A trader turned a modest $3,000 investment into nearly $2 million after a post from Binance co-founder CZ sent the memecoin “4” skyrocketing. The phenomenon highlights the power of hype in the crypto market and raises questions about the sustainability of such explosive gains.
In a striking example of the volatility and unpredictability of the crypto market, an anonymous trader transformed a mere $3,000 into an impressive fortune of around $2 million, fueled by the sudden popularity of the memecoin “4.” The story began after a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance’s co-founder and former CEO. While sharing a statement about a phishing incident on the BNB Chain, CZ mentioned the name of the token “4.” That single mention was enough to spark a wave of interest among retail investors and “smart money” funds, triggering a speculative frenzy around the asset.
According to data reported by Cointelegraph, the trader initially invested $3,000 worth of BNB, which within hours ballooned to a position valued at over $1.88 million, marking a return of more than 650×. Although the investor sold a small portion, the majority of the portfolio (over 98%) remains held in this token, underscoring both the scale of the windfall and the substantial risk of maintaining such a concentrated position.
The background of “4” is unusual: the token reportedly emerged after a phishing attack on BNB Chain that initially netted the attacker just $4,000. However, the crypto community responded ironically, buying the token as a symbolic gesture, turning a negative event into a viral meme. CZ’s post, instead of cooling the hype, acted as a catalyst that propelled the token’s visibility and market price.
At the same time, on-chain analysts identified entries from institutional investors or “smart money” who, attracted by the volume and media buzz, purchased around $100,000 worth of “4” in the last 24 hours. Still, such moves are typically associated with short-term strategies and high risk, prompting experts to warn of a potential sharp correction once social enthusiasm fade.
From a broader perspective, this episode underscores the power of social and media influence in crypto markets. The ability of a figure like CZ to trigger such dramatic price swings with a single post shows that narrative and collective psychology remain key forces in asset valuation, particularly in speculative segments like memecoins. At the same time, it raises concerns about the maturity of the ecosystem, as these events can draw in new participants but also encourage impulsive behavior and unrealistic expectations.
Ultimately, the story of the trader who turned a few thousand into millions serves as a reminder of the power of virality in the crypto era. Yet it also highlights the fragility of gains built on fleeting trends and underscores the need for financial education and critical analysis before joining hype-driven movements.
