Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev's X account was hacked on July 26, 2026, with attackers using it to promote a fraudulent memecoin. The hackers claimed the token was the official mascot of a new Ethereum layer-2 network that has been generating significant buzz among traders and is currently among the top networks in terms of revenue. The incident underscores the persistent security risks facing high-profile crypto executives on social media.
The hack
The compromised account posted about the fake memecoin, urging followers to buy it. The posts framed the token as the official mascot of the Ethereum layer-2 network, a detail designed to lend credibility. The network itself is real and has been drawing attention for its revenue numbers, making it a plausible target for impersonation.
Why this network was targeted
The Ethereum layer-2 network in question is among the top chains by revenue, according to public data. That buzz likely made it an attractive hook for scammers. By tying the fake coin to a legitimate, trending project, the hackers hoped to trick users into thinking the promotion was official.
A familiar pattern
Crypto executives have long been prime targets for social media account takeovers. Tenev joins a list of founders and CEOs whose X accounts have been used to push scams. The method of compromise — whether through phishing, SIM swapping, or a platform vulnerability — has not been disclosed.
How the hackers gained access to Tenev's account remains an open question. Robinhood has not commented on the incident.
