xAI Token Launch Is a Scam – This Fake Presale Drains Crypto Wallets

If you landed on this article after searching for the “xAI Token Launch” or a website claiming Elon Musk launched a new crypto token, you’re in the right place.

This scam has nothing to do with Elon Musk. It’s a sophisticated cryptocurrency fraud designed to trick victims into sending their digital assets to cybercriminals. The fake campaign promises exclusive presale access to a revolutionary AI-integrated token allegedly launched by Musk — but in reality, it’s just another elaborate rug pull with zero real tokens and no way to get your money back.

In this investigation, we’ll break down the xAI Token Launch Scam step by step. You’ll learn how the scheme works, how scammers use fake news sites to build trust, and what you can do if you’ve fallen victim.

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Scam Overview

The “xAI Token Launch” scam is a fake cryptocurrency presale campaign that uses Elon Musk’s name, image, and branding to trick users into believing they’re buying into a legitimate investment.

Scammers created fake news articles on cloned domains like:

  • xa44d-cointelegraph[.]com (designed to look like Cointelegraph)
  • xa44d[.]com (allegedly the “official” token site)
  • chainxaitoken[.]net (the fake presale platform)

The fake article claims Elon Musk has launched a revolutionary “XA44D Token”, supposedly integrating blockchain and AI technologies under his xAI company. It promotes the idea of “early access” to this token at a discounted presale price, promising massive profits once the token “goes live.”

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The site looks professional — it copies logos, fonts, and layouts from reputable crypto news platforms. It includes fabricated quotes, fake statistics, and even AI-generated videos of Elon Musk “announcing” the token.

Once victims click the “JOIN PRESALE” button, they’re redirected to the fake presale site. This page shows a mock-up swap interface, allowing users to “buy” the nonexistent xAI token using real cryptocurrencies such as:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Binance Coin (BNB)
  • Tether (USDT)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Ripple (XRP)
  • Dogecoin (DOGE)
  • Cardano (ADA)

No real token is ever delivered. Once the funds are sent to the scammer’s wallet, they’re gone. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, meaning victims cannot recover their assets.

Reported Scammer Wallet Addresses:

  • Bitcoin: bc1qhc7jyf8rmr7wpqmp5283sha424fw4ssnfc9sa0
  • Ethereum / Binance / Tether: 0xA2a89c5703aCD1170272674a22630b184Fb301de
  • Solana: 2XqekCRjst8eNgUED5XLjAcbngxFZQePjpanHo4Z64ax
  • Ripple: rwQmbrsYe8a6JPorZBrWX2QxBhr96Zkvu9
  • Dogecoin: D7ekPbjNedLy6dKuVbLE66hqc3U6j7MYNt
  • Cardano: addr1qyyn8mc56chv54utc8h7ax296795ylj475lxjajr2587 9384wchjpcwygl4q5jt3p8dx8ydlhl5zans2n5lulgxqf9hspx007s

The scam is designed to look legitimate. It’s a near-perfect replica of Cointelegraph, a well-known crypto news site. The scammers exploit:

  • Brand trust — by using names like Cointelegraph and Elon Musk
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) — with claims of early presale discounts
  • Hype around AI and crypto — a powerful marketing combination
  • Social media advertising — especially on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

This is not the first time Elon Musk’s name has been hijacked by scammers. Similar scams — involving fake Tesla tokens, giveaways, and AI investment schemes — have cost victims millions of dollars globally.

Key Points About the Scam

  • It mimics reputable crypto websites to appear trustworthy.
  • It uses fake Musk announcements and AI-generated media.
  • It pressures users to act fast with claims of “limited presale.”
  • It accepts multiple cryptocurrencies — making tracing harder.
  • It offers fake bonuses like “200% early bird bonus.”
  • No token is delivered — the funds go directly to scammer-controlled wallets.

How the Scam Works

The xAI Token Launch scam is carefully engineered. Every step of the funnel is optimized to look legitimate, instill urgency, and extract funds.

Step 1: Hooking the Victim with Fake News and Social Media Ads

The scam starts with aggressive advertising on major social platforms:

  • Facebook sponsored posts
  • Instagram reels
  • TikTok videos
  • YouTube ads and comment spam

The ads often feature AI-generated deepfake videos of Elon Musk, showing him “explaining” how this new “xAI Token” will revolutionize the crypto market.

The messages sound believable:

“Elon Musk launches XA44D Token – The next evolution of blockchain and AI. Early investors can get up to 200% bonus during presale.”

The links in the ads lead to fake news articles hosted on cloned websites like xa44d-cointelegraph[.]com. These pages look almost identical to real Cointelegraph pages, including fake journalist names, fake timestamps, and fake share counts.

Step 2: Fake News Page → Fake Presale Website

After reading the fabricated article, victims click on “Join Presale” or “Buy Token”, which redirects them to the fake presale site (xa44d[.]com or chainxaitoken[.]net).

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This site mimics the structure of popular token launchpads like PinkSale, CoinList, or Binance Launchpad.

It contains:

  • Countdown timers (“Only 2 hours left!”)
  • Fake total raised amounts (“$12,000,000+ raised”)
  • Bonus offers (“200% for early buyers”)
  • “Verified Contract” labels (fake badges)
  • Fake audits (nonexistent companies or forged PDF links)

All of these elements create a sense of urgency and legitimacy.

Step 3: Wallet Connection and Fake Swap Interface

The scam then asks users to connect their wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet).

After connecting:

  • The site requests approval to access the wallet.
  • It may ask for unlimited spending approval of tokens.
  • It prompts the victim to “Swap” ETH/BTC/BNB/USDT for xAI tokens.

But in reality:

  • There is no real token contract.
  • The wallet approval allows malicious contracts to drain the victim’s funds.
  • Any crypto sent goes to the scammer’s address, not a liquidity pool.

Some victims lose funds simply by approving the malicious contract, even before sending money.

Step 4: Victim Transfers Funds — and Gets Nothing

Once the victim confirms the transaction, the funds are immediately transferred to one of the scammer-controlled wallet addresses.

The website may show a fake confirmation:

“Congratulations! Your XA44D tokens will appear in your wallet shortly.”

But no tokens ever arrive. If the victim tries to contact support, they’re either ignored or shown automated fake responses.

Step 5: Exit and Domain Recycling

Scammers know that such domains will eventually be flagged and taken down. So:

  • They rotate domains frequently.
  • They change wallet addresses.
  • They update fake articles with new headlines.
  • They clone other reputable sites (e.g., Bloomberg, TechCrunch, The Verge).

This allows them to run the scam for weeks or months while evading detection.

Real-Life Victim Stories

Unfortunately, this isn’t just theory. There are real victims who’ve lost life savings to scams like this.

  • A woman in Washington sent $63,000 thinking she was investing in Elon Musk’s crypto project.
  • A man in North Carolina drained his 401k, losing over $500,000 to an “Elon Musk token” scam.
  • A Florida principal sent a $100,000 check after watching a livestream she thought was for Tesla.

These aren’t isolated cases. Scammers impersonating Musk have stolen tens of millions of dollars globally, often through AI-generated videos and fake investment platforms.

Common Tactics Used in the xAI Token Launch Scam

  1. Fake Endorsements
    AI-generated videos and fake articles make it look like Elon Musk or other celebrities are promoting the token.
  2. Impersonating Reputable Brands
    The domains mimic Cointelegraph or other trusted media sites.
  3. High-Pressure Sales Language
    “Limited offer,” “Only 2 hours left,” “200% bonus” — these are psychological manipulation tools.
  4. Fake Token Metrics
    The site displays fake stats such as total raised funds, total buyers, and trending charts.
  5. Fake Wallet Integrations
    The presale page uses UI elements similar to legitimate DeFi platforms, tricking even experienced users.
  6. Rotating Infrastructure
    Once flagged, scammers move to new domains, reset wallets, and continue.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam

If you sent crypto to this scam or approved a malicious contract, time is critical. While crypto transactions cannot be reversed, you can mitigate further damage and report the crime.

1. Revoke Wallet Permissions Immediately

If you connected your wallet and approved a malicious contract, go to:

Revoke any suspicious approvals immediately to prevent further asset drainage.

2. Transfer Remaining Funds to a New Wallet

If your wallet is compromised, create a new wallet and transfer any remaining assets. Do not keep funds in the compromised wallet.

3. Report the Scam to Official Authorities

Depending on your country, report the incident to:

4. Report Wallet Addresses to Exchanges and Block Explorers

Report the scammer’s wallet addresses to:

  • Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc. (in case stolen funds are moved to an exchange)
  • Block explorers (Etherscan, BSCScan, Solscan, Cardanoscan)

They may flag the address and help track future movements.

5. Gather and Preserve Evidence

  • Take screenshots of the fake site, wallet transactions, and ads.
  • Keep the transaction hash.
  • Save emails, chats, or messages from scammers.

This information will be useful for law enforcement.

6. Warn Others

Post about your experience on:

  • Reddit (r/scams, r/cryptocurrency)
  • Twitter / X
  • Scam reporting platforms

Victims warning others is often how scams are exposed and shut down faster.

7. Consult a Blockchain Investigator (Optional)

If you lost a significant amount, consider hiring a blockchain forensics expert. While the chances of recovery are slim, professionals may:

  • Track stolen funds
  • Identify mixers or exchange points
  • Provide legal evidence for court proceedings

This scam is part of a larger ecosystem of Elon Musk impersonation schemes. Some known fake domains include:

  • ceomusk.org
  • elonbitcoin.fun
  • elonchristmas.com
  • fastmars.net
  • investmuskspace.icu
  • marsway.net
  • myteslatoken.com
  • teslaminingplatform.aphatrad.com
  • teslapresale.net
  • teslatoken-presale.online
  • x-coin-platform.io

All of these sites use similar templates, fake giveaways, and deepfake videos.

How to Identify a Fake Token Launch (Red Flags)

  1. Celebrity Endorsements
    Elon Musk does not launch public presales or token projects. If a site claims otherwise, it’s fake.
  2. Domain Names with Misspellings
    Sites like xa44d-cointelegraph[.]com mimic real domains but have slight differences.
  3. Unverified Smart Contracts
    No real blockchain explorer verification.
  4. Unrealistic Promises
    “200% guaranteed bonus” is a red flag. No legitimate project guarantees profits.
  5. Lack of Whitepaper or Audit
    Legitimate projects have detailed documentation and third-party audits.
  6. Aggressive Countdown Timers
    Scammers use timers to force rushed decisions.
  7. Limited Communication Channels
    Fake sites often have no real support team, just a Telegram or email.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Crypto Scams

  • Always verify URLs. Check for misspellings or extra characters in domain names.
  • Never trust celebrity-endorsed crypto schemes. Musk doesn’t run token sales.
  • Research before investing. Look for legitimate whitepapers, audits, and exchange listings.
  • Use hardware wallets. Don’t connect your primary wallet to unknown sites.
  • Bookmark official news sources. Don’t rely on search ads.
  • Enable wallet security alerts. Use services that monitor approvals and drains.
  • Join crypto communities. Scams are often exposed quickly in reputable forums.

The Bigger Picture: Elon Musk Scams

Elon Musk’s popularity makes him a prime target for impersonation scams.

From Tesla Token scams to SpaceX investment frauds, Musk’s name has been abused in thousands of schemes:

  • Fake Twitter giveaways
  • Deepfake livestreams on YouTube
  • Phishing campaigns using Musk’s photos
  • Scam tokens on Binance Smart Chain and Ethereum

Why scammers love Musk:

  • His image instantly builds trust.
  • His projects are associated with innovation.
  • Many investors don’t verify information when FOMO hits.

This is why xAI Token Launch is just the latest — and likely not the last — scam abusing Musk’s name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the xAI Token Launch scam?
The xAI Token Launch scam is a fraudulent cryptocurrency presale that uses Elon Musk’s name and fake branding to trick people into sending their funds to cybercriminals. Scammers set up fake websites and news articles that claim Elon Musk has launched a new blockchain and AI-powered token called XA44D. They promise early access, presale discounts, and massive returns, but in reality, no token exists. Once victims transfer funds or connect their wallets, the scammers either steal their crypto directly or use malicious contracts to drain their wallets.

Is Elon Musk really launching the XA44D token?
No. Elon Musk has not launched any XA44D token or any cryptocurrency presale. Scammers often impersonate Musk or use deepfake AI videos to make it look like he’s endorsing the project. Official companies like xAI, SpaceX, Neuralink, or Tesla are not associated with any public token presale. Any website claiming otherwise is part of a scam.

Why does this scam look so convincing?
The xAI Token Launch scam is designed to look professional and legitimate. Scammers clone popular news websites like Cointelegraph, use real logos, similar fonts, fake journalist names, and AI-generated Musk videos. The fake presale pages mimic legitimate crypto launchpads, display fake countdown timers, show “total funds raised,” and offer fake bonuses like “200% for early buyers.” All of these psychological tactics create urgency and build false trust.

What happens if I send crypto to the xAI Token presale?
If you send cryptocurrency to the wallet addresses promoted on these fake websites, your funds will be stolen. You will not receive any XA44D tokens or any return on your investment. Since cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, once the money is sent, it cannot be recovered. Scammers may also gain access to your wallet through malicious approvals, allowing them to drain additional funds.

Can I get my money back after being scammed?
In most cases, recovering funds sent to scam wallets is not possible. Cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous and irreversible. However, you should still report the incident to the appropriate authorities, including your national cybercrime unit, IC3.gov if you are in the US, or Chainabuse.com. Reporting helps increase awareness, flag the scammer’s wallets, and may prevent further losses for others.

What should I do immediately if I fell for this scam?
If you connected your wallet to the fake presale site or sent funds, act quickly. First, revoke any token approvals using trusted tools such as revoke.cash or Etherscan’s token approval checker. Next, transfer any remaining funds to a new wallet to prevent further losses. Then, gather evidence including transaction hashes, screenshots, and links to the scam site. Finally, report the scam to your local cybercrime authorities and post warnings on forums and social media to help others avoid it.

How do scammers promote the xAI Token Launch scam?
Scammers rely heavily on social media ads and fake news articles. They use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter to spread AI-generated Musk videos and fake headlines. The links in these ads lead to cloned news domains or fake presale pages. The campaigns often include high-pressure language like “Only 2 hours left” or “Get 200% early bonus,” pushing people to act without verifying.

What are some common red flags that indicate a fake token launch?
Some clear warning signs include misspelled or suspicious domain names, promises of guaranteed profits, fake celebrity endorsements, countdown timers pressuring you to buy, fake audits, no real whitepaper, and an overall lack of transparency. Real projects have verifiable smart contracts, audits from known firms, transparent team information, and legitimate exchange listings. Scams rely on creating urgency and trust through deception.

Can connecting my wallet to a scam site compromise my crypto?
Yes. Connecting your wallet to a malicious website can expose your assets even without sending funds. Many scam sites trick users into approving unlimited token spending or signing malicious smart contracts. Once approved, scammers can drain tokens from your wallet at any time. That’s why revoking approvals immediately is critical if you ever interact with a suspicious site.

How can I protect myself from future crypto scams like this?
Always verify URLs and domain names carefully. Do not trust investment opportunities tied to celebrity endorsements. Research every project on trusted crypto sources, check if the token is listed on major exchanges, and review contract addresses on official block explorers. Use hardware wallets, enable alerts for approvals and transactions, and never rush into buying during “limited presales” without verifying authenticity. Following these steps can significantly reduce your risk of falling for scams like the xAI Token Launch.

Where can I report the xAI Token Launch scam?
You can report the scam to multiple trusted sources, including the FBI’s IC3.gov, Chainabuse.com, national cybercrime units, and the platforms where the ads were seen (such as Facebook or YouTube). You can also warn the crypto community through Reddit forums like r/scams and r/cryptocurrency. Reporting helps authorities track scammer wallets and may prevent others from losing money.

The Bottom Line

The xAI Token Launch Scam is a well-executed fraud that exploits Elon Musk’s public image, deepfake technology, and people’s FOMO around AI and crypto.

Victims are lured with promises of early access, bonuses, and celebrity backing. They end up sending real crypto to scammers — and receiving nothing in return.

Elon Musk is not launching a token. He is not giving away crypto. And no legitimate investment opportunity will ever guarantee profits.

If you’ve been targeted by this scam:

  • Revoke wallet permissions
  • Transfer your assets
  • Report the incident
  • Warn others

Staying informed is your best defense. Bookmark official sources, verify claims, and remember: if something sounds too good to be true — especially in crypto — it almost always is.

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Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
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