Posting about crypto for the first time requires verification! X rolls out new anti-scam rules to prevent hackers from stealing accounts and promoting spam tokens

X rolls out a mandatory content verification mechanism for crypto, locking accounts as soon as they are mentioned for the first time, responding to the grim situation in which scam amounts in 2025 may be approaching 17 billion USD.

X launches a mandatory verification mechanism, locking accounts upon first post

Recently, the social media platform X introduced a new round of anti-scam measures. For accounts that publish content related to cryptocurrencies for the first time, it will immediately trigger an account-locking mechanism, requiring users to complete identity verification before they can continue posting.

The mechanism mainly targets scenarios where accounts are compromised and then used to promote investment scams. X product lead Nikita Bier said the system will identify whether an account is making a “first mention of cryptocurrency,” and once the triggering condition is met, it will pause the account’s posting privileges. This move is believed to significantly reduce the success rate of hackers using highly trusted accounts to spread scam information in a short period of time.

Image source: X/@nikitabier X product lead Nikita Bier said the system will identify whether an account is making a “first mention of cryptocurrency,” and once the triggering condition is met, it will pause the account’s posting privileges

The platform noted that in the past, attackers often stole account credentials through phishing pages. After taking over the account, they would immediately publish investment scam content. The new mechanism aims to cut off operational authority directly during this “golden window,” preventing scams from spreading.

Crypto scam volumes surge, with full-year figures possibly reaching $17 billion

According to Chainalysis statistics, in 2025 the amount of crypto scams has already reached approximately $14 billion (about 420 billion New Taiwan dollars) and may be revised upward to $17 billion after complete reporting, indicating that the scam industry is still expanding rapidly.

At the same time, data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission shows that in the first three quarters of 2025 there were 113,842 investment scam cases, with cumulative losses of about $6.1 billion, or roughly 183 billion New Taiwan dollars, which is nearing the level of all of 2024.

Further analysis indicates that cryptocurrencies have become one of the key tools for scam funds, second only to bank transfers. Because blockchain transactions are difficult to reverse, once funds are sent out, victims can almost never recover them, significantly increasing the success rate of scams.

Social media becomes a scam gateway, and trust mechanisms are abused

Data shows that about 38% of investment scam cases originate from social media platforms, making it the largest source of leads. Compared with 29% in 2020, this suggests that scam activity is quickly shifting toward exploiting social media trust mechanisms.

Hackers typically target accounts with a strong follower base. Once the compromise succeeds, they post investment opportunities or airdrop activities using a familiar identity, leveraging followers’ trust to carry out scams. This attack method also increases the amount lost per scam; the average transaction value rose from $782 in 2024 to $2,764 in 2025.

In addition, scams impersonating celebrities or official accounts have also seen explosive growth, with a year-over-year increase of as much as 1,400%, becoming one of the most prominent tactics in today’s crypto scams.

Platform and email vulnerabilities intertwine, and anti-fraud systems face challenges

X said the account-locking mechanism is only a temporary defensive measure, because the source of scams often comes from external systems, such as email phishing attacks. Some industry insiders point out that shortcomings in email services’ spam filtering make phishing links easier to infiltrate users’ endpoints, forming a complete attack chain.

As some email services adjust their features, their spam protection capabilities may decline, further increasing the likelihood of users being exposed to scam risks.

Overall, this policy shift shows social platforms moving from “content moderation” toward “behavior restrictions,” trying to block scams with more coercive measures. But in an environment of highly liquid and anonymous crypto assets, the scam industry still has a high level of adaptability. The ongoing standoff between platforms and regulators is unlikely to end in the short term.

This article was generated by compiling information from various parties by the Crypto Agent, with peer review and editing by Crypto City. It is still in the training stage and may contain logical bias or information errors. The content is for reference only and should not be considered investment advice.