High-Profile Social Media Hacks: Visa and Dean Norris Targeted in Crypto Scam
Visa’s Facebook Compromise: A Solana-Based Crypto Scam
On January 26, cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to Visa’s official Facebook page, using it to promote a dubious Solana-based cryptocurrency. The attackers audaciously claimed that the token was part of Visa’s long-term promise to launch its own cryptocurrency, referencing a non-existent announcement from 2014 and stating that “it’s 2025, and here we are!”
The crypto community was quick to express skepticism about the legitimacy of the announcement, cautioning others within the industry about the potential scam. In spite of this, the token’s market cap reportedly soared to $6 million before the perpetrators executed a ‘rug pull’—a malicious scheme where the fraudsters sell off a large amount of the token all at once, crashing its price and leaving investors with significant losses.
Meanwhile, as of now, Visa has not released an official statement regarding the breach. Consequently, this incident underscores the ongoing challenges that traditional financial institutions face as they navigate the complex landscape of cryptocurrency and its associated risks. Ultimately, it highlights the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance within the industry.
Dean Norris Falls Victim to Crypto Scam
Similarly, on January 25, the X account (formerly Twitter) of actor Dean Norris was hacked to promote a memecoin dubbed $DEAN. The scammers posted a digitally altered image of Norris holding a sign with the token’s name, attempting to lend credibility to their fraudulent scheme.
Increasing Threats in the Crypto Space
These incidents highlight a growing trend of cybercriminals targeting high-profile individuals and brands to perpetrate crypto scams. In particular, the use of compromised accounts to promote fraudulent tokens not only poses a significant risk to potential investors but also damages the reputation of the individuals and companies involved.
For more insights into the challenges and strategies for securing digital assets, explore our comprehensive coverage on Web3 and AI, and stay updated with the latest developments in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors through our Latest Solana Stories and Alpha Market Reports.
