Minister Lucy Powell’s X Account Hacked: Discover How a Crypto Scam Took Over

Government minister Lucy Powell recently faced a serious online threat when her X account was hacked. This incident aimed to promote a fake cryptocurrency called "$HCC". The posts on her account claimed it was a “community-driven digital currency,” trying to lure unsuspecting users into investing.

Powell’s team quickly confirmed the hack and took steps to secure the account. They deleted the misleading posts, but the incident highlights a growing trend of cybercrime targeting public figures. Recently, other well-known individuals, like BBC journalist Nick Robinson, also reported similar hacks.

The attackers typically use phishing emails to gain access to accounts. These emails trick users into clicking links that either steal passwords or install malware. They can also access passwords from data breaches. Once they take over an account, it’s easy for fraudsters to create fake cryptocurrencies in just a few hours. They then post from trusted accounts, hoping to convince people to invest before the scam is exposed.

Luke Nolan, a senior research associate at CoinShares, explained that this strategy is known as a “pump and dump.” In this scheme, criminals inflate the coin’s value, encourage others to invest, and then sell their shares for profit, leaving investors with worthless coins. In Powell’s case, the coin had only 34 recorded transactions, leading to a small profit of about £225.

Cybersecurity remains a crucial issue, especially as hackers increasingly target social media. A spokesman for the House of Commons stated that the UK Parliament takes these threats seriously and offers advice to help users protect themselves. However, specific details about their cybersecurity measures are kept confidential.

According to Action Fraud, reported hacks of social and email accounts surged to 35,343 in 2024. They recommend enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords. As recent events show, even established public figures are not immune to these online threats.

To stay safe online, it’s crucial to be vigilant and informed. Learning about common scam tactics, like those used in these hacks, can help everyone safeguard their accounts from potential threats.

For more on online safety, you can check out the UK government’s advice on cybersecurity here.

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