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Crypto Scammers Exploit Data Leak To Steal Over $1.2 Million In Kent
According to Cointelegraph, crypto scammers have stolen over 1 million British pounds ($1.2 million) from nine residents in Kent, England, following a data leak that exposed personal information. On March 1, Kent Police issued a warning to residents to remain vigilant against ongoing cryptocurrency fraud attempts. The perpetrators accessed personal details from the data leak and used them to fabricate reports from the United Kingdom’s national reporting center, Action Fraud.
The scammers created fake reports and impersonated law enforcement to contact potential victims. They informed the victims that they were under investigation and would receive a call from the so-called “crypto wallet host.” Victims reported receiving a second call from a "security officer," who coerced them into revealing their crypto wallet seed phrases. These seed phrases, consisting of a 12 or 24-word combination, allow access to a crypto wallet. With this information, the fraudsters were able to reconstruct the wallets, steal the funds, and transfer them beyond recovery.
Detective Sergeant Darryll Paulson advised Kent residents to refrain from sharing personal information over the phone with anyone claiming to be the police or a crypto host. He highlighted that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, often creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly to prevent their funds from being stolen. In total, the nine victims lost more than $1.2 million due to the scam linked to the data leak.
Paulson also encouraged other victims to report the scam without feeling embarrassed, emphasizing that it only takes a moment of distraction to fall victim. Crypto investors are strongly advised against sharing their seed phrases with anyone, as this provides complete access to their funds and the ability to transfer or withdraw them at will.
The scammers created fake reports and impersonated law enforcement to contact potential victims. They informed the victims that they were under investigation and would receive a call from the so-called “crypto wallet host.” Victims reported receiving a second call from a "security officer," who coerced them into revealing their crypto wallet seed phrases. These seed phrases, consisting of a 12 or 24-word combination, allow access to a crypto wallet. With this information, the fraudsters were able to reconstruct the wallets, steal the funds, and transfer them beyond recovery.
Detective Sergeant Darryll Paulson advised Kent residents to refrain from sharing personal information over the phone with anyone claiming to be the police or a crypto host. He highlighted that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, often creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly to prevent their funds from being stolen. In total, the nine victims lost more than $1.2 million due to the scam linked to the data leak.
Paulson also encouraged other victims to report the scam without feeling embarrassed, emphasizing that it only takes a moment of distraction to fall victim. Crypto investors are strongly advised against sharing their seed phrases with anyone, as this provides complete access to their funds and the ability to transfer or withdraw them at will.
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