KATHMANDU: The FBI has launched an investigation after hackers hijacked Twitter accounts of a number of high-profile US figures in an apparent Bitcoin scam.

“The accounts appear to have been compromised in order to perpetuate cryptocurrency fraud,” said the bureau, urging the public to be vigilant.

Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Joe Biden were among those hit in what Twitter said was a “co-ordinated” attack.

The official accounts of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Kanye West also asked for donations in the cryptocurrency.

The social media platform was inundated with fake tweets that offered to send $2,000 for every $1,000 sent to an anonymous Bitcoin address.

(With inputs from Agencies)