Scottish Parliament member’s X account hacked to promote £60K crypto fraud scheme

The X account of Maree Todd, an SNP member of the Scottish Parliament representing Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, was hacked on March 6, 2026, and used to post fraudulent claims that she had earned £60,000 through a cryptocurrency trader.

Todd reported the breach to Police Scotland and X’s security team, warning followers not to click any links from her compromised account.

The suspicious post was soon identified by constituents as fraudulent, but officials say the incident demonstrates how high-profile crypto fraud schemes are evolving and becoming more sophisticated.

Todd confirmed the breach in a statement after discovering she had been locked out of her own account.

“My X account has been hacked, and I do not currently have access to it. Any messages, posts, or reposts from the account at this time have not been made by me.” — Maree Todd, MSP

Authorities in Scotland have been alerted, and the matter has been reported to Police Scotland for investigation.

Authorities investigate high-profile crypto fraud and account takeover

Law enforcement officials are examining the high-profile crypto fraud incident as part of a broader effort to address digital scams targeting public figures.

According to Todd’s office, the compromised account not only displayed a misleading public post but also reportedly sent private messages containing suspicious links to followers. Such tactics are commonly used in high-profile crypto fraud operations to encourage victims to click malicious links or invest in fake cryptocurrency opportunities.

Todd said she is cooperating with both law enforcement and the platform’s security team to regain control of the account.

“If you have received a message from my account on X, please delete it and do not click on any links.” — Maree Todd, MSP

The politician also confirmed that her team is working directly with the social media platform to restore access and secure the account. In addition, she urged anyone who may have interacted with the fraudulent posts to report the activity.

“I am continuing to work with X to regain control of the account, and I am also in contact with Police Scotland.” — Maree Todd, MSP

The case highlights how high-profile crypto fraud schemes can exploit trusted digital identities to target unsuspecting users.

Growing wave of high-profile crypto fraud cases

The attack on Todd’s account comes amid a broader rise in high-profile crypto fraud incidents across the United Kingdom and other regions.

Cybercriminals frequently target politicians, celebrities, journalists, and business leaders because their accounts often have large audiences and strong credibility among followers. Once compromised, these accounts can be used to distribute fraudulent investment promotions or phishing links.

In many cases, high-profile crypto fraud posts promise unrealistic returns through cryptocurrency trading platforms or secret investment strategies. The posts are often designed to mimic legitimate financial endorsements or personal testimonials.

Security analysts say the technique is particularly effective because followers may assume the message is authentic when it appears to come directly from a trusted figure.

The fake message posted on Todd’s account claimed she had generated £60,000 from a cryptocurrency trader. While the claim was quickly flagged as suspicious by vigilant users, experts warn that such scams can still lead to financial losses when victims act before verifying the information.

The growing prevalence of high-profile crypto fraud underscores the importance of digital security for public figures and organizations with large online audiences.

Public warning issued as investigation continues

Todd has issued a public warning to her followers while efforts continue to resolve the high-profile crypto fraud case.

She advised constituents to ignore any messages, posts, or links originating from her compromised account until official confirmation that access has been restored.

Anyone who may have interacted with the fraudulent messages is encouraged to report the activity and contact the platform directly.

Officials say vigilance is essential in limiting the spread of high-profile crypto fraud, especially when hackers attempt to exploit the reputation of trusted individuals.

While the investigation remains ongoing, Todd’s parliamentary office confirmed that regular constituent services continue through official communication channels.

The incident serves as a reminder that high-profile crypto fraud schemes are becoming an increasingly common threat in the digital age. As cybercriminals refine their tactics, both public figures and ordinary users are being urged to verify investment claims and avoid clicking suspicious links shared through social media platforms.