Police caution that the rebranded Twitter platform X may be a new target for cybercriminals

Release Date: August 17, 2023

The social media platform Twitter recently announced that the platform would be renamed and rebranded as “X”. As a result, the monthly subscription for a blue verification checkmark will be renamed from "Twitter Blue" to "X Premium.” Cybercriminals view major platform changes like these as an opportunity to try to exploit uncertainty and steal your sensitive information.

The scam starts with a phishing email that appears to come from X. This email states that due to the recent changes, you need to transfer your Twitter Blue subscription to an X Premium subscription. If you click the link in the email, you’ll be taken to a spoofed X login page. Entering your credentials on this page will give cybercriminals easy access to your X account and any sensitive information in it.

Don’t let cybercriminals fool you! Follow the tips below to stay safe from similar scams:

• Remember that this type of attack isn’t exclusive to X. Cybercriminals could use this technique to impersonate any platform with a subscription service.
• Be cautious before logging in to accounts through an email link. Instead, navigate to the organization’s official website to log in.
• Watch out for sensational or shocking online posts about this event. Cybercriminals use popular topics to get your attention, and then try to trick you into providing sensitive information or access to your account.

Stop, look, and think. Don’t be fooled by the scammers.