cryptoscam #coinbase #bitcoin #cryptosecurity

🚨 $16M Coinbase Crypto Scam Uncovered — Mastermind Arrested
Brooklyn prosecutors revealed on Friday that 23-year-old Ronald Spektor has been formally charged for orchestrating a $16 million crypto scam targeting nearly 100 Coinbase users.
🕵️‍♂️ How He Did It
Spektor, operating under the alias “lolimfeelingevil”, posed as a Coinbase support rep. Using fear and urgency, he tricked victims into transferring their crypto to wallets he controlled, draining accounts without exploiting technical vulnerabilities — pure social engineering.
🔄 Laundering Stolen Crypto
After the theft, Spektor allegedly tried to cover his tracks using:
Crypto mixing services
Token swap platforms
Crypto gambling websites
⚖️ 31 Criminal Charges
Spektor faces:
First-degree grand larceny
First-degree money laundering
Conspiracy to commit organized fraud
Authorities seized $105,000 in cash and $400,000 in digital assets. Recovery of additional funds is ongoing.
💬 Boasting & Gambling Losses
Spektor openly bragged on Telegram in a channel called “Blockchain enemies” and reportedly lost $6M through crypto gambling, showing how quickly illicit gains vanish.
🤝 Coinbase & Blockchain Investigators Involved
Coinbase worked closely with the Brooklyn DA’s Virtual Currency Unit, helping identify victims, trace stolen funds, and share on-chain data. One victim also contacted ZachXBT, a blockchain investigator, revealing individual losses of up to $6M.
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🔐 Security Concerns Continue
This case comes amid Coinbase scrutiny after a May data breach affecting 70,000 users, with estimated damages of up to $400M. Coinbase responded by:
Reimbursing scam victims
Strengthening partner oversight
Tightening internal security
🏠 Bail & Restrictions
Spektor lived with his father in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Bail was set at $500,000, but the court denied his father’s request to post it due to unclear funding sources.
⚠️ Key Takeaways for Crypto Users
Coinbase will never ask users to transfer funds
Verify all communication channels
Avoid acting under pressure or fear
💬 Discussion: Do you think social engineering is still the biggest crypto threat, even more than hacks?
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