Fake Crypto Account Impersonates Moroccan Prime Minister in Scam

The Moroccan government has sounded the alarm over a fake social media account impersonating Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to promote a bogus cryptocurrency. Officials are urging citizens to be cautious and verify sources before engaging in financial transactions.

Government Issues Warning Over Fake Account

Authorities in Morocco are on high alert after discovering a fraudulent account on X (formerly Twitter) pretending to be Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The account has been used to advertise a non-existent Moroccan cryptocurrency, tricking unsuspecting users into believing it is a legitimate investment opportunity.

The government took swift action, issuing a warning on March 5, stating that the only official account for updates related to the Head of Government is @ChefGov_ma. Officials stressed that any other account claiming to represent the Prime Minister is fake.

“We urge all citizens to exercise caution and rely only on official government sources for information,” the statement read. “This fraudulent activity is an attempt to deceive the public, and we will take necessary measures to counter such scams.”

A Growing Trend in Crypto Scams

Fake cryptocurrency schemes have been on the rise globally, and Morocco is not the only country dealing with such fraud. In a similar incident, a fake account impersonating Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee also emerged, misleading users about digital assets.

These scams often follow a pattern—posing as high-profile figures to gain credibility before promoting fraudulent investments. The goal? Convincing people to transfer money or sensitive data, often leading to financial losses.

• High-profile impersonation: Scammers use names of political leaders or celebrities to gain trust.
• Bogus investment opportunities: They promise high returns or exclusive deals on new digital currencies.
• Social media manipulation: Fake accounts create urgency, making people act without verification.

According to cybersecurity experts, fraudsters increasingly rely on social media to spread misinformation, using fake endorsements and doctored images to appear authentic.

Morocco’s Stance on Cryptocurrency and Online Fraud

The Moroccan government has maintained a cautious stance on cryptocurrency. The country’s central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib, has previously warned against the use of digital currencies due to their potential for fraud, money laundering, and financial instability.

Despite growing interest in crypto among Moroccans, officials remain firm that unregulated digital currencies pose risks. The latest scam underscores why the government has been hesitant to embrace crypto without clear regulations.

In response to the latest fraud case, Moroccan authorities are working with social media platforms to remove the fake account and prevent similar scams in the future. However, they also emphasize that individuals must remain vigilant.

What Citizens Should Do to Avoid Falling for Scams

With more scams emerging, staying informed is key. Moroccan officials advise the public to:

• Verify sources: Check official government accounts before trusting crypto-related news.
• Ignore suspicious offers: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Report fake accounts: Flag fraudulent social media profiles to prevent further scams.
• Educate others: Inform family and friends about the risks of online scams.

The rise in digital fraud highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and digital literacy. As scammers become more sophisticated, the responsibility to stay alert falls on both governments and individuals.

Morocco’s warning serves as a reminder—always think twice before engaging in any financial deal promoted online, especially when it involves cryptocurrency.