Technology
Verification scams hitting Elon Musk’s X after changing former Twitter check marks
X – formerly known as Twitter – has gone through more than a name change since it switched over. One of these has been with the account verification process. You know, that little blue check mark that certain profiles have that indicates it’s verified. Without that blue check mark, it can be difficult to contact other people on X, get through certain groups and, essentially, use the platform to the fullest.
It’s no surprise that this little blue check mark has spurred a lot of controversy. But it’s not just this. The changes going on with X’s verification – aka X Premium or Premium+ – also open a whole new can of worms, specifically when it comes to cybersecurity concerns.
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X blue check-mark verification (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How does one get a verified, blue check mark on X?
Before Elon Musk took over Twitter, there was only one way to get the blue check mark – or Twitter Blue – on Twitter. To do so, you had to be a well-known figure like a celebrity, politician, journalist or part of an organization. Generally, Twitter would reach out to the person directly to confirm their identity.
Now, that’s all changed. These days, just about anyone can get a blue check mark via X’s subscription-based model if they’re willing to pay a monthly subscription fee. (And paying more can also get you a gold check mark, which is usually reserved for businesses.)
This fee not only gets you verified but also gives you the ability to do things on X that those without it can’t, like editing tweets, exposure to fewer ads and possibly more visibility for your tweet. Some accounts have even enabled a setting to only be able to receive messages from verified accounts.
X gold check-mark verification (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How scammers are taking advantage of X’s verification-change chaos
Unfortunately, there is a downside to everyone being able to get that blue check mark. Not only do you now have to be concerned with getting yourself verified so that you can direct message others who have that setting enabled, but you also have to be on the lookout for scammers who are using the blue check mark to trick you. Here are three scams to look out for.
1) Blue-tick scammers
A blue-tick scammer is a person who pays to get the blue-tick check mark verification on X and then uses that to scam people. But who do they scam and how? Blue-tick scammers have a very particular method and usually target users who complain about poor customer service on X. Maybe they are even complaining specifically about the issues getting their verification on X.
Ultimately, the goal of these scammers is to trick you into disclosing your bank details by promising refunds to you. In June of last year, for example, passengers whose EasyJet flights had been canceled were targeted by cybercriminals on X in this exact way. These scammers were using fake profiles to target victims who had resorted to X to voice their complaints against the airline and demand a refund, only to potentially lose more money by being scammed.
2) Elon Musk impersonators
It’s not uncommon to encounter fake accounts pretending to be well-known personalities – even Elon Musk. These accounts might lack official verification, but at first glance, they won’t give unsuspecting users a reason to doubt that the profile is who it appears to be. These Elon Musk impersonators will try just about anything, but a popular scam is in the form of cryptocurrency ads.
Here’s how the scam goes down. An ad appears on X, which appears to be coming from one of Elon Musk’s companies – or a blue-tick verified Elon Musk profile – advertising a new cryptocurrency that he’s created and steps for people to get it, ultimately encouraging you to transfer money over to the scammer’s wallet.
Elon Musk’s official X account (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3) Bots posing as scantily clad women
Not everyone will fall for this one, but it’s a scam as old as time that’s adapted to new rules on social media environments. If you get any direct messages from verified X accounts posing as a scantily clad woman, it could be a legitimate user. But, it could also be a scammer or even a “sexbot,” which has increased in numbers since all the changes at X as well as the introduction of AI.
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I don’t use X. Why should I be concerned?
The changes on X highlight wider issues in online verification and the potential for misuse. Even if you don’t use X, scammers may attempt similar tactics on other platforms you frequent. Being aware of these scams and how they work can help you stay safe online.
X gold check-mark verification (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to stay safe from blue check-mark scammers
The good news is that X is aware of these scams. Now, X’s non-deceptive Twitter eligibility requirements for buying a Premium subscription require the user to not have recently changed their photo, display name or username. One of the best ways to protect yourself from scams on popular social media platforms like X is to simply be aware of what new scams are out there. By staying up to date, you can know your weapon to ward off these scammers.
That being said, there are 10 steps you can take to ensure your safety on X.
1) Protect your personal information: Do not share your full name, address, phone number, email, passwords or other sensitive information with strangers or people you do not trust on X.
2) Be skeptical: If an X account seems fishy, investigate further. Check join dates, usernames and their activity history.
3) Use a unique and strong password for your account and change it regularly: Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess.
4) Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication is just an extra shield that will prevent a hacker from getting into your accounts. 2FA requires you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email or generated by an app in addition to your password when you log in. This way, even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without the code.
5) Review your privacy settings: Limit who can see your posts, photos and profile information on X by changing your privacy settings.
6) Verify the source and accuracy of information: Do not believe everything you see or read on social media. Always check the source and credibility of the information before you engage with the content and share it with others. Use reliable and reputable sources to verify the source and the facts.
7) Have good antivirus software on all your devices: The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached by a scammer on X is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links, which may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
8) Delete anyone who tries to trick you: If anyone tries to scam you, or you encounter any suspicious accounts, consider reporting them to X immediately. You can use X’s reporting features to flag potential scams. This will also help others from being scammed.
9) Stay informed about security updates: Keep your software and apps updated to protect yourself from the latest threats.
10) Prevent strangers from following you, via X’s privacy settings: This can be a good way to prevent some of those bots or scammers from getting to you.
All you need to do is click on Settings, select Privacy and Safety, move the toggle for Protect Your Tweets and select Done. Now, only people whose accounts you approve have permission to follow you. You can also block and remove followers if the former is too strict for you.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Social media can be like the Wild West, especially when a bunch of new changes are happening every day. In terms of cybersecurity and protecting yourself online, it’s important to be aware of scams like this. Just because something has a blue check mark (or, anything else that would make it seem “verified” in a certain context) does not mean that it is. It’s so easy for scammers to pose as someone or something else, and chances are they’ll keep coming along. So, it’s OK to second-guess something if you’re not 100% sure; and online, we never really can be.
What are your biggest concerns about the potential for scams on the social media platforms you frequently visit? Let us know in the comments below. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Microsoft’s Office 2019 apps for Mac will stop working next month, because the company isn’t renewing a certificate that validates Office licenses. Owners of Office 2019 for Mac are being warned they’ll have to purchase Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription if they want to continue editing documents.
Microsoft previously promised that “all your Office 2019 apps will continue to function,” when it announced end of support in 2023. The company then quietly updated that support note last month to remove the mention of apps continuing to function, replacing it with “Rest assured that all your Office 2019 apps won’t lose any data.”
Starting on July 13th, Office 2019 for Mac and Office 2021 for Mac will both run in “reduced functionality mode,” allowing people to open files but not edit, save, or create new documents. The reduced functionality will impact Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
While Microsoft is providing a certificate update for Office 2021 as it’s still supported until October 13th, 2026, the company is leaving Office 2019 for Mac users out in the cold as support for these apps ended a few years ago. “Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, and no longer receives updates,” says Microsoft. “Because Office 2019 cannot be updated to the required version, this issue cannot be resolved by updating or reinstalling Office 2019 for Mac.”
JimmyTech points out that old versions of Microsoft 365 apps on Mac and iOS will also be affected by this certificate issue, but a simple update will fix it for those users.
Microsoft regularly ends support of software and there’s always the risk you could run into issues running older apps or versions of Windows. It’s still surprising to not see Microsoft make an exception here though, particularly because this certificate issue breaks the main functionality of an app you’ve paid a one-time license fee for.
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You know that little moment when your phone rings and the name on the screen makes you drop everything?
Maybe it says your spouse, your daughter, your boss or your best friend. You answer because you trust the name. Then the voice sounds familiar too.
That is exactly what makes the latest phone scams so dangerous.
Android’s fake call detection can warn you when a caller may be pretending to be someone saved in your contacts. (Silas Stein/Picture Alliance)
Scammers no longer have to call from a strange number. They can spoof a trusted contact’s phone number. Then they can use AI voice tools to sound like someone you know. Android is now rolling out a new feature called fake call detection to help warn you when that familiar call may be a fake.
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What is Android fake call detection?
Android fake call detection is a new protection built into Phone by Google. It is designed to spot suspected spoofed calls when both people on the call use Phone by Google.
Think of it as your phone quietly asking, “Is this call really coming from that person’s device?” If the answer looks suspicious, your phone can show a warning and advise you to hang up. That small alert could stop a scam before fear, panic or confusion takes over.
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How Android fake call detection works
The feature works automatically in the background. You do not need to answer a quiz, scan a code or press a button during the call. When a trusted contact calls you, their phone sends a silent confirmation signal to your phone. That signal helps prove the call really came from their device.
If a scammer spoofs your contact’s number, that confirmation signal may be missing. Your phone then checks with your contact’s actual device. If the real device says it is not placing a call, your screen can warn you that the call may be fake.
The system uses end-to-end encrypted RCS technology, so the check happens privately. You can also turn the feature off in Phone by Google settings.
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Why fake calls are getting harder to spot
For years, caller ID gave people a sense of control. If the name looked familiar, most of us felt safer picking up. That old habit now works in the scammer’s favor.
Scammers can use internet-based calling tools to spoof numbers. That means your phone may display the name of someone you trust, even though the call comes from somewhere else.
Then comes the AI voice trick. With today’s audio tools, scammers can make a fake voice sound shockingly real. They may pretend to be a family member in trouble, a bank employee warning about fraud or a manager asking for urgent help.
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That combination makes the call feel personal and immediate. It also makes you more likely to act before you think.
Why Android is adding this protection now
Impersonation scams have become a major global problem. INTERPOL’s March 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment cited impersonation fraud as one of the leading contributors to more than $400 billion in global losses.
In the U.S., impersonation scams remain one of the top fraud categories reported to the FTC. Losses reached $2.95 billion in 2024.
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Those numbers tell you why this feature deserves attention. Scammers go where the money is. Right now, they know trusted voices and trusted names can open the door.
Which Android phones get fake call detection?
Google says fake call detection is rolling out globally in Phone by Google this month, starting with Pixel devices.
The feature is available on Android 12 and newer devices with Phone by Google, Contacts and Google Messages installed. It also requires RCS capability in Google Messages.
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There is one key limitation. Both you and the person calling you must use Phone by Google for fake call detection to work.
Phone by Google already comes as the default phone app on many Android devices. If your phone uses a different calling app, you can install Phone by Google from the Play Store and set it as your default phone app.
How Android fake call detection protects you
This feature gives you an extra warning at the exact moment you need it most. That timing is important. Scam calls often rely on emotion. The caller may say someone got arrested, a loved one had an accident or a bank account faces an urgent threat.
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When the voice sounds familiar, your guard drops. A warning on your screen can interrupt that emotional rush. It gives you a reason to stop, hang up and verify the story another way.
What Android fake call detection cannot do
This new tool helps, but it cannot protect you from every scam. It may not work if the other person does not use Phone by Google. It also may not cover calls from businesses, unknown numbers or contacts using unsupported devices. So you still need basic scam rules.
If someone asks for money, gift cards, crypto, account codes or remote access to your device, hang up. Then call the person or company back using a number you already trust.
Also, never stay on the line just because the caller tells you to. That is one of the oldest pressure tactics in the scammer playbook.
A spoofed call can look familiar on your screen, even when it is really coming from a scammer. (Kurt CyberGuy Knutsson)
How to protect yourself from AI voice scams
AI voice scams work because they sound personal, urgent and believable, so your best defense is to slow the conversation down before you act.
1) Create a family safe word
Pick a simple word or phrase that only your close family knows. It should be easy to remember but hard for a scammer to guess. Then, if someone calls with an emergency and asks for money, ask for the safe word. If they cannot give it, hang up and verify the story another way.
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2) Pause when the call feels urgent
Scammers want you scared because fear makes people act fast. That is why fake emergency calls often sound intense, emotional and rushed. Take a breath before you do anything. A real loved one, bank or employer will let you verify what is happening.
3) Call back using a trusted number
If a call feels suspicious, hang up. Then call the person back using a number saved in your contacts or one you know is real. Do not use a number, link or instruction the caller gives you. That could send you right back to the scammer.
4) Never send money or codes during the call
Do not send gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or payment app transfers because a caller sounds convincing. Also, never share a one-time passcode, PIN or account login code over the phone. Once scammers get that information, they can move fast.
5) Turn on scam protections on your phone
Use the built-in protections already available on your device. Pixel and Samsung users can enable Scam Detection in the Phone by Google app to help flag suspicious calls. Also, consider using strong antivirus software that includes AI-powered scam protection to help detect scams in texts, online content and deepfake videos. Keep an eye on call warnings too. If your phone tells you something looks risky, treat that alert seriously. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
6) Keep your phone apps updated
Update Phone by Google, Google Contacts and Google Messages when updates are available. These tools work best when your apps and phone software stay current. Updates often include security improvements, bug fixes and new scam protections.
Here’s how to check for updates on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tap Manage apps & device.
- Under Updates available, tap See details.
- Look for Phone by Google, Google Contacts and Google Messages.
- Tap Update next to each app, or tap Update all.
You can also turn on automatic app updates by opening the Google Play Store app, tapping your profile icon, then going to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. From there, choose whether to update apps over Wi-Fi, over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with limited mobile data or not at all.
Kurt’s key takeaways
If a call feels urgent or suspicious, pause before you respond and verify it another way. (Tristan Spinski/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Android’s fake call detection is a smart step in the fight against AI-powered phone scams. It recognizes something many people already know: the name on your caller ID no longer proves the person calling you is real. This feature gives Android users another layer of protection when scammers try to hijack trust. Still, the safest move remains simple. Slow down, verify the call and never let panic make the decision for you.
Should the government do more to stop scammers from using AI voices to impersonate the people you trust? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com
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Congress narrowly voted to fund President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, giving the Department of Homeland Security $70 billion over the next three years.
The house voted 214 to 212 in favor of the reconciliation bill Tuesday, following the Senate’s 52-47 vote last Friday morning. The vote fell largely along party lines. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the only Senate Republican to vote against it. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), initially voted against the bill — meaning it would have failed — but changed his vote after huddling with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK), according to The Hill. No Democrats voted in favor of the funding bill, which was done through a budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster.
In a speech on the House floor ahead of the Tuesday vote, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) criticized Republicans for using the budget reconciliation process to avoid negotiating with Democrats, and emphasized ICE’s lack of popularity with the American people.
“At its core, this Republican reconciliation budget bill is a statement about priorities, and the priorities represented in this budget bill could not be more out of step with the needs and values of the American people,” Scanlon said.
Scanlon noted that DHS has yet to spend $100 billion of the nearly $200 billion it received under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She added that Trump has not only expanded ICE’s reach by increasingly going after legal immigrants but also weaponized DHS against its critics. The bill, she said, will “supercharge” Trump’s abuses.
After the House markup last Friday, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that the bill not only lacks sufficient reforms but also cuts funding for cybersecurity and TSA, whose workers went weeks without pay during the DHS shutdown.
The funding bill comes at a time of deep unpopularity for ICE. One recent poll found that just 33 percent of voters approve of how the agency is doing its job.
And it comes amid yet another threat from border czar Tom Homan to flood New York City with ICE agents. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Homan said he would send “more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen” to New York City if the state government passed a bill limiting cooperation with DHS.
“Providing a quarter trillion dollars to an administration promising that the public ‘ain’t seen shit yet’ when it comes to mass deportation is a historic mistake,” Todd Schulte, president of the immigration reform group FWD.us, said in a statement. “Supercharging the funding for these already out of control systems will come with terrible human consequences and continue to be met with increasing opposition from voters.”
Correction, June 9th: A previous version of this story said Rep. Tim Walberg voted against the funding bill. He initially voted against it but then changed his vote to support it.
Update, June 9th: This story has been updated to include comment from FWD.us president Todd Schulte.
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