2026-01-17 06:30:57

A significant security breach has surfaced, with one victim suffering losses exceeding $282 million in Litecoin and Bitcoin through a sophisticated hardware wallet social engineering attack.

According to security researchers, the attacker executed a phased liquidation strategy. Initially, a portion of the stolen LTC and BTC was converted into Monero—a move that noticeably spiked XMR's trading volume and price action.

The scheme didn't stop there. The attacker subsequently deployed THORChain's cross-chain functionality to move a staggering 818 Bitcoin (valued around $78 million) through multiple swaps. This large-scale asset conversion triggered considerable market movement and raised fresh concerns about security practices among high-net-worth crypto holders.

The incident underscores the persistent vulnerability in hardware wallet security protocols when combined with social engineering tactics, reminding the community that technical security measures alone may prove insufficient without proper operational discipline.

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LiquidityWizard

· 21h ago

Damn, 280 million dollars just gone like that? Social engineering is really next level... --- Hardware wallets can't save you either, you still have to guard against human nature --- Washing 818 BTC in one go... this guy's guts are really big --- The technical defense line is so easy to break, the key is that people are too greedy --- Why do some people always think hardware wallets are foolproof? --- Monero swapping coins, THORChain laundering... textbook-level operations --- I told you, social engineering is the most powerful hacking method --- This kind of loss is really unacceptable, it hurts --- Are high-net-worth users all so inexperienced? Can't defend against this trick

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RugDocScientist

· 21h ago

This guy is really outrageous... 2.8 billion RMB just gone like that, hardware wallets are no longer safe? --- A set of social engineering tricks, technical defenses are directly dismantled, still need to be more cautious --- 818 Bitcoins exchanged multiple times... how skilled must that operation be, it doesn't feel like the first time doing this --- Always saying hodl is safe, but one phone call and it's all gone, I just want to laugh --- The sudden surge in Monero trading volume can really reveal some clues; on-chain analysts should have already identified these anomalies --- No matter how secure a wallet is, it can't beat human desire; that scam method is timeless --- THORChain cross-chain liquidity is so easy to use... it feels like another tool for money laundering has appeared --- Just installing a system isn't enough; the key is that your mind must be sharp

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zkProofInThePudding

· 21h ago

Buddy, 280 million is gone... How outrageous are these social engineering tactics? --- Hardware wallets can't save you either; ultimately, you have to rely on yourself to avoid being scammed. --- 818 Bitcoins dumped in batches, this method is truly brilliant. --- It's just ridiculous. No matter how advanced the technology or how expensive the wallet, a single phone call can ruin everything. --- Monero transfers (XMR) are skyrocketing; it's all because this guy was scammed so thoroughly. --- Social engineering + cross-chain functionality, the attacker really knows what they're doing. --- Wallets are freezing cold, but people's hearts are still very warm... How can this be prevented? --- 282 million really can make people despair. If I were a victim, I would have already vomited blood. --- Controlling discipline can prevent it? Come on, you can't stop someone who truly wants to scam you. --- Having seen this kind of case many times, the money of the wealthy is still the easiest to scam.

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SellLowExpert

· 21h ago

Hardware wallets can't even prevent social engineering attacks. This guy was directly scammed out of 280 million, I was stunned.

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BlockchainWorker

· 21h ago

Damn, 282 million just disappeared like that? Are social engineers this good? --- Hardware wallets are no longer safe either, there's really nowhere left to store assets. --- I just want to know how this guy was scammed; no matter how advanced the technology is, it can't protect against human stupidity. --- THORChain's cross-chain cut of 818 Bitcoin—this move is pretty flashy. --- Honestly, it still comes down to discipline; technology can't prevent you from screwing up yourself. --- That wave of Monero was indeed impressive, directly anonymizing the sender; this method isn't something an average person can think of. --- This is outrageous; no matter how rich you are, you still have to live with your defenses, right? --- The problem isn't the wallet, it's that brain... --- Seeing this news, I am even more convinced that cold wallets stored at home, gathering dust, are truly the safest.

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gas_fee_trauma

· 22h ago

Damn, 28.2 billion gone? Are social engineering attacks this intense... I thought hardware wallets were the safest.

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AirdropJunkie

· 22h ago

Hmm… That’s why I never discuss my HODL positions online. I was truly scared to death. Hardware wallets can’t save you; social engineering is the most ruthless. This guy was really targeted precisely… I read the 280 million figure three times. So no matter how much technical security you have, it all comes down to people not slipping up. Using THORChain to wash coins is really crazy; 818 Bitcoin directly breaking the market. This case should be included in all new user onboarding… Don’t just listen to the talk about cold wallet security.

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