Barack Obama, Elon Musk and Kanye West Twitter Accounts Hacked In Bitcoin Scam
High-profile Twitter accounts, including those of Barack Obama, Elon Musk and Kanye West, have been hacked as part of a widespread cryptocurrency scam.
And the social media giant temporarily halted verified accounts from posting in an attempt to stem the cyber hijacking.
The accounts, which have large Twitter followings, were simultaneously hacked on Wednesday evening and a message posted encouraging users to send 1,000 dollars (£794) to a Bitcoin address.
In return, users are promised that their money will be doubled and returned to them.
Founder Jack Dorsey said: “Tough day for us at Twitter. We all feel terrible this happened.”
The message read: “I am giving back to my community due to Covid-19! All Bitcoin sent to my address below will be sent back doubled.
“If you send $1,000, I will send back $2,000!
“Only doing this for the next 30 minutes! Enjoy.”
Targeted accounts included Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Twitter has gone nuclear in the battle against the hack stopping all verified accounts from tweeting ( luckily I’ve never had a blue tick for this account)
— Rory Cellan-Jones (@ruskin147) July 15, 2020
i was loyal to the bluechecks in their absence and will be informing on all of you
— Alex Kealy (@alexkealy) July 15, 2020
We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter. We are investigating and taking steps to fix it. We will update everyone shortly.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) July 15, 2020
If you have a blue tick/verified account, RT this so that we know you’re safe.
— Mr Roger Quimbly (@RogerQuimbly) July 15, 2020
All verified accounts are locked and can’t tweet. It’s our time to shine boys pic.twitter.com/LZIu3VX5gR
— Stephen A. Smith Burner (@SASBurnerAcct) July 15, 2020
THE BLUE CHECKS HAVE FALLEN. I REPEAT THE BLUE CHECKS HAVE FALLEN
— Non-Bluecheck Elite Jordylancaster (@jordylancaster) July 15, 2020
Kanye West’s account was...