X blocks first crypto posts targeting scams

TLDR

X is rolling out an auto-lock on first-time crypto posts to blunt phishing scams that hijack accounts and push fake tokens.

1. X will automatically lock accounts the first time they post about crypto and require extra verification before posting again.
2. The move targets a surge in phishing-driven account takeovers used to promote scam tokens, memecoins and fake giveaways.
3. Legit users may see more friction on their first crypto post, while scammers will likely shift tactics rather than disappear entirely.

Deep Dive

1. How The New Lock Works

According to X Head of Product Nikita Bier, the platform is introducing an automated system that will lock any account when it makes its first ever crypto-related post and then force a verification flow before it can post again. Reports note that this applies to posts that mention tokens, wallets, airdrops or memecoins, not just the word crypto in isolation.

Coverage on CoinMarketCaps community pages says accounts making their first crypto post will be automatically locked and required to undergo verification to regain posting privileges, with a focus on accounts that suddenly promote crypto despite no prior history in the space. Bier has also said that if an account with more than 10,000 followers suddenly launches a meme coin with no crypto track record, X will treat it as effectively always a hack and require ownership verification before anything goes live.

2. Why X Is Doing This

Crypto phishing and social media scams have exploded, with one X-focused analysis citing a 257 percent jump in crypto phishing scams in 2024, much of it routed through social platforms. Attackers commonly send fake copyright or security emails that lead to pixel perfect login pages, capture passwords and two factor codes, then hijack accounts to promote scam tokens and fake airdrops.

Recent incidents include a scammer faking reports of the death of Jonathan, a 193 year old tortoise, to push a Solana based memecoin, which briefly spiked thousands of percent before collapsing. In response, Bier has said the auto-lock system should kill 99 percent of the incentive for these attacks by making compromised accounts useless before scammers can monetize them.

3. Impact And What To Watch

For regular users and creators, the main impact is friction: your first crypto related post may trigger a temporary lock and verification step, even if you are genuine. That could slow down organic adoption and make onboarding newcomers or mainstream influencers into crypto conversations less smooth.

At the same time, the change should reduce the volume of out of nowhere token shills and giveaway scams from trusted or verified accounts, which are often the most convincing. Scammers will likely adapt by using long lived farmed accounts, moving more activity to Telegram, email and smaller platforms, or avoiding obvious crypto keywords.

Conclusion

Xs decision to auto-lock first time crypto posts is a blunt but targeted attempt to cut off one of the most profitable channels for crypto scams: hijacked social accounts. It will probably reduce some of the most visible phishing campaigns on the platform, but it also adds friction for legitimate newcomers and will push fraudsters to adapt rather than disappear. For crypto users, this change helps at the margin, but careful link checking, strong account security and skepticism of too good to be true offers remain essential.