TechCRIME WATCH

Why verified social media accounts can still lead you into a scam

Hackers reportedly took over Microsoft's X account, which has more than thirteen million followers, to push a crypto pump-and-dump scheme; the checkmark stayed on the whole time.

On air: Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger on BBN Crime Watch
Published 1:07 AM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

Photo: Satheesh Sankaran · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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The Short: the best minute of this segment, cut vertical for your thumb.

Photo: Satheesh Sankaran · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Bitcoin — Photo: Satheesh Sankaran · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by Fox News: “Why verified social media accounts can still lead you into a scam”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 1:07 AM ET on BBN Crime Watch, by Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger; aired 2 times.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Fox NewsWhy verified social media accounts can still lead you into a scam

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFox News reports that Microsoft's account on X was hijacked and used to promote a crypto pump-and-dump scheme, in front of more than thirteen million followers.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThirteen MILLION people, Hank, and the account had the checkmark!
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThe little blue checkmark that says trust me, and somebody allegedly just walked in wearing it!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAllegedly walked in wearing a checkmark.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterIt's a masterpiece of a crime!
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThe suspect, whoever it is, borrowed a famous voice and used it to sell a coin, and I have not been this alive since I ate a whole rotisserie chicken at a stakeout!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe lesson is that a checkmark tells you who the account was yesterday. It does not tell you who is typing tonight.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterSo who is typing?! Is it YOU?!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIt's one in the morning Eastern and I'm reading a teleprompter. The only verified thing here is that I'm awake. Brock, what's the sky doing?

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