Originally published on: October 13, 2024
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has issued a warning about a surge in offline theft targeting crypto traders. According to ZachXBT, there has been a noticeable increase in reports from individuals claiming to be victims of in-person crypto robberies.
In a recent post, ZachXBT highlighted cases of crypto home invasion thefts primarily occurring in Western Europe, with a significant rise in incidents compared to other regions. In a previous message shared via his Telegram channel, he also mentioned instances where individuals within the crypto community were held at gunpoint and had their digital assets stolen.
ZachXBT further elaborated on a case where a victim lost $4.3 million in crypto during a home invasion after their personal information was exposed through a data breach. The thieves meticulously planned the robbery by pretending to deliver a package to the victim’s residence before entering armed with machetes and coercing the victim to transfer funds to specific wallet addresses.
Despite the alarming increase in offline crypto theft, ZachXBT offers practical advice to protect oneself from such incidents. He advises against sharing personal information or flaunting crypto holdings on social media to avoid becoming a target.
Incorporating data from GitHub, it is revealed that there have been numerous recorded cases of offline crypto theft worldwide, emphasizing the need for increased security measures within the crypto community. Incidents date back to 2014, with notable instances of extortion and violent robberies targeting individuals with significant digital assets.
As the crypto industry continues to evolve, ensuring robust security practices and vigilance against offline threats is paramount for safeguarding one’s digital wealth. Stay informed to stay protected in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies.