Twitter, or X as it’s now branded, has always been a magnet for junk content. But in 2025, spam on the platform has taken on new shapes — more subtle, more automated, and in many cases, more harmful. What once looked like clunky bot posts or fake giveaways now often mimics real users, blends into comment threads, or hijacks trending discussions. The line between real content and spam is blurrier than ever.
1. Smarter Bots That Act Human
In previous years, spam bots were easy to spot. They posted strange links, used broken English, or had usernames like “@freebonus91823”. In 2025, bots are being trained to behave more like real users. Some now:
- Comment on trending posts using relevant hashtags
- Retweet news stories and quote them with short, opinionated takes
- Create full threads that appear original but subtly promote scams
- Use AI-generated profile pictures and bios that look authentic
The goal is to build a network of fake-but-believable accounts that can push an agenda, promote a product, or manipulate search visibility.
2. Crypto and Casino Spam Resurgence
While some spam types decline over time, others reappear with a facelift. Crypto and online casino spam is back in 2025, this time in a more embedded form. Instead of shouting “free spins” or “1000% token boost” in all caps, these posts often mimic real discussions.
You’ll see replies like:
“Been using this site for a few weeks — payout came quick. DM me if you want the link.”
Or:
“Thought this was a scam too, but ended up doubling my stake. Might be lucky tho?”
These replies often come from new accounts with very few followers but clean-looking profiles. They use social proof tactics to lure users into crypto betting sites, many of which are unlicensed. This tactic often spreads under threads by influencers, verified users, or financial commentators, trying to pass off promotional bait as casual discussion.
3. Quote Tweet Farming and Visibility Hijacking
In 2025, a major tactic in spam distribution is quote-tweet farming. Spam networks take viral tweets — often political or celebrity-related — and quote them repeatedly with fake support or manufactured outrage. These quote tweets:
- Flood timelines
- Appear in “Trending with” or “For You” sections
- Include links or promo tags buried in replies
The purpose is to ride on someone else’s visibility and slide in unrelated spam. It’s often used to promote drop-shipping schemes, phishing sites, or fake gambling apps. The scale is massive, and it’s harder to trace because the original tweet is legitimate.
4. Giveaway Impersonation and Brand Fakes
Fake giveaways are nothing new, but in 2025, they’ve gone hyper-realistic. Scammers now clone the profile of a popular brand or creator, often within minutes of the original account posting something viral. They run fake giveaways that:
- Ask users to retweet, follow, or DM
- Promise phones, consoles, or crypto in return
- Lead to phishing forms disguised as “winner registration”
Some even use promoted posts to reach larger audiences. Users often realise too late that they’ve given away email logins, wallet addresses, or other data. These scams now target UK users with geo-filtered ads, making them feel more local and trustworthy.
5. Automated Reply Chains and Hashtag Invasion
Another tactic gaining traction is the use of automated replies in a chain format. Bots now reply to one another in threads designed to look like real conversations. They often go like this:
Bot A: “Anyone tried A site for side income?”
Bot B: “Yeah I did — made £200 in a week lol.”
Bot C: “Wait really? What’s the link again?”
These chains are often injected under high-traffic tweets using hashtags like #SideHustle, #CryptoTips, #UKBetting, and more. The structure makes it look like a casual discovery, but it’s a scripted engagement to drive clicks or signups. And because the replies come quickly, they often dominate the “Latest” or “Relevant” tabs under posts.
6. AI-Powered Phishing DMs
Private messages (DMs) have always been a target for spam, but in 2025 they’ve become sharper. Some DMs are now generated using large language models, allowing them to respond to your tweets, tone, or bio in a way that feels personal.
For example:
“Hey, saw your tweet about crypto trading. I run a private group that shares alerts. Want in?”
Or:
“Your review on that game was spot on. Thought you might like this beta invite — let me know.”
These messages often link to fake logins, malware, or crypto-draining scripts. They don’t feel robotic anymore. They feel crafted — and that’s what makes them dangerous.
7. Fake Verification and Vanity Metrics
Since Twitter’s verification model shifted to a paid system, spam actors now use paid badges and fake metrics to appear credible. In 2025, you’ll see:
- Accounts with “verified” checkmarks promoting obvious scams
- Paid likes or reposts for fake engagement
- Bio links to unrelated shops, betting sites, or “investment” tools
The badge means less than it used to. And since there are now multiple badge colours (government, brand, personal), most users skim without thinking. Spammers use this visual clutter to sneak in, particularly in threads that already carry political or financial weight.
8. Spam via Trending Topic Hijack
Spammers now track UK-based trending topics using bots that scan for newly rising tags. The moment a topic trends, they start pushing unrelated replies that vaguely reference the trend while promoting spam.
Example:
- Topic: “Storms in Scotland”
Spam reply: “Hope everyone’s safe. If you’re stuck indoors, check this game I just won £500 on [link]”
This tactic works because people skim trending threads, and the reply feels semi-relevant. It’s subtle, but effective.
9. Fake Support Accounts
Another increasingly common method in 2025 is impersonation of support or help desks. Scammers monitor threads where users complain about service issues — with airlines, banks, or crypto wallets — and then reply pretending to be official support.
They often:
- Copy the branding of real customer service handles
- Ask users to DM or click a link for support
- Collect login info or seed malware
They tend to use phrases like “we’d like to resolve this for you — please verify ownership here”, followed by a phishing form. UK users have reported rising incidents linked to betting apps, online wallets, and payment processors.
10. Networked Spam Using AI Schedulers
Spammers now operate networks of hundreds of accounts run through AI-driven content schedulers. These tools vary in tone, language, and posting times, mimicking human inconsistency. This avoids detection by spam filters that previously relied on timing and repetition.
Some of these networks are trained specifically to target UK time zones, with coordinated tweets going live between 8 am – 11 am and 6 pm – 9 pm — peak hours for engagement.
Final Thoughts
Spam on Twitter in 2025 is no longer loud, clumsy, or obvious. It’s calculated. It blends into real conversations, mimics real users, and builds trust just long enough to strike. These tactics are more dangerous because they exploit human behaviour, not just algorithms.
