Social Platform X Considers New Verification Requirements for Initial Crypto Posts Following Tortoise-Related Fraud
A platform executive announced potential account restrictions for users posting cryptocurrency content for the first time, following an incident where fraudsters spread false news about the death of a famous tortoise.
The social media platform X is weighing the implementation of fresh policies targeting users who post cryptocurrency-related content for the first time, as part of efforts to combat fraudsters who employ phishing tactics to compromise user accounts.
The announcement came from Nikita Bier, who serves as the head of product at the platform that was previously called Twitter, on Wednesday following incidents involving a fraudster who posed as a veterinary professional formerly caring for Jonathan, a tortoise aged 193 years old, and deceived users on social media into purchasing cryptocurrency before the scam was uncovered.
According to Bier's statement, X may implement automatic account locking for users mentioning cryptocurrency for their first time and mandate them to complete verification processes. His post stated, "This should kill 99% of the incentive, especially since Google isn't doing shit to stop the phishing emails."
The fraudster who impersonated the veterinarian caring for Jonathan allegedly shared a link directing users to a memecoin built on the Solana blockchain before media organizations including the BBC disclosed the truth on Thursday.
Information from CoinMarketCap indicated that the Solana-based memecoin, which carried the name JONATHAN, experienced a price spike exceeding 6,000% during the period when the fraudulent social media posts were circulating, followed by a dramatic decline. The token's value stood at $0.00007043 at the time of publication.
"Yeah we're aware. We are in the process of implementing auto-locking + verification if a user posts about cryptocurrency for the first time in the history of their account. This should kill 99% of the incentive, especially since Google isn't doing shit to stop the phishing…"
— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 1, 2026
Fraudster Circulated False Reports About Death of World's Most Elderly Tortoise
The BBC's report revealed that a scammer operating on X impersonated veterinarian Joe Hollins, publishing claims that the tortoise had passed away on Saint Helena, a British territory consisting of an island situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The fraudulent account reportedly included links to a memecoin on the Solana blockchain that was created in connection with Jonathan's purported death.
In a statement provided to The Guardian, the actual Joe Hollins clarified, "Jonathan the tortoise is very much alive." He continued, "I believe on X the person purporting to be me is asking for crypto donations, so it's not even an April fool joke. It's a con."
Numerous fraudsters have leveraged anonymous or pseudonymous social media accounts to persuade users into sending cryptocurrency under fraudulent circumstances. While the impersonation of an animal such as Jonathan represents an uncommon approach, individuals have developed unauthorized memecoins associated with figures including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, US President Donald Trump, and numerous other prominent personalities.
Numerous cybercriminals have utilized X accounts or successfully obtained unauthorized access to authentic accounts for the purpose of disseminating scams such as fraudulent memecoins or promises to "double your money."