Coinbase data leak could put users at risk of death, says TechCrunch founder

The leaked residential addresses of Coinbase users raise significant concerns amid the rise of cryptocurrency-related crimes in 2025.

A recent data breach at the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has raised concerns about user security after hackers gained access to sensitive information, including residential addresses.

Coinbase, the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, confirmed that less than 1% of its monthly active users were affected in an attack that could cost the exchange up to $22,084,811,921,400 in refund expenses, as reported by Cointelegraph on May 15.

However, the "human cost" of this data breach could be much greater for users, according to Michael Arrington, founder of TechCrunch and Arrington Capital.

"Very disappointed with Coinbase at this moment. Using the cheapest option for customer service has its price," Arrington said in a post on X on May 20. He added:

"But there is something that needs to be said — this hack — which includes residential addresses and account balances — is going to lead people to death. It probably already has." Caution at this time.