Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky reported that his X account was compromised earlier this week, resulting in the publication of an unusual thread about cryptocurrency and real-world asset tokenization.
Account breach draws attention to crypto sector
Chesky addressed the incident with a humorous comment, writing on X, “To the person who hacked my account earlier this week: thanks for all the new crypto followers. To my new crypto followers: I’m going to be a very disappointing follow.”
The posts, which have since been deleted, featured enthusiastic praise for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. They claimed Chesky had been discreetly watching developments in the sector and suggested that blockchain-based representations of traditional assets could bring significant innovation to financial markets.
The content of the thread was considered out of character for Chesky, who rarely makes public statements on cryptocurrency. In May 2022, he floated the possibility of Airbnb accepting cryptocurrencies, but further comments on digital assets have been sparse.
Fortune reported that Airbnb viewed the compromise as a “high-profile” security event and requested the X security team to secure Chesky’s account. Airbnb is a well-known global online marketplace for lodging and tourism experiences.
Some social media users questioned whether the posts were the result of a genuine hack. Developer Jarrod Watts expressed skepticism, noting, “Why would a hacker post a thread about RWAs LMAO.”
Investor Graeme Moore also joked about the scenario: “The plan? Hack the Airbnb CEO’s account and tweet broadly about tokenized assets.”
Other users speculated that the thread may have been generated by artificial intelligence and posted in error. One user suggested that the incident resembled a public relations campaign launched to address an accidental AI-generated post.
Mini dictionary: RWA (Real-World Asset) tokenization refers to the process of creating blockchain-based tokens that represent ownership or rights to tangible or traditional assets such as real estate, stocks, or commodities. This approach aims to bring greater liquidity and transparency to conventional financial markets.
High-profile social media hacks and crypto scams
The incident follows a trend in which hackers target prominent social media accounts to promote cryptocurrency scams. Over the past few years, fraudsters have used compromised X accounts to advertise fake meme coins, fabricated token launches, and deceptive cryptocurrency giveaways.
One of the most significant cases occurred in 2020 when hackers accessed dozens of influential accounts to push a BTC giveaway scam, collecting more than $100,000 before being stopped.
| Year | Type of Scam | Account Targeted | Estimated Proceeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | BTC giveaway | Multiple high-profile accounts | $100,000+ |
| 2023 | Fake meme coins, token presales | Celebrity/X accounts | Not disclosed |
More recently, several celebrity X accounts have been hijacked to promote scams linked to Solana-based meme coins and other fraudulent tokens.
