20 Years of X (Twitter): Rapid Communication, Breaking News and Scams

It’s been nearly 20 years since the first tweet was posted in 2006.

Back then, X (formerly Twitter) was a simple place to share quick thoughts. Today, it’s a global platform where news breaks, trends explode, and conversations unfold in real time.

This openness has created a welcoming environment for scams, impersonation, and mass manipulation.

So as we mark X Day (celebrated March 21), it’s worth asking a simple question: How safe is your account and how easy would it be for a scammer to trick you today?

Key takeaways:

• Massive reach, massive opportunity: X has an estimated 429 million to 586 million monthly active users, including over 106 million in the United States.
• Scammers follow the attention: Bitdefender’s Consumer Cybersecurity Survey shows social media is now the top scam delivery channel (34%), overtaking email.
• Ongoing threats despite intense enforcement: X suspended around 800 million accounts in a single year for spam and manipulation.
• Fake accounts are still created daily: Despite these massive takedowns, attackers continue building new networks designed to mislead users and spread scams.
• Scams are blending into normal conversations: From fake support replies to phishing DMs, attacks now look like everyday interactions.

Common scams on X

Scammers don’t stick to one tactic. On a network as large as X, scammers have a significant advantage. With an estimated 429 million to 586 million monthly users, even a tiny success rate can translate into thousands of victims. And with social media now accounting for 34% of scam delivery, attackers are focusing their efforts where people are most active and engaged.

What makes X especially attractive is how conversations take place in real time. Users openly ask for help, share opinions, and interact with strangers. This helps create conditions for scammers to step in, impersonate, and exploit trust.

No single scam dominates the platform, and attackers use whatever works in the moment, often combining multiple techniques in the same attack.

Here are some of the top scams happening on X today:

Verified impersonation (Blue checkmark scams)

Seeing the blue checkmark does not guarantee authenticity.

Cybercriminals usually:

• Pay for X Premium to appear legitimate
• Copy brand names, logos, and profiles
• Target users publicly asking for help

A simple complaint like “My bank app isn’t working” can attract fake “support” accounts within minutes. From there, scammers try to move the conversation to DMs and extract sensitive data.

Phishing DMs and “account report” scams

This is one of the most effective ways attackers take over accounts.

You might receive a message claiming:

• Your account violated X rules
• Someone reported your profile
• You must verify your account immediately

The link leads to a fake login page that captures your credentials.

Once compromised, your account can be used to send scam lures to your followers, promote fake giveaways and lock you out completely. And if you’ve reused the same login credentials across multiple platforms, attackers may try those details on your other accounts too—potentially leading to account takeovers across your social media, email, or even financial services.

Crypto and NFT giveaways

These scams have always been very popular on social media platforms. And they aren’t going away any time soon. It’s a good idea to scrutinize:

• “Limited-time” crypto offers
• Celebrity-endorsed giveaways
• Urgent investment opportunities

And never:

• Send funds first
• Connect your crypto wallet
• Click links to external platforms

If you do, your assets can be stolen instantly.

Fake customer support

Scammers actively monitor public conversations.

If you post a complaint, you might get quick replies like:

• “We’re here to help—please DM us”
• “Contact our support team through this link”

These accounts often look legitimate, but they’re not.

Instead of helping, they:

• Redirect you to phishing pages
• Ask for login credentials
• Collect personal or financial data

Romance and investment scams

Yep, romance scams that may pivot into investment opportunities can happen on X too.

Scammers use AI-generated or stolen photos and consistent messaging to earn your trust. Then comes the emotional manipulation. Over weeks or months, they introduce:

• Investment opportunities
• Emergency situations
• Requests for money via crypto or gift cards

Fake emails from ‘X’

Not all attacks happen on the platform. Your inbox is also a target, with scammers sending phishing emails that may mention:

• Your account is suspended
• Suspicious activity was detected
• You need to reset your password

According to X, legitimate emails:

• Come from official domains like @x.com
• Don’t ask for sensitive information
• Don’t pressure you into urgent action

If you receive an unsolicited or scary security notice from X, don’t panic and blindly click the links. Use the app on your phone to check for suspicious activity or security notices.

Bonus scam: ‘I reported your account by mistake’

A recent case reported by a user on Reddit and highlighted by the Better Business Bureau begins with a message that sounds like this:

“I was scammed by someone with a similar profile … I accidentally reported your account … can you help me fix it?”

It may sound harmless, but it’s a trap.

What’s actually happening?

• The scammer creates panic and urgency
• They convince you your account is at risk
• They redirect you to fake “X Support” contacts or phishing pages
• You’re asked to verify details, or even pay to recover your account

In reality, once a report is submitted on X, there’s nothing you can “fix” on behalf of another user.

Beyond scams: Disinformation and fake networks are fueling the problem

Scams don’t exist in isolation on X. They thrive in a much larger ecosystem of fake accounts, coordinated networks, and disinformation campaigns.

X itself has acknowledged it’s in a constant battle against these threats. In fact, the platform suspended around 800 million accounts in 2024 alone for spam and manipulation.

Many of these accounts were part of:

• Coordinated influence campaigns
• Bot networks amplifying certain narratives
• Large-scale efforts to “flood” conversations with misleading content

How to stay safe on X (Twitter) Day and beyond

You don’t need to stop using X; you just need to change how you react to unexpected interactions.

Strengthen your account

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Even if attackers get your password, this adds an extra layer of protection.

Don’t forget to protect your phone

Most interactions happen on mobile. A trusted mobile security solution can block phishing attempts and malicious links before they cause damage.

Think before you click

Always double-check links, especially in DMs or replies.

You can use Bitdefender Link Checker to scan suspicious URLs before opening them.

Verify suspicious messages with Bitdefender’s Scamio

If you’re unsure about a message, don’t guess.

Use Bitdefender Scamio to analyze suspicious DMs, emails, or links and get a quick answer.

Don’t trust appearances alone

A blue checkmark, logo, or polished message doesn’t mean the account is legitimate.

Always verify:

• The handle (not just the display name)
• The account’s activity
• Whether the request actually makes sense

Think before you share

Just because you’re on social media doesn’t mean everything needs to be public.

Scammers often study profiles before reaching out to their targets. They look at your posts, bio, and interactions to understand who you are, then tailor their messages to feel more convincing and personal.

The more information available, the easier it is for attackers to build trust and manipulate conversations.

If you’re curious how much of your personal data is already exposed online (and how it could be used against you) tools like Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection can help map your digital footprint, alert you to data breaches, and highlight privacy risks you might not be aware of.

It also helps you stay on top of impersonation attempts and manage your privacy settings across major social media platforms like X.

FAQs

What are the common scams on X?

Common scams include impersonation (including verified accounts), phishing DMs, fake giveaways, fake customer support, romance scams, and phishing emails pretending to be from X. These scams often overlap and evolve quickly.

How do you know if you are chatting with a scammer?

Warning signs include the creation of a sense of urgency, requests for sensitive information, suspicious links, inconsistent stories, or attempts to move the conversation off the platform. Remember, if something feels off, it probably is.

Are there fake accounts on X?

Yes, fake accounts are widespread. Scammers create them to impersonate brands, run scams, and build trust. Some even pay for verification, making them harder to spot. Always verify accounts carefully before engaging.