Crypto crime no longer feels rare. It now feels personal, in 2025, crypto criminals stole around $700 million from individual investors. The crimes did not rely on advanced tools, with most attacks using simple and familiar tricks
Crypto theft hurts in a different way. Every transfer stays visible on the blockchain, so victims can watch their stolen money moving but cannot stop it or reverse it.
Helen and her husband Richard experienced this pain. The UK couple saved in Cardano coins for seven years. They believed digital assets could secure their future. Hackers entered their cloud account and found wallet access details. Criminals tested the wallet first. Then they moved all coins in one quick transfer. The couple watched the funds shift between wallets for months.
Their story reflects a growing problem. Crypto ownership keeps rising, with about 12% of British adults owning crypto by 2024. Worldwide, more than 560 million people now hold digital coins. As ownership increased, crypto scams grew faster.
Research shows attacks on individuals doubled in three years. Cases rose from 40,000 in 2022 to nearly 80,000 in 2025. Individual crypto theft now makes up about one fifth of all stolen crypto value. Losses reached roughly $713 million. Many victims never report crimes, which hides the true scale.
Most crypto scams use simple methods. Phishing emails copy real exchange messages. Fake support teams call victims with urgent warnings. Criminals pressure people to move funds fast. Romance scams build trust over time before asking for crypto. Ponzi schemes promise steady profits that never exist.
Stolen personal data helps criminals succeed. Hackers buy leaked customer records from past data breaches. These files include emails, phone numbers, and spending habits. Criminals use them to find wealthy crypto holders. One scammer admitted earning over $1.5 million using fake exchange alerts.
Some crypto crimes turn violent. Criminals have attacked victims in their homes. The crypto community calls these incidents ‘wrench attacks.’ Thieves use threats or force to gain wallet access. Several cases in Europe and the UK involved kidnapping and serious injury.
Large crypto exchanges still suffer major hacks. Yet criminals now focus more on individuals. Improved exchange security pushed attackers toward private wallets. Self-custody gives freedom but removes protection.
Crypto regulation remains limited. In the UK, most crypto losses receive no compensation. Banks often refund fraud. Crypto platforms rarely do. The Financial Conduct Authority warns that people should expect to lose all money if scams occur.
Despite heavy losses, many victims stay interested in crypto. The promise of control still attracts investors. Criminals understand this belief. The $700 million stolen sends a clear message. Crypto may feel new. The scams are not.
Also Read: Budget 2026: Crypto Industry Seeks Regulatory Clarity and Tax Rationalisation