A highly sophisticated crypto scam has shaken the UK after a fraudster posed as a senior law enforcement officer and stole £2.1 million ($2.8 million) worth of Bitcoin from a victim. The incident, reported by North Wales Police Cyber Crime Unit, highlights a disturbing new trend targeting long-term crypto holders.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the police, the victim was contacted by someone claiming to be a senior UK law enforcement officer. The scammer alleged that they had arrested an individual carrying the victim’s identification documents, warning of potential security breaches.
To exploit fear and urgency, the fraudster instructed the victim to “secure their crypto assets” by logging into their cold wallet using a link provided. Unaware of the trap, the victim entered their seed phrase on a fake website, giving the scammer full access to their Bitcoin wallet. Within moments, the $2.8 million in BTC was withdrawn.
Police believe the victim may have been identified through a data breach, making the scam highly targeted and deliberate. This marks a shift from basic crypto scams to complex social engineering tactics aimed at experienced holders using cold storage wallets.
Police Response and Safety Warnings
North Wales Police emphasized that law enforcement will NEVER contact individuals about their crypto assets or request access to cold storage devices.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Unexpected calls claiming to be from the police.
- Requests for seed phrases or wallet credentials.
- Urgent instructions to “secure funds.”
If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and verify by contacting the official police hotline.
This case isn’t isolated. The FBI recently warned about scammers using AI-powered deepfakes to impersonate officials and exchange employees, tricking victims into revealing sensitive information.
Police urge crypto holders to stay alert and never share private keys or seed phrases under any circumstances.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.