Government minister Lucy Powell's X account has been hacked to promote a scam "House of Commons" cryptocurrency. A string of now deleted posts on the House of Commons leader's account described the "$HCC" coin as "a community-driven digital currency bringing people's power to the blockchain". The MP's office confirmed her account was hacked on Tuesday morning and said "steps were taken quickly to secure the account and remove misleading posts". Other public figures with a large number of followers who have been targeted in a similar way by online hackers recently include BBC journalist Nick Robinson. Some of the posts from Powell's account, which is verified by the platform and mentions her cabinet position in the bio, included an image of the House of Commons logo. The MP for Manchester Central, who has nearly 70,000 followers on X, has been leader of the House of Commons since Labour won power last summer. The role is responsible for planning and supervising the government's legislative programme, while also upholding the rights of backbench MPs. Taking over X accounts to advertise scam crypto coins is a common method used by cyber criminals. Fraudsters often take over accounts using phishing emails - scam emails containing links to websites that either access systems or trick users into sharing their passwords. Passwords can also be obtained using leaked information from data breaches. At that point cyber criminals take over the account and plan their posts around hastily spun up crypto coins that can only take a couple of hours to create and launch. They hope that high-profile and trusted accounts might encourage people to buy some of the otherwise worthless coins so that they can make some money before it all get blocked and stopped. Luke Nolan, a senior research associate at CoinShares, an asset management company specialising in digital assets, said the hack of Powell's account was an example of "pump and dump". This is when the people who created the cryptocoin inflate its value, get others to invest, and then sell their majority share to get profit, but leave the coin worthless. Mr Nolan said there had only been 34 transactions on the coin, which would have led to a profit of about £225. A House of Commons spokesman said: "UK Parliament takes cyber security extremely seriously. "We provide advice to users - including Members - to make them aware of the risks and how to manage their digital safety; however, we do not comment on specific details of our cyber security policies." Action Fraud said there was a rise in social and email accounts being hacked in 2024, with 35,343 reports. It advises setting up 2-step verification for accounts and using a strong, unique password of three random words. Earlier this year Robinson, who presents BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said his X account was hacked after he clicked on an email he wrongly believed was sent to him by the social media platform. Post on his account claimed he was launching a cryptocurrency called "$Today". Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletterto keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.
Minister's X account hacked to promote crypto scam
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lucy Powell's X Account Hacked to Promote Fraudulent Cryptocurrency"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Lucy Powell, a UK government minister and leader of the House of Commons, recently fell victim to a cyberattack that resulted in her X account being hacked. The hackers exploited her verified account to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency known as '$HCC', branding it as a 'community-driven digital currency bringing people's power to the blockchain'. The incident was confirmed by Powell's office, which stated that they took immediate measures to secure the account and remove the misleading posts. This attack is part of a broader trend where cybercriminals target high-profile individuals on social media to exploit their influence and credibility, aiming to lure unsuspecting followers into investing in worthless digital currencies. Other well-known figures, such as BBC journalist Nick Robinson, have also experienced similar attacks recently, highlighting the growing prevalence of such scams.
Cybersecurity experts like Luke Nolan from CoinShares have described the incident as an example of a 'pump and dump' scheme, where fraudsters artificially inflate the value of a cryptocurrency to attract investments before selling their shares and leaving the coin worthless. In the case of Powell's account, there were only 34 transactions related to the '$HCC' coin, resulting in a small profit of approximately £225 for the scammers. The House of Commons has emphasized its commitment to cybersecurity, advising members and users on digital safety while refraining from disclosing specific security measures. Reports of hacked social and email accounts have surged, with Action Fraud noting over 35,000 incidents in 2024 alone. They recommend implementing two-step verification and using strong, unique passwords to mitigate such risks.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the hacking incident involving Lucy Powell's X account, used to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. This situation not only highlights the vulnerabilities within social media platforms but also underscores the growing trend of utilizing hacked accounts for scams.
Intent Behind the Article
The primary aim of this article appears to be raising awareness about the increasing incidence of cryptocurrency scams, particularly those leveraging hacked accounts of public figures. By detailing the event involving a government minister, the article seeks to instill a sense of caution among the public regarding online security and the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments.
Public Perception
The narrative created around this incident suggests that individuals should be wary of cryptocurrency promotions, especially those coming from seemingly credible sources. It reinforces the idea that scams are prevalent and can infiltrate even the accounts of trusted officials, thereby fostering skepticism about online financial ventures.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the hack and its implications, it does not delve deeply into the broader context of cybersecurity measures that could prevent such incidents. This omission may lead to a lack of understanding among readers about how to protect themselves from similar attacks.
Manipulation Assessment
The article can be viewed as moderately manipulative due to its framing of the issue. By emphasizing the high-profile nature of the hack and the potential for loss, it could evoke fear among cryptocurrency users, potentially leading to a call for stricter regulations in the digital asset space.
Truthfulness of the Report
The information presented appears credible based on the context and the involvement of a recognized public figure. The mention of expert opinions from a senior research associate also enhances its reliability, adding depth to the analysis of the incident.
Societal Implications
This incident may contribute to a growing distrust in cryptocurrency as a whole, particularly at a time when regulatory scrutiny is on the rise. It could lead to calls for more stringent regulations in the cryptocurrency market, affecting trading volumes and market sentiment.
Target Audience
This news is likely to resonate more with individuals who are active in the cryptocurrency space, as well as those concerned about cybersecurity. The article appeals to a demographic that values financial security and is wary of online scams.
Market Impact
In the short term, news of such scams can lead to increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets, especially for lesser-known coins that may be targeted in similar scams. Investors may react by selling off assets deemed vulnerable to such fraudulent activities.
Geopolitical Relevance
While this specific incident does not have direct implications for global power dynamics, it reflects broader concerns about cybersecurity that are relevant in today's interconnected world. It draws attention to the need for robust digital security measures across all sectors.
AI Usage in Reporting
It is plausible that AI tools were employed in crafting this article, especially in analyzing trends related to cybersecurity and cryptocurrency fraud. The structured presentation of information suggests a systematic approach to data reporting, which is often enhanced by AI capabilities. In conclusion, the article serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of social media platforms in the face of sophisticated cybercriminal tactics. It effectively combines factual reporting with an underlying message that urges vigilance among the public regarding online financial engagements.