In a troubling incident highlighting the dark side of cryptocurrency, TV star Dean Norris, known for his iconic role as Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad, had his X account hacked to promote a fraudulent memecoin. The scam, centered around a token named “DEAN,” leveraged Norris’ likeness in what turned out to be a pump-and-dump scheme that deceived investors.
The Hack and Dean Norris’ Response
On January 26, Norris addressed his followers in a video posted to his X account, clarifying that the DEAN memecoin was a “complete, fake scam.” He expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “I didn’t know I was hacked until I started getting texts from friends saying it’s out there.” Norris also criticized Reddit users who blamed him for the incident, saying, “Go f*** yourselves.”
Hackers had used his account to share promotional posts about DEAN, including a doctored image of Norris holding a sign with the token’s name and launch date. One particularly incriminating post included a video clip of Norris appearing to endorse the coin by saying, “Hey, it’s me, Dean, and on January 25th, I’m declaring it’s real.” However, users speculated the video may have been either a deepfake or a repurposed Cameo clip taken out of context. Norris is active on Cameo, a platform where fans can pay for personalized video messages from celebrities.
The Rise and Fall of DEAN Memecoin
According to blockchain tracker DexScreener, DEAN briefly soared to a market cap of approximately $8.43 million following its promotion on January 25. However, the token’s value quickly plummeted by over 96%, crashing to a market cap of less than $60,000. This rapid collapse is characteristic of pump-and-dump schemes, where scammers artificially inflate a token’s value before selling off their holdings, leaving other investors with worthless assets.
Memecoins like DEAN often attract attention due to their association with internet culture or celebrity endorsements. However, these tokens are frequently unregulated and highly speculative, making them vulnerable to fraudulent schemes.
Background on Memecoin Rug Pulls
The cryptocurrency world has seen a growing trend of memecoin-related scams, known as “rug pulls.” A rug pull occurs when developers of a token hype it up, collect funds from investors, and then abandon the project, often draining liquidity and leaving investors empty-handed.
One of the most infamous examples is the Squid Game token, which surged to a market cap of over $2.1 million before the developers abruptly disappeared, taking investors’ funds. These scams exploit the viral nature of memecoins, relying on hype rather than any intrinsic value or utility.
Scammers increasingly use social media platforms and celebrity endorsements—real or fabricated—to lend credibility to their schemes. In some cases, hackers hijack high-profile accounts to promote fraudulent tokens, as seen in Dean Norris’ situation.
Repeat Incident for Norris and Broader Implications
This isn’t the first time Dean Norris has been targeted by crypto scammers. In November, on-chain investigator ZachXBT reported that hackers associated with a former Fortnite pro player were involved in multiple account takeovers, including those of Norris, McDonald’s, and Usher, to promote dubious cryptocurrency projects.
The latest hack not only underscores the vulnerability of social media accounts but also raises questions about the growing prevalence of cryptocurrency scams. Memecoins, despite their lighthearted appeal, often lack regulatory oversight, leaving investors at significant risk.
Community Reactions and the Role of AI in Scams
While some Reddit users speculated that the hackers may have used AI-generated deepfakes to promote DEAN, others suggested the video was a manipulated Cameo clip. The potential use of artificial intelligence in such schemes is an alarming development, adding a new layer of sophistication to crypto scams.
In light of these events, Norris reiterated that he rarely uses X and does not have a Telegram account, further distancing himself from the scam. “This is not something I was involved in, and I feel terrible for anyone who lost money,” he said in a follow-up statement.
Protecting Against Crypto Scams
The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance in the cryptocurrency space. Investors should approach memecoins and celebrity endorsements with caution, conducting thorough research before investing. Meanwhile, platforms like X must bolster their security measures to protect high-profile accounts from being exploited.
As the crypto market continues to grow, so do the risks associated with it. For Dean Norris and the many others affected by similar scams, the incident serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges posed by the unregulated and often unpredictable world of cryptocurrency.
