A recent case of losing a significant amount of Bitcoin highlights the risks associated with purchasing hardware wallets from third parties.
Case of Bitcoin Theft
A woman lost her entire Bitcoin holdings worth nearly $250,000 after unknowingly purchasing a compromised hardware wallet through JD.com. This was confirmed by blockchain security firm SlowMist, which stated that the device had been tampered with before reaching the victim.
Dangers of Buying Hardware Wallets
The victim bought an imToken-branded hardware wallet, seemingly sold by a legitimate vendor on a well-known Chinese marketplace. After making several transactions, she found that all her Bitcoin had been transferred to unknown addresses. It turned out the scammers had preloaded the wallet with a seed phrase, giving them full access once the first transaction was made.
Safety Recommendations
Experts warn users against buying hardware wallets from third-party sellers, regardless of how legitimate the site appears. It is advised to only purchase from official manufacturer websites to ensure security. Additionally, any new wallet should be reset and a new seed phrase created to protect funds.
The situation emphasizes the importance of caution and education regarding security when using cold wallets. Understanding how these devices work is critical to safeguarding digital assets.
