AI-Generated Fake Personas Drive Viral Crypto Scams on X
A network of more than 10 X accounts reportedly used AI-generated personas impersonating influencers to post viral geopolitical content, then redirected engagement to fraudulent crypto token schemes that generated six-figure profits. The scam exploited platform dynamics and user trust to promote pump-and-dump schemes including one called Oramama.
What happened
A coordinated network of more than 10 X accounts used AI to impersonate prominent social media influencers such as Mario Nawfal, posting exaggerated or fabricated geopolitical content to drive engagement.
Once posts gained millions of views, the accounts pivoted to promoting fraudulent crypto giveaways and pump-and-dump token schemes, including one referred to as Oramama on February 22.
Reported impact
Onchain evidence suggests the scheme profited six figures according to blockchain investigator ZachXBT.
Users encountering the content may have assumed it came from trusted sources, increasing the likelihood of engagement with malicious links.
Index analysis
The scam relied on a two-phase approach: emotionally charged posts about wars and political tensions designed to spread quickly and attract millions of views, followed by promotion of scam links and fake token launches framed as opportunities tied to the viral narrative.
Large accounts interacting with the content through replies or reposts helped extend its reach, often without realizing they were boosting fraudulent campaigns.
Governance controls
X's product chief Nikita Bier announced enhanced anti-bot detection and removal measures, along with user flags for AI-generated content, as part of efforts to curb automated spam and misinformation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.