NewsBTC
No Result
View All Result
  • Cryptocurrency News
    • Bitcoin News (BTC)
    • Ethereum News (ETH)
    • Ripple News (XRP)
    • Shiba Inu News (SHIB)
    • Cardano News (ADA)
    • Dogecoin News (DOGE)
    • Solana News (SOL)
    • Litecoin News (LTC)
    • Avalanche News (AVAX)
    • Polygon News (MATIC)
  • Crypto Prices
    • Binance Coin (BNB) Price
    • Bitcoin (BTC) Price
    • Cardano (ADA) Price
    • Chainlink (LINK) Price
    • Dogecoin (DOGE) Price
    • Ethereum (ETH) Price
    • Litecoin (LTC) Price
    • Polkadot (DOT) Price
  • Crypto Resources & Directory
  • All Crypto
  • Play GamesTry
  • CasinosTry
Breaking News: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana Rally Towards All-Time Highs: Top Analysts Share Predictions
  • Cryptocurrency News
    • Bitcoin News (BTC)
    • Ethereum News (ETH)
    • Ripple News (XRP)
    • Shiba Inu News (SHIB)
    • Cardano News (ADA)
    • Dogecoin News (DOGE)
    • Solana News (SOL)
    • Litecoin News (LTC)
    • Avalanche News (AVAX)
    • Polygon News (MATIC)
  • Crypto Prices
    • Binance Coin (BNB) Price
    • Bitcoin (BTC) Price
    • Cardano (ADA) Price
    • Chainlink (LINK) Price
    • Dogecoin (DOGE) Price
    • Ethereum (ETH) Price
    • Litecoin (LTC) Price
    • Polkadot (DOT) Price
  • Crypto Resources & Directory
  • All Crypto
  • Play GamesTry
  • CasinosTry
Bitcoin News
No Result
View All Result
Breaking News: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana Rally Towards All-Time Highs: Top Analysts Share Predictions

Crypto and Bitcoin Ransom: A Rapidly Growing Trend

Tony "The Bull" Severino
Tony "The Bull" Severino
6 years ago
4 mins read

Reason to trust

Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality
Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed
The highest standards in reporting and publishing
How Our News is Made

Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality

Ad discliamer

Morbi pretium leo et nisl aliquam mollis. Quisque arcu lorem, ultricies quis pellentesque nec, ullamcorper eu odio.

Between wild price volatility, the fear of Bitcoin-stealing malware, the risk of having assets left on an exchange that could become a target of hackers, and so much more, crypto investors are stuck looking over their shoulder at every turn.

Cyber criminals are pulling out all the stops, doing everything from creating fake websites, to hacking Twitter accounts of or impersonating public figures, in order to separate an investor from their crypto assets.

Last year, cryptojacking cases spiked, and social media platforms were rife with cryptocurrency giveaway scams. Now, cyber criminals are increasingly turning to crypto ransom schemes, demanding a sum of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, or else the cyber criminals will follow through with a serious threat.

Bitcoin Bomb Threats, Kidnappings, and More: Criminals Are Turning to Crypto Ransom

Within the last month alone, there have been widespread cases of Bitcoin ransom letters terrorizing the United States and Canada, a $10 million ransom in Monero in exchange for the safe return of a Norwegian millionaire’s wife, and in this latest example, a nearly $1 million ransom in Bitcoin was paid, yet the American individual at the center of a kidnapping case wasn’t returned safely as the criminals promised.

The owner of online gambling site 5Dimes, William Sean Creighton Kopko, has been missing since September 24th, according to authorities in Spain. The American businessman was visiting Costa Rica, when he vanished suddenly without a trace.

Criminals contacted Kopko’s family demanding a $950,800 ransom be paid in Bitcoin. Kopko’s family paid the ransom, and as many as 12 individuals have been arrested due to their alleged involvement in the case, yet Kopko has still yet to be returned safely. Cyber criminals have stopped all communication with the family after the ransom was paid, leaving the family and investigators with little to go on.

Related Reading | Monero and Privacy Coins Are Creating More Efficient Criminals

A similar case involving the wife of one of Norway’s wealthiest men was demanding $10 million in the privacy-centric crypto Monero for her safe return, however, authorities instructed the man not to pay the ransom, and instead were asking the public for information to help their investigation.

Before the close of 2018, the entire United States was up in arms over widespread Bitcoin-related bomb threats that were sweeping the nation. The FBI and NYPD both claimed the ransom-related threats were a hoax, however, it left many people in fear, and caused the closure of several businesses and government buildings.

Bitcoin Ransom Letters: It Can Happen To You

Often, people say to themselves “it won’t happen to me,” but in the case of Bitcoin ransom-related threats, this very reporter received one just last week.

Upon awaking my MacBook from its slumber, I was greeted by an email entitled “You have been hacked.” The cyber criminal claimed they had been watching me for “several months,” infecting my computer with “malicious software through an adult site” that the hacker claims I visited.

“The Trojan virus gives me complete access and control over a computer or other device. That means I can see everything on the screen and turn on the camera and microphone, but you’re not aware of this. Thus, I also got access to all your contacts,” the threat read.

The hacker had claimed they had taken control over my MacBook’s web cam, and had used it to make recordings the hacker was threatening to later send to my contacts unless I paid an $800 Bitcoin ransom.

Related Reading | Bitcoin Extortionists Turn From Blackmail to Bomb Threats

Initially, my stomach sank, fearing the worst. What did they have on me? After my initial gut reaction, I recalled a number of examples of Bitcoin-related ransom case I’d covered extensively as a reporter, and I quickly found comfort that the threat was empty, and little more than a hoax. Knowing I had capable malware-blocking software installed further provided ease of mind.. Then I became intrigued, even entertained by the letter.

The instance reminded me of a recent email being sent to residents of Paradise Vally, Arizona, that involved an email threatening to expose an affair if a sum of Bitcoin wasn’t promptly paid. Authorities also chalked this example up to being a hoax, but not before it gave unfaithful, married residents a real scare.

Having personally reported on more than a handful of cases in as many months, and having been victimized by a Bitcoin ransom email myself, it’s becoming evident that cyber criminals are finding success with this strategy, and a clear trend is rapidly forming.

Tweet123Share196ShareSend
Tony "The Bull" Severino
Tony "The Bull" Severino

Tony "The Bull" Severino

Tony "The Bull" Severino, CMT, is a distinguished figure in the cryptocurrency analysis sector, renowned for his in-depth technical expertise and innovative approach to market trends. As the Head of Research at NewsBTC, Tony leads a team dedicated to providing cutting-edge insights and forecasts, helping both novice and experienced traders navigate the complexities of the crypto market.
A seasoned Chartered Market Technician, Tony's prowess in identifying and capitalizing on market patterns is unmatched. His academic and professional journey in market analysis has firmly established him as a leading authority in technical trading strategies. Tony’s approach is heavily influenced by the principles of Elliott Wave Theory, a method known for its rigorous assessment of investor psychology and price movements.

Read more

Beyond his role at NewsBTC, Tony is the visionary founder of CoinChartist.io, an educational platform aimed at demystifying the nuances of cryptocurrency trading. CoinChartist.io serves as a valuable resource for traders seeking to enhance their technical analysis skills. The platform offers a range of learning tools and resources designed to empower traders with the knowledge to make informed trading decisions.

In addition to his educational initiatives, Tony is a prolific author and a dominant voice in the crypto community. He writes the CoinChartist VIP newsletter, a weekly dispatch that has become a staple among crypto enthusiasts, revered for its insightful analysis and actionable trading advice. This newsletter has consistently ranked as a best-seller on SubStack, boasting thousands of subscribers who rely on Tony’s expertise to guide their trading strategies.

Tony is also celebrated for his literary contributions to the field. He is the author of the highest-rated Crypto Trading Journal on Amazon.com, a testament to his ability to communicate complex trading concepts in an accessible manner. This journal is widely regarded as an essential tool for traders aiming to track their progress and refine their strategies.

Before his ascent in the financial analysis world, Tony honed his skills in journalism. His background in this field has endowed him with a unique ability to present intricate market dynamics in a clear and compelling manner, making his insights highly sought after by a broad audience that ranges from casual readers to professional traders.
His professional affiliations underscore his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. As a partner of Elliott Wave International and TradingView, Tony collaborates with other leading experts to enhance his knowledge and skills. His active membership in the CMT Association further aligns him with the highest standards of industry practices and ethics.

Tony’s nickname, "The Bull," aptly reflects his aggressive and optimistic outlook on the cryptocurrency markets. His forecasts often anticipate significant upturns, earning him a reputation for bullish predictions that have frequently led to lucrative outcomes for those who follow his advice.

In summary, Tony "The Bull" Severino, CMT, is more than just a technical analyst; he is a mentor, educator, and innovator whose influence in the cryptocurrency space continues to grow. His dedication to advancing the understanding of market forces and his commitment to providing high-quality, reliable analysis make him a pivotal figure in the world of cryptocurrency trading.

Close

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.

Related News

ethereum koers, ethereum daalt, eth koers, altcoins, crypto crash, bear market

Bitwise crypto expert bespreekt ETH koers pad naar $5000 – deze week mogelijk?

De Ethereum koers kan deze week nog een stijging maken naar een nieuw record boven de $5000. Een Bitwise crypto...

Lars Diederiksen 5 hours ago

TRX Repeats Its 2021 Setup: Volume Cooldown Signals Smart Money Accumulation

TRX is showing remarkable strength as the broader crypto market accelerates, with Bitcoin testing a new all-time high and altcoins...

Sebastian Villafuerte 5 hours ago
Best Wallet Benefits as Coinbase Adds P2P Payments in $USDC

Best Wallet Benefits as Coinbase Adds P2P Payments in $USDC

Coinbase has just made a big move to make sending crypto as simple as shooting off a text. They’ve introduced...

Aaron Walker 6 hours ago
Load More

Reason to trust

Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality
Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed
The highest standards in reporting and publishing
How Our News is Made

Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality

Ad discliamer

Morbi pretium leo et nisl aliquam mollis. Quisque arcu lorem, ultricies quis pellentesque nec, ullamcorper eu odio.

Related News

Crypto

Money Keeps Flowing: Crypto Funds Hit Record $6-B Inflows

Christian Encila 1 hour ago
Crypto altcoin news

SwissBorg Founder Predicts Biggest Crypto Altcoin Cycle ‘Of Our Lifetime’

Jake Simmons 2 hours ago
crise-budgetaire-france-envolee-bitcoin

Crise budgétaire en France : vers une envolée du Bitcoin ?

guillaumev 4 hours ago

Premium Sponsors

Press Releases

  • Инвестиране в „Uptober“? Крипто...

    22 minutes ago
  • Inwestowanie w „Uptober”? Dział krypto największego...

    34 minutes ago
  • Investovať do „Uptober“? Krypto oddelenie najväčšej brazílskej investičnej banky menuje 5 tokenov, ktoré si vyberie

    Investovať do „Uptober“? Krypto oddelenie najväčšej...

    39 minutes ago
  • Tri „veľrybami schválené“ altcoiny, ktoré si kúpite pred novembrom

    Tri „veľrybami schválené“ altcoiny, ktoré si...

    55 minutes ago
  • Trzy altcoiny „zatwierdzone przez wieloryby”, które warto kupić przed listopadem

    Trzy altcoiny „zatwierdzone przez wieloryby”, które...

    1 hour ago

Newsletter

About Us

NewsBTC is a cryptocurrency news service that covers bitcoin news today, technical analysis & forecasts for bitcoin price and other altcoins. Here at NewsBTC, we are dedicated to enlightening everyone about bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

We cover BTC news related to bitcoin exchanges, bitcoin mining and price forecasts for various cryptocurrencies.

Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Center

Social

© 2025 NewsBTC. All Rights Reserved.

  • Cryptocurrency News
    • Bitcoin News (BTC)
    • Ethereum News (ETH)
    • Ripple News (XRP)
    • Shiba Inu News (SHIB)
    • Cardano News (ADA)
    • Dogecoin News (DOGE)
    • Solana News (SOL)
    • Litecoin News (LTC)
    • Avalanche News (AVAX)
    • Polygon News (MATIC)
  • Crypto Prices
    • Binance Coin (BNB) Price
    • Bitcoin (BTC) Price
    • Cardano (ADA) Price
    • Chainlink (LINK) Price
    • Dogecoin (DOGE) Price
    • Ethereum (ETH) Price
    • Litecoin (LTC) Price
    • Polkadot (DOT) Price
  • Crypto Resources & Directory
  • All Crypto
  • Play Games
  • Casinos
Advertise

© 2025 NewsBTC. All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy Center or Cookie Policy.