American Tourist Loses $123,000 in Crypto to Fake Uber Scam in London

What began as a quick layover in London turned into a devastating loss for 30-year-old developer Jacob Irwin-Cline. In just one night, he lost $123,000 in crypto — all because of a fake Uber, a suspicious cigarette, and a moment of vulnerability.

The Setup

After a night out at Soho’s Roxy nightclub, Jacob ordered an Uber back to his hostel. A driver outside called his name — but the car didn’t match the app. He got in anyway.

The Trap

The driver offered a cigarette. Jacob accepted. It may have been laced with scopolamine, a powerful sedative often used in “zombie drug” crimes. Moments later, Jacob was slipping in and out of consciousness.

Dazed, he handed over his phone “to check directions.” Instead, the driver accessed his crypto apps and wallets — including Revolut.

The Aftermath

Jacob woke up hours later, abandoned on the outskirts of London. His devices were wiped clean. Total losses:

• $72K in XRP

• $50K in Bitcoin

• Minor altcoins

“They basically took everything I built over my life,” Jacob said.

Recovery? Nearly impossible. Most funds were in cold wallets with no insurance. Police confirmed it as a social engineering “key attack”, not a hack.

Market Update

• Bitcoin: ~$106,576

• XRP: ~$2.34, fueled by Ripple’s ongoing SEC case momentum

Takeaway:

Crypto security isn’t just about software — it’s about situational awareness. One mistake can cost everything.

Stay alert. Stay protected. Follow us for real crypto news and safety updates.

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Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always DYOR before investing.