Retiree Loses $840K to Three Crypto Scams

A Hong Kong retiree, aged 66, lost about $840, 000 in a series of three crypto scams. The first contact happened on WhatsApp in September 2025. A person claimed to be a “virtual currency expert” and promised steady profits. The retiree sent $180, 000 and put crypto into a wallet the scammer controlled. When the person vanished, the retiree reported the theft to police. Not ready to accept the loss, the retiree searched online for another “crypto expert. ” This second scammer promised to recover the stolen money but first demanded a $75, 000 deposit. After paying, the second scammer also disappeared. A third fake specialist reached out via WhatsApp in January. He offered to recover both earlier losses if the retiree bought $585, 000 worth of crypto and sent it to a specified address. The retiree complied. That scammer also vanished, leaving the total loss at roughly $840, 000 over six months.The case shows how fraudsters reuse victims. They start with “guaranteed profit” pitches and then offer to recover stolen funds for a fee. Police warn that real professionals never use random outreach or promises of guaranteed returns. This incident is part of a larger trend. Web3 platforms lost about $3. 95 billion in 2025, mainly due to state‑linked hackers and weak security. Other countries are also fighting new phishing and investment scams, such as fake FBI tokens on Tron and a multi‑state Tether scam in the U. S. The retiree’s experience highlights the importance of checking a person’s credentials and being wary of unsolicited offers. Even simple phrases like “inside information” can signal a scam.