Cybercriminals Exploit TV Actor’s Profile to Promote Crypto Scam
Dean Norris, widely recognized for his role in Breaking Bad, became the latest victim in a wave of crypto-related social media hacks.
Cybercriminals hijacked his X account, using it to promote a fraudulent memecoin called $DEAN. The scheme led to a brief surge in the coin’s value before collapsing, leaving unsuspecting investors at a loss.
The scammers leveraged advanced tactics, including deepfake technology, to fabricate media portraying Norris as an enthusiastic supporter of $DEAN. On January 26, a doctored video showed him holding a sign endorsing the token, convincing many of its legitimacy. At its peak, the coin’s market cap hit $8.43 million. However, the bubble burst when Norris regained control of his account and denied any involvement, calling the entire operation a scam.
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In a follow-up statement, Norris expressed frustration over the breach, noting he rarely uses the platform and only learned of the incident through friends. This marks the second time his account has been targeted, highlighting a worrying trend of celebrity profiles being exploited for fraudulent crypto campaigns.
The increasing use of deepfakes and social engineering in these scams is eroding trust in crypto endorsements. Just last week, Nasdaq’s account was hacked to promote another fake token, emphasizing the urgent need for heightened security measures and vigilance in the digital space.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
