The attackers used the platform to promote a fake cryptocurrency called $FCB coin, claiming it was built on the Solana blockchain. While the club quickly regained control of the account, the incident highlights the growing risks associated with crypto scams targeting high‑profile brands.
Fake Coins and Fan Exploitation
The $FCB token scam exploited both Barcelona’s global fanbase and the hype around Solana, a blockchain known for fast, low‑cost transactions. Hackers presented the coin as an official club initiative, promising special rewards and early access benefits. Unsuspecting fans who tried to buy or trade the token risked losing funds to the attackers, with no recourse due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.
@FCBarcelona Instagram account got hacked, hacker posted some promotional posts of a fake coin $FCB
▫️ The scam token pumped to $3 Million before crashing to $45,000
▫️ There is no statement issued yet from the club yet
▫️ The coin was launched on pump fun with a fake… pic.twitter.com/m3ty2ktP4s
— Crypto Aman (@cryptoamanclub) October 7, 2025
This incident mirrors past high‑profile social media hacks in crypto. For example, in 2020, the Twitter accounts of many celebrities were compromised to promote a Bitcoin giveaway scam. Attackers accumulated over $100,000 in minutes. The lesson is clear: hackers often use trusted brands and influential figures to manipulate users into sending digital assets.
BREAKING: FC Barcelona’s official social media accounts including Instagram were hacked 6hours ago
Hackers promoted a meme coin, $FCB on https://t.co/hE2dY3fQCg. The token briefly hit a $3M market cap before crashing to ~$50K pic.twitter.com/xK9FJTboLl— Amie (@babyboocrypto) October 7, 2025
The FC Barcelona hack underscores the importance of verification and cautious participation in crypto promotions. Fans and investors should always check official announcements through multiple channels before interacting with new tokens. Exchanges and wallets with robust security measures. For example, two‑factor authentication and official verification can help mitigate risk.
Protecting Fans and Investors
Regulators and blockchain projects are increasingly focusing on combating scams. Blockchains like Solana have introduced tools to track suspicious token creation and alert users to potential fraud. Here is one example. Investors are also turning to verified NFT drops and official token launches as safer entry points into crypto ecosystems. Here is another example:
Introducing the Trojan Token Scanner
All the info you need in one place.Monitor new Raydium and Pumpfun pools the instant they get created.
Get notified of pool burns, token revokes and Pumpfun migrations to Raydium. 🐴 pic.twitter.com/uvb7aJcnq7
— Trojan on Solana (@TrojanOnSolana) April 29, 2024
While FC Barcelona quickly regained control of its Instagram account, the $FCB token scam is a reminder that digital assets tied to well‑known brands can be exploited. For crypto newcomers and seasoned investors alike, due diligence is essential. Checking official sources, understanding the underlying blockchain, and being cautious with unverified tokens can prevent losses.