Jonathan the tortoise’s fake death used in crypto scam
6.6 Security A fake report of Jonathan the tortoise’s death was used in a crypto scam. The real veterinarian confirmed Jonathan is alive, exposing the fraud.
Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land tortoise, recently became the focus of a major online scam. An X account impersonating his veterinarian falsely announced Jonathan’s death, sparking widespread emotional reactions. The message was crafted to evoke sympathy and urged people to send cryptocurrency donations in Jonathan’s memory. International media outlets quickly picked up the story, amplifying the scam’s reach. However, the real veterinarian soon debunked the false claim, confirming that Jonathan is alive and well. This incident underscores how easily scammers can exploit the fame of iconic animals and public emotions to fraudulently solicit funds. The case serves as a reminder to verify information and be cautious of online donation requests, especially those involving cryptocurrency.
