


Scan the devices you use to handle your currency and make sure they are clean.

Approaches to dealing with stolen virtual currencyĬheck your devices for malware - It is worth considering that a malicious software infection may have led to the hacker accessing your currency. Even if you successfully use public ledgers to trace the currency, since most cryptocurrency is decentralized there aren't many routes you can follow to get it back. However, money does leave a trail and you may be able to follow it to the identity of the criminal. In theory, it’s possible to track your stolen bitcoin by monitoring the blockchain – in practice, however, this is made difficult by both the anonymous nature of the currency and the fact that the thief will most likely use a bitcoin exchange to trade the currency for normal cash straight away. Once your virtual currency has been stolen it is incredibly unlikely that you will be able to recover it. They may be able to retain some information about the transaction that could come in useful in an investigation. Notify the exchange/provider - If you have purchased or are storing your currency with a service provider then let them know about the breach and the fraudulent transactions. This should lock the criminal out of the account. They will log the crime and give you a crime reference number.Ĭhange your login details - If you are still able to login to your account then follow the normal procedure to reset your password and other security information. Hacked virtual currency account - Do this now!Ĭontact the police - Report the crime to Action Fraud or Police Scotland. We want to better understand the impact of you experiencing this issue, can you share your experience by filling in this online form? This will help us better protect future victims. Whether targeting your wallet directly or hacking the exchanges once cyber criminals have access to your currency you need to act fast! Cryptocurrencies are a high priority target for cyber criminals.
