Early investors in bitcoin have become targets of criminals since the value of cryptocurrencies began to soar last year. Virtual currencies can be easily transferred to an anonymous address set up by a criminal. Digital coins can be easily transferred to an anonymous address, with no bank to stop the transaction or regain the funds, increasing the likelihood of a successful armed hold-up. The FBI has warned that hackers are targeting businesses and individuals who use digital currencies for legitimate purposes. In New York, a man was held captive by a friend until he transferred more than $1.8m in ether.
Early investors in bitcoin have become targets of criminals since the value of cryptocurrencies began to soar last year. Digital coins can be easily transferred to an anonymous address, with no bank to stop the transaction or regain the funds, increasing the likelihood of a successful armed hold-up. The FBI has warned that hackers are targeting businesses and individuals who use digital currencies for legitimate purposes. In New York, a man was held captive by a friend until he transferred more than $1.8m in ether.