Twenty-three years to the day after filing for bankruptcy, energy company Enron claimed to be “back” in a cryptic X post on Monday, Dec. 2. Enron became infamous for an accounting fraud scandal that cost shareholders tens of billions of dollars and lost thousands of employees their hard-earned pensions.
“In the modern world you must accept change is the only constant,” the post narrated. “We understand this better than anyone and we’re here to lead by example.”
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The X post titled, “We’re back. Can we talk?” directs people to Enron.com, a website that claims the company is still an energy company, with the acronym of values: Energy, Nurture, Repentant, Opportunity and Nice.
We're back. Can we talk? pic.twitter.com/9kt4g0Q84Z
— Enron (@Enron) December 2, 2024
A press release reads, “In 2024, Enron begins a new chapter, dedicated to solving the world’s energy challenges with innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to a brighter future.”
A parody or a grift?
A closer look at the recruitment page shows the so-called employees are actually stock photos. There’s a company store selling Enron merchandise, like a $118 black hooded sweatshirt.
The fine print on the website’s terms of use and conditions of sale page gives the answer many have been looking for since the company’s resurfacing.
“THE INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE IS FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTED PARODY, REPRESENTS PERFORMANCE ART, AND IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY,” it reads.
The video reached millions Monday morning before Community Notes pointed out the parody language.
It sparked reactions on X like this one: “My grandparents were school teachers who lost $50k of their retirement savings to the Enron collapse. Absolutely thrilled that my children will be able to be scammed by Enron as well.”
Others speculated the company’s resurfacing tied back to a cryptocurrency venture.
The move is reminiscent of two years ago, when RadioShack relaunched as a crypto company, with wild tweets coming from the former electronics store account.
It hasn’t gone so well for them. RadioShack the crypto coin is down more than 99% today, about as relevant as a store selling VHS players.
