Fraudsters using Elon Musk ‘paedo guy’ controversy in sneaky Bitcoin scam

The recent controversy surrounding Elon Musk and the Thai cave rescuer he referred to as a “paedo guy” has been hijacked by fraudsters to promote a sneaky Bitcoin scam. These scammers have taken advantage of the situation by posing as Musk on Twitter and tweeting links to shady web pages designed to deceive victims into investing in virtual currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The scam web page set up by the con artists apologizes for Musk’s controversial remarks and offers a supposed opportunity for users to earn free crypto by sending in three Bitcoin or 30 Ethereum, with the promise of winning a Tesla 3 electric car. The page also includes links directing users to sites asking them to make transactions using the Bitcoin wallet Electrum.

This fraudulent activity has all the telltale signs of an online scam, and after being brought to Twitter’s attention, the offending account was permanently suspended. Both Musk and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin have been vocal about these scams in the past. Musk, who has a Twitter following of 22.2 million, even expressed his frustration with “Etherium scambots” and urged Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to address the issue.

Buterin himself has frequently been targeted by scam accounts impersonating him and has taken to adding “Not giving away ETH” in his username as a cautionary message to users. Despite these efforts, these scams persist on Twitter.

In light of these developments, questions have been raised about Twitter’s response to the ongoing issue of scammers on its platform. The persistence of such fraudulent activities raises concerns about the effectiveness of the measures in place to tackle this wider problem.

The recent controversy involving Musk, who later apologized for his remarks, highlights the potential harm that can arise from online interactions. His public apology came after his company’s shares faced a significant drop, underscoring the real-world consequences of behavior on social media.

The individual at the center of Musk’s controversial remarks, Vern Unsworth, a British expat and caver, has been considering legal action against Musk for his defamatory comments. The gravity of the situation emphasizes the need for responsible and respectful discourse, especially in the public domain.

As the situation unfolds, it is essential for social media platforms and their users to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities and to prioritize ethical communication. The use of influential figures’ likeness to perpetrate scams further emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and vigilance in online interactions.

In conclusion, the intersection of controversial public figures, online scams, and the real-world impact of social media behavior serves as a reminder of the need for responsible online conduct and heightened awareness of potential fraudulent activities.