A US tourist in London got robbed after a fake taxi driver drugged him. The thief took off with a phone containing $123,000 in Bitcoin and the private keys to the wallet.
This happened to Jacob Irwin-Cline, who was visiting London. He tried to get a ride home from a bar using the Uber app. But he made a mistake – he got into a different car, not the one he requested.
The driver offered him a cigarette, which was probably laced with scopolamine. After smoking it, Cline passed out. When he woke up, the driver forced him out of the car and stole his phone.
Cline’s phone had more than just his personal info – it also had access to his cryptocurrency accounts. He didn’t have extra security measures in place, which cost him $123,000 in Bitcoin.
This isn’t the only case like this. There have been other attempts to kidnap and extort people in the crypto world.
For example, in May, French police rescued the father of a cryptocurrency exchange owner who had been kidnapped. The kidnappers wanted a ransom in cryptocurrency.
In another case, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the Paymium exchange, were targeted in a kidnapping attempt in Paris. They were able to fight back and escape.
These attacks show that people in the crypto world need to be careful. They should use precautions like bodyguards, private security services, and special protocols to protect themselves and their digital assets.
It’s not just about protecting yourself physically – it’s also about keeping your digital assets safe. This means keeping your private keys secure and considering using cold storage or multi-signature wallets, especially when traveling.
People in the crypto world are taking steps to protect themselves. Some are hiring bodyguards and using private security services to stay safe.
In the end, it’s all about being careful and taking the right precautions. Whether it’s using a secure wallet or being mindful of your surroundings, it’s crucial to protect yourself and your assets in the crypto world.