In a shocking turn of events, the Instagram account of WWE veteran Matt Hardy was hijacked and used to promote a fake cryptocurrency token called WLFI, tricking fans into investing in a fraudulent project. The incident has reignited debates about celebrity security and social media manipulation in the crypto space.
The Scam: How It Unfolded
According to reports, hackers took over Hardy’s verified Instagram profile, which has over a million followers. Within hours, the account began posting promotional content for a “new fan-backed crypto opportunity” tied to the WLFI token — a completely nonexistent digital asset.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Target | Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) |
| Fake Token | WLFI |
| Type of Scam | Investment fraud via impersonation |
| Audience Reached | Over 1 million followers |
| Platform | |
| Detection | Within 8 hours by fans and crypto watchdogs |
Screenshots of the fake posts showed claims that WLFI was “partnered with WWE and Binance,” promising early investors “exclusive NFT rewards” and “guaranteed 500% ROI.” Within a short period, thousands of users clicked through the scam link, some reportedly transferring funds to fake wallet addresses.
Community and Industry Reaction
Crypto security experts were quick to respond. Analysts from CertiK and SlowMist confirmed that the WLFI token contract address did not exist on any blockchain network. The scam relied entirely on social engineering and the credibility of Hardy’s personal brand.
The WWE community, including fellow wrestler Jeff Hardy, condemned the attack. “It’s scary to think fans could lose money because of someone exploiting your name,” Jeff wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Celebrity Accounts: A Growing Target
This isn’t the first time hackers have used celebrity profiles to promote fraudulent crypto schemes. Similar attacks have targeted the accounts of Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, and Post Malone, often promising airdrops or giveaways.
Experts note that celebrities, with their massive audiences and less-than-ideal cybersecurity habits, are prime targets for impersonation and hijacking attempts.
| Common Tactics Used by Scammers | Description |
|---|---|
| Account hijacking | Gaining access through phishing or weak passwords |
| Impersonation | Creating fake verified-like profiles |
| Fake partnerships | Using company logos like Binance or Coinbase |
| Airdrop scams | Promising token rewards for wallet connections |
Protecting Fans and Rebuilding Trust
WWE and Hardy’s management team have since confirmed that the account has been restored. Instagram’s support team reportedly worked “round the clock” to remove all scam content. WWE also issued a public warning urging fans not to trust any crypto promotions without official verification.
Cybersecurity specialists recommend that influencers and public figures in entertainment and sports use two-factor authentication (2FA) and hardware keys to secure their accounts. For fans, the golden rule remains:
“If it sounds too good to be true — it probably is.”
- Always verify crypto promotions directly from official channels.
- Use 2FA and secure passwords on all social media accounts.
- Be skeptical of tokens promising unrealistic returns or “exclusive rewards.”
- Social media scams continue to evolve — vigilance is the best defense.
The Matt Hardy incident serves as yet another reminder that even icons of the entertainment world are not immune to crypto fraud — and that digital trust is one of the scarcest commodities in 2025.
