On June 2, Crypto Twitter was abuzz with warnings as Mira Murati, the chief technology officer of artificial intelligence firm OpenAI, fell victim to a hack on her Twitter account. The hackers used her compromised account to promote a cryptocurrency airdrop scam. The incident caused a stir within the crypto community, with users quickly spreading the word to prevent others from falling for the scam.
Mira Murati’s Twitter account, which boasts 126,200 followers and holds a verified status, sent out a tweet on June 2 that raised suspicion among her followers. The tweet contained a phishing link promising an airdrop of a cryptocurrency called OPENAI, purportedly an ERC-20 token associated with the creators of ChatGPT. The scam aimed to lure users into participating in the airdrop by leveraging Murati’s credibility and association with OpenAI.
Within the span of an hour, the tweet garnered significant attention, reaching 79,600 views and 83 retweets. Unfortunately, the tweet’s author had limited replies, preventing others from easily warning users about the scam. This restriction allowed the scammer to prolong the deception and potentially victimize unsuspecting individuals.
The phishing link shared in the tweet directed users to a sophisticated website. Upon visiting the site, it became evident that the scammer had meticulously copied the layout and design of a legitimate project called ChainGPT, making only minor alterations. One notable modification was the prompt to connect a crypto wallet, a common requirement for participating in airdrops.
Once the scam was discovered, immediate action was taken to delete the tweet and contain the spread of misinformation. Users on Crypto Twitter mobilized to alert others about the fraudulent nature of the airdrop. This incident serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountering cryptocurrency-related offers, especially when promoted through compromised accounts.
The hacking of Mira Murati’s Twitter account, coupled with the promotion of a cryptocurrency scam, caused significant concern among the crypto community. Despite the efforts of the scammers, swift action was taken to remove the fraudulent tweet and disseminate warnings to protect potential victims. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining cybersecurity measures and verifying the authenticity of any cryptocurrency-related promotions or offers. By staying informed and cautious, users can mitigate the risks associated with such scams and help create a safer crypto ecosystem.
