Crypto security company PeckShield recently issued a warning about a phishing scam that is targeting the followers of a well-known crypto influencer. It appears that the influencer’s account on X (formerly Twitter) has been compromised. PeckShield is advising users to avoid clicking on any Telegram links shared through the influencer’s profile, particularly warning against the fake airdrop and wallet-related instructions that have been posted.
The influencer, posing as @AndyAyrey, instructed their followers to join a Telegram group for a supposed token launch. The tweet encouraged followers to repost and share their SOL wallets while promoting a fake Solana airdrop. The message also created a sense of urgency by claiming that a token launch would occur within “10-15 mins,” in an attempt to deceive unsuspecting followers. Given the influencer’s large following, this post quickly gained traction and posed a significant risk to individuals who are not familiar with phishing tactics.
The scam tweets used language that implied an exclusive opportunity for followers to receive tokens directly, exploiting the trust that had been built between the influencer and their community. Followers were encouraged to buy into the “1 SOL dev supply,” which was an apparent ploy to redirect them to a phishing Telegram channel and defraud them.
The increase in phishing scams within the crypto community highlights the importance of remaining vigilant online. Cybercriminals often take over popular accounts to target followers, enticing them with scams disguised as “airdrops” or “exclusive token offerings.” This recent breach demonstrates the growing sophistication of these scams and emphasizes the need for both influencers and their followers to be aware of potential warning signs. Suspicious requests to share wallet addresses or engage in third-party Telegram groups are typically clear indications of malicious intent.
In response to PeckShield’s alert, many members of the crypto community have started sharing the warning, urging followers to report the compromised account and avoid interacting with any suspicious links or posts. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with social media platforms and underscores the importance of account security, especially for those who have significant influence in the cryptocurrency industry.
