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Bitcoin Hacks, Fraud and Scams: How to Protect Yourself?

MNabilAli

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Bitcoin Hacks, Fraud and Scams: How to Protect Yourself?

Bitcoin, the world’s first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, has revolutionized the way we think about and use money. It has also, unfortunately, opened the door to a new type of crime: Bitcoin hacking, fraud and scams.

If you own bitcoin, or are thinking about buying some, it’s important to be aware of the various scams and frauds that can target you. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself:

Don’t fall for phishing attacks:

Scammers will often send fake emails or texts claiming to be from a legitimate bitcoin exchange or wallet service, asking you to click on a link and enter your login details. Don’t fall for it! If you receive an unsolicited message that seems suspicious, do not click on any links or enter your login information. Instead, go directly to the website of the exchange or wallet service in question and log in from there.

Use a reputable exchange:

If you’re buying bitcoin, be sure to use a reputable exchange. Look for an exchange that has a good reputation, a long track record, and a user-friendly interface. Avoid any exchange that seems shady or unprofessional.

Avoid Telegram scams:

Unfortunately, Telegram is full of fake initial coin offering, scam projects, Ponzi schemes, fake subscriptions to paid dump & dump groups ..etc. it is important to be cautious when interacting with unknown individuals or groups on the platform. Do not click on links or enter your personal information unless you are certain that the request is legitimate.

Be aware of exit scams:

Do not store your cryptocurrency in online crypto exchanges. Online Exchanges are not safe for storing cryptocurrencies. If you keep your private keys in a safe place, your coins can’t be stolen when an exchange is compromised. We have covered some exit scams before like: ADAX, Claymore and NovaChain. And always remember, Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins. It’s that simple.

Use a hardware wallet:

A hardware wallet is a special type of device that stores your bitcoin offline, making it much harder for hackers to steal your funds. If you own a significant amount of bitcoin, it’s a good idea to invest in a hardware wallet to keep your funds safe.

Don’t share your private keys:

Your private keys are like the passwords to your bitcoin and your cryptocurrency wallets. Keep them secret and secure, and never share them with anyone.

Be cautious of “free” bitcoin offers: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of any offer that claims to give you free bitcoin. These types of offers are often scams designed to steal your personal information or trick you into investing in a fake cryptocurrency.

Don’t fall for Bitcoin investment schemes:

These scams involve individuals being duped into investing in fake or fraudulent investment opportunities, resulting in the loss of their money. Always be cautious of “too good to be true” offers.

Avoid Rug pull scams:

Rug pull scams are a type of cryptocurrency scam in which a group creates a fake cryptocurrency and promotes it as a promising investment opportunity. The group will often use social media, Telegram, or other online platforms to promote the coin and get people to invest in it. Once the group has raised a significant amount of money, they will “pull the rug” out from under the investment by disappearing and leaving the investors with worthless coins. This type of scam is called a rug pull because it is similar to the action of pulling a rug out from under someone, causing them to fall. Rug pull scams are particularly insidious because they can be difficult to detect, and people who fall victim to them may lose significant amounts of money. It is important to be cautious when considering investments in cryptocurrencies and to thoroughly research any coin or project before investing.

Enable two-factor authentication:

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password when logging into your account. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to your account even if someone else gets hold of your password.

Use strong and unique passwords:

Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. It would be a good idea to use a password manager that can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.

Enable transaction notifications:

Some exchanges and wallets offer the option to receive notifications for all transactions. This can help you stay on top of your account activity and be aware of any unauthorized transactions.

Use a reputable antivirus software:

Installing antivirus software can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware that could compromise your bitcoin wallet or steal your personal information.

Enable account recovery options:

Many exchanges and wallets offer account recovery options, such as the ability to reset your password or access your account through a secondary email address. Enabling these options can help you regain access to your account in the event that you lose your login credentials.

Use a multi-sig wallet:

A multi-sig wallet requires multiple signatures, or approvals, before a transaction can be made. This can help protect your bitcoin from being stolen in the event that one of your signatures is compromised.

And finally, use a virtual private network (VPN):

A VPN can help protect your online activity and keep your connection secure when using the internet. This can be especially important when accessing your bitcoin wallet or making transactions.

    By following these tips, you can protect yourself from bitcoin fraud and scams. Remember to always be vigilant, and never share your personal information or login details with anyone.

    Daily cryptocurrency trader, miner, technology enthusiast and a full time IT and security consultant. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email him at [email protected]

    Bitcoin

    Craig Wright’s “Satoshi Nakamoto” Claim Debunked in UK Court Ruling

    June G. Bauer

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    The mysterious identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of Bitcoin, has been a burning question in the crypto world for over a decade. Several self-proclaimed candidates have stepped forward claiming to be Nakamoto, but their assertions have been widely doubted or disproven. One of the most vocal Nakamoto claimants is Australian computer scientist Craig Wright, but a recent UK court ruling has decisively undermined his case.

    In a lawsuit brought by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), a group representing crypto companies, the British High Court judge firmly rejected Wright’s claim to be the creator of Bitcoin. The evidence presented in court exposed critical flaws and deception in Wright’s story.

    According to the lawyer representing COPA, Jonathan Hough, Wright’s insistence on being Satoshi Nakamoto amounted to “a brazen lie and an elaborate false narrative supported by forgery on an industrial scale.” Hough argued that Wright had provided fabricated documents, backdated file edits, and even indications of using AI language models like ChatGPT years before they were publicly available.

    The judge, Justice Mellor, found the evidence overwhelmingly against Wright’s claims. In an unusually swift ruling, he stated unequivocally: “Dr. Wright is not the inventor of Bitcoin” and “Dr. Wright is not the author of the Bitcoin white paper, and he is not the person who adopted the name Satoshi Nakamoto.”

    This legal setback is just the latest blow to Wright’s efforts to establish himself as the elusive Bitcoin creator. In a separate case in 2018, Wright was sued for fraud by the estate of the late Dave Kleiman, an American computer scientist considered by some to be a potential Nakamoto candidate. Wright lost that lawsuit as well and was ordered to pay $100 million in damages.

    As the crypto community continues to speculate about Satoshi Nakamoto’s true identity, Craig Wright’s claims have been definitively dismissed by the UK court. The mystery endures, leaving open the question – who was the brilliant mind behind the revolutionary blockchain technology and the world’s first cryptocurrency? Only time may unravel the details shrouding Bitcoin’s enigmatic origins.

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    Former IcomTech CEO Admits Guilt in Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme

    sying.tien

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    In a recent development, Marco Ochoa, the former CEO of IcomTech, has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This admission of guilt is tied to the infamous Ponzi scheme orchestrated by IcomTech during Ochoa’s tenure as CEO, which lasted from the company’s inception in 2018 until 2019.

    The U.S. Department of Justice, in an official statement, revealed that IcomTech enticed investors with the promise of daily returns on investment products, all under the guise of being a cryptocurrency mining and trading enterprise. To attract unsuspecting customers, the company went to great lengths, including hosting extravagant expos and community events on a global scale. Additionally, IcomTech introduced its own digital token, known as an “Icom.”

    However, the shocking truth emerged that the company did not engage in cryptocurrency mining activities as claimed. Worse yet, investors found themselves unable to access the profits they believed were accumulating in their accounts. This deceitful scheme eventually unraveled, leading to the company’s collapse in late 2019.

    In the aftermath, legal charges were filed against Marco Ochoa and other high-ranking IcomTech executives in November 2022. As a result of his guilty plea, Ochoa now faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

    This latest revelation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when investing in the cryptocurrency space. It highlights the need for investors to exercise caution and skepticism, especially when confronted with promises of unrealistically high returns. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, staying informed and making informed decisions remains paramount to protect oneself from fraudulent schemes like the one perpetrated by IcomTech.

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    Robert Kiyosaki’s Bold Prediction: Citibank Tokens vs. Bitcoin and the US Dollar

    sying.tien

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    In a recent tweet that sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency community, renowned author and financial literacy advocate Robert Kiyosaki ignited a spirited debate about the future of Bitcoin and the US dollar. The tweet read:

    This bold statement has raised questions about the impact of traditional financial institutions like Citibank embracing blockchain technology and its potential implications for both Bitcoin and the US dollar.

    Citibank, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, made headlines by announcing its entry into the blockchain arena. The bank revealed its plans to leverage blockchain technology to create Citibank tokens, which will be backed by institutional savings. These tokens aim to facilitate instantaneous cross-border transactions, operating 24/7 without the limitations of traditional banking hours or international borders.

    Bitcoin, often hailed as “digital gold” and a store of value, has faced both optimism and skepticism since its inception. While some see it as the future of global finance, others view it as a speculative asset prone to volatility. Citibank’s move to introduce its blockchain-based tokens could potentially challenge Bitcoin’s status as the premier digital asset.

    Citibank’s tokens, backed by the credibility and stability of a major financial institution, may attract investors seeking a more secure and regulated digital asset. This development could lead to increased competition between Bitcoin and Citibank’s blockchain-based tokens, potentially impacting Bitcoin’s market dominance.

    The US dollar, long considered the world’s primary reserve currency, has faced its share of challenges in recent years, including inflation concerns and geopolitical uncertainties. Citibank’s blockchain technology could potentially offer an alternative means for cross-border transactions that is not reliant on the US dollar.

    As more institutions adopt blockchain-based solutions like Citibank’s, the traditional financial system’s reliance on the US dollar may gradually diminish. This could have far-reaching consequences for the global financial landscape, including potential shifts in currency preferences and a reduced role for the US dollar in international trade.

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