In 2024, social engineering became a key tool in crypto scams, with a focus on attacks against high-profile figures and tech leaders.
Rise in Scams in 2024
Research by Merkle Science revealed that in 2024, scammers actively targeted the accounts of high-profile figures. After gaining access, they promoted fake token launches created on the Solana-based platform Pump.fun.
Notable Attack Cases
One notable incident was the August 29 hack of soccer star Kylian Mbappé's X account, where scammers promoted a fake MBAPPE meme coin, reaching a $460 million market cap before collapsing and resulting in over $1 million in investor losses.
Main Methods and Targets
Merkle Science identified 36 such cases last year, with 33% targeting celebrities, 30% tech figures, and 19% tech companies. Most attacks occurred on the X platform (75%), and also on YouTube and official websites using phishing tactics and bypassing two-factor authentication.
Analysts warn about the ongoing threat of social scams, particularly in the cryptocurrency space, emphasizing the need for strengthened security measures.
