In a concerning incident that underscores the ongoing battle against cybersecurity threats, OpenAI’s official press account on X has reportedly fallen victim to cryptocurrency scammers. This alarming event took place on a late Monday afternoon when the OpenAI Newsroom account, created to provide updates on the company’s products and policies, shared a post that hinted at the launch of a new blockchain token named “$OPENAI.”
The post claimed, “$OPENAI bridges the gap between AI and blockchain technology,” enticing users with promises of eligibility to claim a portion of the token’s initial supply. The supposed benefits included access to future beta programs—a tactic designed to lure in unsuspecting users. However, the token $OPENAI does not exist, and the post directed followers to a phishing website that was crafted to mimic the authentic OpenAI site. This fraudulent page featured an eye-catching “CLAIM $OPENAI” button that aimed to trick users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets, potentially compromising sensitive login information.
As of the time of reporting, the malicious post remained live, along with the phishing site, which was flagged by users for its conspicuous URL, “token-openai.com.” The comments section of the fraudulent OpenAI Newsroom post was disabled, creating an illusion of legitimacy that could easily mislead even the most cautious internet users.
This incident is not an isolated event; OpenAI has faced similar phishing attempts in the past. Back in June 2023, a similar message promoting the non-existent $OPENAI token was posted on the account of OpenAI’s CTO, Mira Murati. A mere three months ago, the accounts of prominent OpenAI researchers were also hacked, leading to the publication of identical scam posts. Such recurrent targeting highlights a troubling trend in which cybercriminals exploit high-profile accounts to propagate their schemes.
According to reports from Coinspeaker, the scammers utilized a “crypto drainer” tool during the previous hacks, which would siphon off NFTs and tokens from victims’ wallets once they signed into the counterfeit OpenAI site. This method reflects a sophisticated understanding of how to manipulate trusting users into compromising their own security.
The broader context of cryptocurrency scams reveals a startling reality. In 2023, Americans lost an estimated $5.6 billion to such frauds, marking a staggering 45% increase compared to the previous year. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that more than 50,000 scams were recorded in the first half of 2024, costing consumers close to $2.5 billion. The trajectory suggests that 2024 could potentially surpass even these harrowing figures, with many experts warning that the rise of scams is directly correlated to the increasing popularity of cryptocurrency.
High-profile accounts have been frequent targets in the past, with notable incidents involving figures such as Elon Musk and Joe Biden, where hackers exploited their platforms to solicit bitcoin donations under false pretenses. These events serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most prominent figures face in the digital landscape.
To safeguard against such scams, users are encouraged to exercise caution when dealing with cryptocurrency offers, especially those that appear to come from reputable sources. Always verify the authenticity of links and claims through official channels.
In light of these recent events, it is crucial for platforms and users alike to remain vigilant against phishing attempts and scams. OpenAI and X have been contacted for comments regarding the recent breach, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. This incident serves as a stark reminder that while technology offers remarkable advancements, it also presents new challenges that require constant vigilance and proactive measures.
