Stunning Theft Targeting Cryptocurrency Holders Occurs in London
An American tourist lost the majority of his savings, approximately $123,000 worth of cryptocurrency, after getting into a vehicle disguised as an Uber in downtown London.
(Background: French Interior Minister urgently summons wealthy crypto holders! A series of kidnappings and ransom situations have erupted; avoid wearing Web3 clothing and flaunting transactions online.)
(Additional context: TikTok beauty kidnaps Saudi royal family member for “Bitcoin ransom,” and surprisingly, she doesn’t even have to serve prison time after being arrested?)
New Type of Cryptocurrency Scam Emerges with Ride-Sharing Services
Recently, a 36-year-old American tourist, Jacob Irwin-Cline, encountered a man claiming to be an Uber driver while requesting a ride from Soho’s Old Compton Street to Bethnal Green in East London. The driver presented himself as being dispatched by Uber, and the victim thought he resembled the profile photo on the app; however, he did not verify the license plate and was led to a nearby black sedan, which was different from what was described on Uber.
Driver Drugged Victim and Demanded Wallet Password
Shortly after getting into the car, the driver handed him a cigarette. After Jacob mentioned he had quit smoking, the driver insisted, “Come on, it’s just a cigarette.” Under the driver’s persuasion, Jacob took a few puffs, after which everything changed. Jacob recalled that the cigarette was likely drugged, as he felt himself fade in and out of consciousness for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the driver took his phone “to check the destination,” browsed several apps, and asked for the password to his wallet app.
When Jacob finally regained his senses, the driver abruptly slammed on the brakes and calmly instructed him to get out in a completely unfamiliar location. Confused, Jacob complied and exited the vehicle. As it drove away, it struck him hard, resulting in a fractured hip joint, making it difficult for him to walk properly.
After the robbery, Jacob managed to get assistance from passersby to return to central London. Upon discovering that he had been logged out of his cryptocurrency wallet, he went back to his hotel, used his laptop, and, with a friend’s help, retrieved his recovery phrase to restore his wallet address. However, he found that all of his approximately $123,000 worth of cryptocurrency had been transferred away, which constituted nearly all of his assets.
Police Have Launched an Investigation; Victim Urges Vigilance
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a report regarding this case and stated that an investigation is ongoing, with no suspects arrested yet. Victim Jacob expressed regret for easily accepting a cigarette from a stranger and handing his phone over to someone he did not know. He also mentioned that he might have been less vigilant due to alcohol consumption at the time. He hopes that by sharing his painful experience, he can alert other cryptocurrency holders, especially those visiting London, to remain vigilant against similar scams and thefts.
This incident highlights that cryptocurrency holders are increasingly becoming targets for scams, with criminals extending their methods beyond online hacking or phishing to include real-life contact crimes. They exploit the convenience of ride-sharing services and the trust of passengers, establishing a new modus operandi.
New Challenges for the Security of Physical Assets
The case of the fake Uber driver stealing cryptocurrency in London serves as a warning bell for all digital asset holders. Many individuals use mobile applications to store their cryptocurrencies without additional security verification methods. In the past, to promote wallet usage and increase registration rates, many service providers opted not to require users to add 2FA, back up recovery phrases, or set additional passwords when first opening accounts, thus creating opportunities for criminals.
Recent trends in cryptocurrency crime also indicate a shift towards physical crimes. France has experienced multiple kidnapping and ransom incidents involving notable figures in the cryptocurrency community, including the founder of Ledger, indicating that holding cryptocurrency has become a tangible threat in certain areas.
We remind readers that criminal methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse. While enjoying the potential benefits that cryptocurrency brings, users must prioritize the security of their assets. It is essential to continuously learn and update security knowledge, adopt multi-layered and comprehensive protective measures, and maintain a low profile to effectively guard against potential risks and protect their digital wealth.
