U.S. Tourist Drugged and Robbed of $123,000 in Cryptocurrency by Fake Uber Driver in London
A shocking incident involving a U.S. tourist in London underscores the growing risks associated with cryptocurrency thefts.
Jacob Irwin-Cline, a 30-year-old American visiting the UK on a brief layover, was targeted after a night out in Soho. According to reports from local news sources, this unfortunate event began when Jacob requested an Uber to return to his hostel.
A Deceptive Encounter
Under the impression that he was getting into the right vehicle, Jacob was misled by the driver, who identified himself as “Mohammed” using the name shown in the app. Cline noted that although the driver seemed friendly, the make and model of the car did not match what was displayed on his Uber application.
Inside the vehicle, the driver offered Jacob a cigarette, which he now suspects contained a powerful sedative. His last coherent memory was of taking a drag before he quickly lost consciousness, only to awaken later abandoned on the street with both his phone and crypto wallet stolen.
Loss Confirmed, Fear of Recovery
The loss, confirmed by Cline, amounts to a staggering $123,000 in cryptocurrency. He mentioned reaching out to the FBI’s cybercrime division but expressed skepticism regarding the recovery of his stolen digital assets.
Increasing Incidence of Crypto Crimes
This incident adds to a worrying series of crypto-related crimes that prey on unsuspecting tourists and investors. As interest in digital currencies continues to surge, so do the threats faced by those storing significant amounts in mobile wallets or other unsecured locations.
Just weeks prior, the father of a prominent crypto exchange founder was kidnapped in France, with criminals demanding a ransom. In an alarming separate instance, Pierre Noizat, the CEO of Paymium, faced an attempted abduction involving his daughter and grandson in the heart of Paris. This prompted French authorities to introduce enhanced protective measures for crypto professionals and their families, including prioritized police response and specialized home security checks.
In the United States, shocking reports emerged of three teenagers in Florida kidnapping a man post-crypto event in Las Vegas, coercing him into transferring millions in digital assets before leaving him abandoned and stranded in the desert.
Conclusion
As stories like Jacob’s continue to unfold, it is clear that more robust security measures and heightened awareness are necessary for anyone engaged in cryptocurrency investments. The increasing trend of targeted crimes against individuals in the crypto space demands a collective response to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
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