nearly 54,000 users.
The breach occurred around 6:24 PM ET when a now-deleted post was made from the @OpenAINewsroom account, announcing the launch of a cryptocurrency named “$OPENAI.” The post claimed that this token would bridge the gap between AI and blockchain technology, offering all OpenAI users an opportunity to claim a portion of the cryptocurrency’s initial supply. It also mentioned that holding $OPENAI would grant access to future beta programs by OpenAI.
The post contained a link to a counterfeit website posing as OpenAI’s official platform, although the URL did not originate from openai.com. Visitors to this site were encouraged to claim the $OPENAI cryptocurrency by connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. It is important to note that interacting with such sites could potentially lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals.
The X community quickly noticed the unauthorized activity on the OpenAINewsroom account and raised alarms about the breach. Users expressed concerns over the account’s compromised state, with some highlighting that this was the fourth OpenAI X account to be hacked within the past 15 months.
While the community responded swiftly to warn others about the scam, both OpenAI and X remained silent initially in response to requests for comments. The lack of communication from the @OpenAINewsroom account following the breach could cause confusion and concern among its followers, who may not be aware of the hacking incident.
The incident involving the cryptocurrency scam on the OpenAI account is part of a larger trend of cyber-enabled financial crimes related to cryptocurrencies. The FBI’s Cryptocurrency Fraud Report for 2023 revealed a significant rise in such crimes, with losses exceeding $5.6 billion from over 69,000 complaints. These crimes encompass various scams, including investment fraud, posing a significant threat to individuals and organizations involved in cryptocurrency transactions.
The breach of the OpenAINewsroom account is not an isolated event, as similar incidents have occurred recently in other sectors. For instance, the YouTube channel of India’s Supreme Court was hacked and misused to promote cryptocurrency content before being shut down. This underscores the importance of staying vigilant against scams in the digital landscape, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency.
In light of these incidents, users are advised to exercise caution when engaging with cryptocurrency-related content on social media and other platforms. Verifying sources, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, researching cryptocurrencies before investing, using official channels for information, and educating oneself about common scam tactics are essential steps in protecting against fraudulent schemes.
As the aftermath of the OpenAI account breach unfolds, it is essential for users to stay informed and cautious while navigating the cryptocurrency space online. By following best practices and remaining vigilant, individuals can better protect themselves against potential scams and fraudulent activities in the digital realm.