Tag Archives: vulnerability

economy, finance, technology

Bitcoin ATMs Under Fire: How Scammers Steal Millions From Victims

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**Federal Prosecutors Warn Bitcoin ATMs Facilitate Widespread Cryptocurrency Scams**

Federal prosecutors have raised concerns about Bitcoin ATMs being used to facilitate widespread cryptocurrency scams across the United States. Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb has revealed that these machines have enabled scammers to steal millions of dollars from victims, with elderly individuals being the primary targets.

### Rising Scam Reports Linked to Bitcoin ATMs

Across multiple counties in the U.S., reports of cryptocurrency fraud cases involving Bitcoin ATMs are on the rise. Scammers often exploit vulnerable older adults through fear tactics, such as falsely claiming that relatives are facing arrest or that victims owe penalties for missing jury duty. These criminals then demand payment in Bitcoin and direct victims to nearby Bitcoin ATMs to complete the transactions.

The effectiveness of these scams lies in the sense of panic and urgency created by the perpetrators. Victims feel compelled to act quickly without verifying the authenticity of the claims.

### A Victim’s Story: Maryland Retiree Loses Life Savings

Maryland retiree Diane Reynolds is one such victim of a Bitcoin ATM scam. She received an online message warning that access to her computer had been blocked and advising her against turning it on or off. Following instructions, Reynolds called a provided phone number supposedly for tech support, but instead reached a scammer.

The scammer claimed hackers had accessed her bank accounts and insisted she must convert her money to Bitcoin immediately. Under pressure, Reynolds withdrew her entire bank balance of approximately $13,100. The scammers directed her to use a Bitcoin ATM at a local gas station operated by Athena Bitcoin, a company running over 4,000 Bitcoin ATM terminals across multiple states.

### Concerns Over Bitcoin ATM Operators

Attorney General Schwalb notes that Reynolds’ case is just one of many similar incidents nationwide. These schemes have become increasingly common in recent months, with Bitcoin ATMs serving as tools scammers use to defraud people.

“Bitcoin ATMs are a tool that scammers, that criminals, are using to separate people,” Schwalb said. He added that while operators are aware of these criminal activities, they often fail to put sufficient measures in place to prevent fraud.

Additionally, Bitcoin ATM operators profit from each transaction through substantial fees, even when deposits result from fraudulent activity. This financial incentive, Schwalb argues, undermines efforts to combat fraud.

### Legal Action Against Athena Bitcoin

In September, Schwalb filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, alleging that the company charged undisclosed transaction fees and failed to implement adequate anti-fraud measures. These legal actions aim to hold Bitcoin ATM operators accountable for enabling theft through their systems.

### Company Response and Defense

Athena Bitcoin strongly denies the allegations. According to company representatives, their Bitcoin ATMs include multiple fraud prevention features designed to protect customers.

“Our kiosks employ multiple safeguards, from prominent warnings and daily transaction limits to five separate verification screens designed to prevent coerced transactions,” the company stated. Athena Bitcoin plans to vigorously defend itself against the charges in upcoming court proceedings.

### Victim’s Legal Pursuit

Diane Reynolds has also initiated legal action against Athena Bitcoin. Her attorney, Vaught Stewart, contends that the company knowingly allowed fraud to occur and profited from the transaction despite clear warning signs of criminal activity.

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As cryptocurrency scams continue to evolve, authorities urge the public—especially the elderly—to remain vigilant when approached with urgent demands for Bitcoin payments via ATMs. Awareness and verification remain key tools in preventing financial loss from such fraudulent schemes.
https://coincentral.com/bitcoin-atms-under-fire-how-scammers-steal-millions-from-victims/

business, economy, finance, technology

Mt. Gox Extends Bitcoin Repayment Deadline to 2026 for Creditors

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**Mt. Gox Repayments: What You Need to Know About the 2014 Bitcoin Exchange Collapse**

Mt. Gox, once handling 70% of global Bitcoin trades, famously collapsed in 2014 after losing 850,000 BTC to hacks. The exchange’s bankruptcy left thousands of creditors waiting over a decade for refunds. Payments finally began two years ago, amid significant market volatility.

Recent data from on-chain analytics indicates Mt. Gox still holds approximately 34,689 BTC, valued at nearly $4 billion as of late 2025.

Discover the latest on Mt. Gox repayments—delays have pushed distributions to 2026, meaning creditors must wait longer for Bitcoin refunds from the infamous 2014 hack. Stay informed on crypto history and recovery efforts.

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### What Are Mt. Gox Repayments?

Mt. Gox repayments refer to the ongoing process of distributing recovered Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash to creditors of the defunct exchange that filed for bankruptcy in 2014. This initiative is managed by rehabilitation trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi and officially began in July 2024, following years of legal and logistical preparations to ensure compliance and security.

To date, approximately 19,500 creditors have received partial refunds. However, the full repayment process has been extended to conclude by **October 31, 2026**, due to procedural challenges involving verification, regulatory compliance, and coordination with various exchanges.

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### How Did the Mt. Gox Hack Occur?

The Mt. Gox hack exploited a vulnerability known as **transaction malleability**, which allowed attackers to alter transaction IDs undetected for years. This exploit enabled hackers to siphon off 850,000 BTC—nearly 7% of the total Bitcoin supply at the time.

The breach remained unnoticed until early 2014 and resulted in losses valued at $475 million then—but this is equivalent to over $97 billion today, based on Bitcoin prices around $100,000 per coin.

According to reports from the U.S. Department of Justice, two Russian nationals were charged in 2023 with laundering 647,000 BTC stolen in a 2011 incident linked to the hack. This investigation also led to the recovery of 140,000 BTC, currently worth about $16 billion.

Mt. Gox’s former CEO, Mark Karpeles, has emphasized the importance of cautious investment. Meanwhile, regulatory pressures compounded the exchange’s difficulties; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seized $5 million in funds for Mt. Gox’s failure to register as a money transmitter.

Bankruptcy filings revealed liabilities of $64 million against $38 million in assets, affecting 127,000 creditors—most of whom were located outside Japan. Trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi has continued efforts to recover damages and pursue justice, as noted in official rehabilitation updates.

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### Frequently Asked Questions

**What caused Mt. Gox to go bankrupt in 2014?**
Mt. Gox’s bankruptcy was caused by a massive hack that drained 850,000 BTC through transaction malleability, combined with increasing regulatory scrutiny from U.S. authorities and a lawsuit from partner CoinLab. The exchange suspended operations in February 2014 and subsequently filed for bankruptcy in Tokyo, revealing insolvency due to debts exceeding assets and prioritizing creditor protection under Japanese law.

**When will Mt. Gox creditors receive full repayments?**
Full repayments are now expected to conclude by **October 31, 2026**, following extensions from the original 2024 deadline. Delays are attributed to the need for verifying creditor details, ensuring compliance with regulations across different jurisdictions, and coordinating secure distributions of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash with exchanges.

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### Key Takeaways

– **Historical Significance:** Mt. Gox’s 2014 collapse exposed early vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency systems, influencing security improvements such as the 2017 SegWit upgrade.
– **Repayment Progress:** Since July 2024, over 19,500 creditors have been at least partially reimbursed. Procedural hurdles, however, have extended the timeline to 2026. Approximately $4 billion worth of BTC remains held by the trustee.
– **Market Implications:** Initial payouts triggered Bitcoin sell-offs, while further delays may stabilize prices by spacing out distributions and reducing immediate supply pressure.

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### Conclusion

The saga of Mt. Gox repayments underscores both the resilience and complexity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Though the Mt. Gox hack remains a cautionary tale from over a decade ago, the ongoing process—overseen by trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi and extended through 2026—promises fair distributions of recovered assets worth billions.

As the crypto industry matures, resolutions like these strengthen investor trust and regulatory frameworks. Stakeholders and investors should monitor updates closely for potential market impacts.

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*Editor’s note: This story was originally published on July 14, 2024, and last updated with new details on October 28, 2025.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/mt-gox-extends-bitcoin-repayment-deadline-to-2026-for-creditors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mt-gox-extends-bitcoin-repayment-deadline-to-2026-for-creditors

general

Insider Testifies MIT Brothers Allegedly Planned $25M Crypto Heist for Months

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Travis Chen, a quantitative trader who worked for the brothers’ company, testified in Manhattan federal court about a December 2022 meeting where the brothers outlined an alleged scheme to exploit a software vulnerability in Ethereum’s MEV-Boost protocol.

Chen, a former employee of Anton and James Peraire-Bueno’s firm 18decimal, described the operation, code-named “Omakase,” which was designed to profit at the expense of sandwich bots — automated trading programs that capitalize on price movements by inserting their own transactions before and after a pending trade, effectively “sandwiching” it to generate profit from the resulting price slippage. In this case, the brothers reportedly planned to use the bots’ own tactics against them.

During the trial, Chen testified under a nonprosecution agreement that required him to forfeit $2.4 million — his share of the alleged heist. Notes from the December 2022 planning meeting revealed that the brothers anticipated making $6 million from the operation, with potential to earn “way higher” amounts if they could “trap them all at once.”

According to prosecutors, the MIT-educated brothers spent months analyzing trading patterns and designed eight “bait” transactions to attract sandwich bots. Once the bots engaged, they allegedly exploited a vulnerability allowing them to drain the bots’ funds by restructuring blocks to their advantage.

The scheme was reportedly executed by April 2, 2023, netting approximately $25 million in just 12 seconds. The brothers face wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges, each carrying up to 20 years in prison. They went on trial last Tuesday after rejecting a plea deal.

Further testimony revealed that the brothers, as validators on Ethereum’s blockchain, exploited a glitch that allowed early access to transaction data before block finalization. Prosecutors also allege the brothers searched online for phrases such as “how to wash crypto” and “top crypto lawyers” during their planning, though the defense has sought to exclude this evidence, arguing the searches took place during privileged communications with attorneys.

Flashbots developer Robert Miller also testified that the vulnerability was fixed within 24 hours of the exploit. He stated that the alleged perpetrators later contacted him anonymously, asking him not to refer to their activity as an “exploit” in exchange for details of a similar strategy. Miller said he accepted the proposal, though the defense had objected to his testimony earlier, claiming it would be based on his expertise rather than direct investigation.

The trial continues as the court examines the full scope of the brothers’ actions and intentions in this unprecedented crypto trading heist.
https://decrypt.co/344933/insider-testifies-mit-brothers-allegedly-planned-25m-crypto-heist

acting, culture, entertainment, film

5 standout Julianne Nicholson performances you can’t miss

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**5 Standout Julianne Nicholson Performances You Can’t Miss**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 13, 2025, 10:29 AM*

Julianne Nicholson is an actor who has made a significant mark with her versatile performances across the film industry. From dramas to thrillers, she has showcased her range and proven her mettle time and again. Here, we explore five of her most memorable performances that highlight her talent and dedication to the craft. Each role offers a unique glimpse into her depth as an actor.

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### 1. *The Love Letter* – A Romantic Drama

In *The Love Letter*, Nicholson plays a woman who stumbles upon an old love letter and becomes obsessed with its writer. The film delicately explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. Nicholson delivers a performance that is both poignant and powerful, skillfully navigating the emotional complexities of her character. Her portrayal beautifully balances vulnerability and strength, making this one of her most unforgettable roles.

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### 2. *August: Osage County* – A Family Saga

In the critically acclaimed *August: Osage County*, Nicholson portrays Ivy Weston, a member of a deeply dysfunctional family reunited after a tragedy. Her subtle and emotionally rich performance captures a character torn between loyalty and self-preservation. Nicholson’s nuanced take adds meaningful layers to the story, standing out as a highlight in her impressive filmography.

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### 3. *Murder One* – A Gripping Legal Thriller

Nicholson takes on a key role in the legal thriller series *Murder One*, which follows an attorney handling high-profile cases while facing personal challenges. Her portrayal is marked by intelligence and determination as she confronts complex legal battles. Nicholson’s performance injects tension and intrigue into the series, making it essential viewing for fans of compelling courtroom dramas.

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### 4. *Tully* – A Modern-Day Motherhood Tale

In *Tully*, Nicholson plays an important supporting role in this heartfelt story about the challenges of modern motherhood. The film examines the pressures new mothers face with both humor and honesty. Nicholson’s relatable and sincere performance captures the struggle to maintain one’s identity amid the demands of parenthood. Her authentic portrayal resonates deeply with audiences who appreciate contemporary, truthful storytelling.

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### 5. *The Company You Keep* – An Espionage Thriller

In *The Company You Keep*, Nicholson portrays a tenacious investigative journalist uncovering long-buried secrets in this suspenseful espionage thriller. Driven by truth, her character is willing to risk everything for the story. Nicholson’s intense and compelling performance heightens the film’s suspense and intrigue, making it a must-watch for viewers who enjoy thrilling narratives packed with unexpected twists.

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Julianne Nicholson’s diverse body of work continues to impress, showcasing her ability to fully inhabit a wide array of characters. These five standout performances are a testament to her skill, emotional depth, and unwavering commitment to storytelling. Whether in drama, thriller, or family saga, Nicholson’s work is not to be missed.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/julianne-nicholson-5-must-watch-performances/story

acting, entertainment, personality

The secret behind Timothée Chalamet’s authentic persona

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**The Secret Behind Timothée Chalamet’s Authentic Persona**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 06, 2025, 01:40 PM*

Timothée Chalamet has become a household name known for his authentic performances and unique style. The young actor has redefined what authenticity means in Hollywood through his remarkable ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. From his choice of roles to his off-screen persona, Chalamet shows that authenticity is not just about being real—it’s about being true to oneself. Here’s how he does it.

### Embracing Vulnerability in Roles

One key to Chalamet’s authenticity is his willingness to embrace vulnerability in his performances. He often selects characters that are complex and emotionally nuanced, allowing him to express a broad spectrum of human emotions. This openness resonates strongly with audiences, creating a deeper connection to the stories he portrays. By portraying flawed and vulnerable characters without hesitation, Chalamet proves that true strength lies in honesty and emotional depth.

### Staying True to Personal Style

Chalamet’s fashion choices are another reflection of his authentic self. His style is a bold mix of individuality and nonconformity. Frequently opting for unconventional outfits on the red carpet, he challenges traditional norms of celebrity fashion. By refusing to adhere to expected standards, he reinforces the idea that authenticity means staying true to who you are—not what others expect you to be.

### Thoughtful Engagement with Social Issues

Beyond acting and fashion, Chalamet’s thoughtful engagement with social issues also highlights his authenticity. He uses his platform to raise awareness about important causes such as climate change and mental health. This commitment shows that for Chalamet, making a meaningful difference goes beyond entertainment. His genuine concern encourages fans to appreciate him not only as an actor but also as a socially conscious individual.

### Balancing Fame and Privacy

In an era dominated by social media and celebrity culture, Chalamet has successfully maintained a healthy balance between public life and personal privacy. He shares glimpses of his world without oversharing or compromising his personal boundaries. This careful balance allows him to remain relatable while protecting his sense of self amid external pressures.

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Timothée Chalamet’s authenticity shines through in every aspect of his life and career. By embracing vulnerability, staying true to his style, engaging thoughtfully with social causes, and maintaining his privacy, he continues to set a new standard for what it means to be genuine in Hollywood.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/timoth-e-chalamet-the-actor-who-epitomizes-authenticity/story