#OneBigBeautifulBill 🚨 *At just 15 years old, Joseph James O'Connor, known as PlugWalkJoe, pulled off one of the most audacious SIM swap scams in history.*
What began as teenage curiosity quickly spiraled into a scheme that netted over *$24 million*. By mastering the art of SIM swapping, he manipulated telecom companies to transfer phone numbers to SIM cards he controlled. This clever tactic granted him access to crucial SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA), enabling him to hijack cryptocurrency wallets, emails, and social media accounts.
In a stunning 2019 heist, Joe and his associates targeted a crypto entrepreneur, draining wallets of a staggering *$24 million* in just hours. The thrill of his newfound wealth led him to a lavish lifestyle filled with private flights, luxury penthouses, and extravagant spending, reminiscent of the infamous "Wolf of Wall Street."
However, the party came to an abrupt end when a partner turned informant, leading to Joe's arrest in Spain in 2021. Once extradited to the U.S., he faced justice and was sentenced to *five years in federal prison* in 2023.
The key takeaway? Despite advancements in security, SIM swaps continue to pose a massive threat in the digital age. For those with significant cryptocurrency investments, it's vital to forgo SMS-based 2FA in favor of more secure options like *hardware keys (Yubikey, Ledger).* Stay vigilant and protect your assets!#Write2Earn $BTC $SOL $BNB