Hackers Hijack Microsoft X Account for Clippy Crypto Scam as Unofficial Clippy Desk Kit Sells for $14.50

For anyone who wants the paperclip mascot back without a meme coin, TechRadar pointed to a physical, unofficial Clippy desk accessory on Amazon. The Aphpaio Clippy Office Assistant Building Blocks kit is listed at $14.50, or about $15, and is sold as a 93-piece plastic brick model. It stands 5.4 inches tall and comes with three pairs of eyes that can be swapped to change its expression, packaged in a colorful gift box.

The kit is not licensed by Microsoft, according to the report. TechRadar described it as a harmless way to bring back the much-rolled-eyes mascot, unlike the version hackers used to promote crypto to Microsoft's X followers. The article said buyers who want an official Microsoft product should skip it, and those who do not want to spend an evening assembling 93 small pieces may also want to pass.

Amazon buyers rate the Clippy desk accessory 4.6 out of 5 from 201 ratings, TechRadar reported. Many reviewers praised the easy build and the nostalgia, and one reviewer said the bricks feel as good as Lego's. At $14.50, the price is $0.79, or 5%, below Amazon's $15.29 typical price. TechRadar said it could not find a reliable price history, so it could not say whether the kit has been cheaper.

TechRadar recommended the accessory for people who want a fun, nostalgic desk item or an inexpensive gift for an IT or office colleague. It said shoppers should skip it if they want an official Microsoft product or would rather not assemble 93 small pieces. The report positioned the physical kit as separate from the crypto scam that put Clippy back in the spotlight for a different reason.

Microsoft confirmed the unauthorized access after the CLIPPY token promotion, according to TechRadar. The report did not include further details about the attackers or the duration of the unauthorized access.