US Tourist Says Bitcoin, XRP Worth $123K Stolen After Ride With Fake Uber in London
Based on reports, the driver handed him a cigarette when Jacob was already half asleep. He says it felt odd right away. He thinks it was laced with scopolamine, a powerful sedative. This drug can make you feel calm, confused, or even forget what just happened. He lost consciousness for about 30 minutes. When he woke up, the taxi was gone.
His phone was the real prize. It held his private keys and gave full access to his crypto accounts. He later discovered the cab clipped him as he stumbled out. He spent days trying to track down the device. It was never returned. Now he has no way to tap into that $123,000 stash.
Experts urge crypto holders to use hardware wallets for large sums and only keep small amounts on a phone. They say matching every ride-share detail helps too. Check plates, car model, and driver name before you step in. Use long passcodes or biometric locks on phones. And if you carry big assets, think about a travel companion or security guard in unfamiliar places.
The growing number of violent crimes against crypto investors shows that digital money can attract more than just hackers online. It can draw real-world danger. Jacob Irwin-Cline’s loss is a stark reminder that convenience often comes at a cost. Stay alert, check the details, and keep most of your holdings offline. That way, you won’t wake up to a $123,000 hole in your pocket.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
