Invest ideasNews
14 Feb 2026, 08:09
Treasury’s Bessent Says Crypto Clarity Act Could Calm Markets
The cryptocurrency market has swung sharply in recent weeks, with both Bitcoin and Ethereum trading well below the record levels they reached last year. Key Takeaways: Bessent says the proposed Clarity Act could reduce uncertainty and stabilize crypto markets. He attributes part of Bitcoin’s recent drop to industry resistance to regulation. The bill faces political hurdles and opposition from some firms despite a 62% passage outlook. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes a pending regulatory framework could help steady sentiment. Speaking to CNBC on Friday , Bessent said passage of the proposed Clarity Act, a market structure bill aimed at defining oversight of digital assets, would ease uncertainty among investors. Bessent Urges Swift Passage of Crypto Clarity Bill This Spring “Some clarity on the Clarity bill would give great comfort to the market,” he said, adding that lawmakers should move quickly to place the legislation on the president’s desk this spring. Bessent described part of the recent downturn as avoidable. Bitcoin has fallen more than 29% over the past month, a decline he characterized as partly driven by industry resistance to regulation. “There is a group of Democrats who want to work with Republicans on getting a market structure bill,” he said. “But there are a group of crypto firms who have been blocking it… that doesn’t seem to have been good for the overall crypto community.” His latest comments were more measured than earlier criticisms directed at companies opposing the proposal. In recent interviews, Bessent labeled dissenting firms “recalcitrant actors” and argued that participants unwilling to operate under a regulatory framework could relocate elsewhere. Thank you to @SenLummis for your continued efforts in the Senate to advance critical market structure legislation for digital assets. As I said during my testimony, it is vital that the CLARITY Act is signed into law. The digital asset revolution is here, and I am confident… pic.twitter.com/XJQabS9wBZ — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) February 6, 2026 US-based exchange Coinbase withdrew support over provisions restricting companies from offering yield on stablecoins to retail users. Chief executive Brian Armstrong said at the time the firm would prefer no legislation over one it considers flawed. Political dynamics could also shape the bill’s prospects. Bessent warned that a shift in congressional control following upcoming midterm elections might halt negotiations entirely. He also pointed to prior regulatory pressure on the sector, saying policies during the previous administration came close to an “extinction event” for parts of the industry. Prediction market Polymarket currently assigns roughly a 62% probability that the Clarity Act becomes law by the end of 2026. Gold Rally, Clarity Act Uncertainty a Turning Point for Crypto As reported, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has said that gold’s surge past $5,000 an ounce and mounting uncertainty around US crypto legislation are shaping a critical moment for digital asset markets. Hougan said the combination of rising demand for assets outside government control and fading confidence in near-term regulatory clarity could influence both crypto adoption and price action in the months ahead. He also flagged growing uncertainty around the Clarity Act , legislation aimed at cementing a pro-crypto regulatory framework in the US. Political and geopolitical factors are adding further uncertainty. Internal divisions at the Fed, combined with leadership questions and rising tensions following a US naval deployment toward Iran, have pushed investors toward traditional havens. “This flight to safety is bypassing Bitcoin entirely in favor of tangible commodities. Until the geopolitical dust settles or the Fed turns the liquidity taps back on, Bitcoin remains a high-risk play in a world looking for a bunker. The post Treasury’s Bessent Says Crypto Clarity Act Could Calm Markets appeared first on Cryptonews .
14 Feb 2026, 07:52
Ripple CEO Puts This Bull Signal At 75% By April, XRP Army Says This Is Bullish
A tweet from crypto expert John Squire has brought renewed attention to comments by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse about the company’s regulatory outlook. The post described as “BREAKING” quoted Garlinghouse as saying there is a “75% chance by the end of April” that Ripple will be “not only back on track but very close to a final resolution.” The tweet stressed that regulatory clarity is approaching quickly and reiterated in capital letters that “REGULATORY CLARITY IS COMING.” Attached to the tweet was a clip from an X Space in which Garlinghouse stated, “I think we’re going to get it back on track. I’ll give it 75% that by the end of April, this is, you know, not just back on track, but very close to getting signed.” His statement suggests confidence that pending matters could soon reach formal completion. BREAKING Brad Garlinghouse says there’s a 75% chance by the end of April that Ripple will be not only back on track but very close to a final resolution. Regulatory clarity is approaching fast. REGULATORY CLARITY IS COMING pic.twitter.com/LlPQVACmZj — John Squire (@TheCryptoSquire) February 12, 2026 The CLARITY Act and Regulatory Direction The “resolution” referenced in the tweet is widely understood to relate not only to Ripple’s corporate trajectory but also to developments in U.S. cryptocurrency legislation. Central to this discussion is the CLARITY Act, a proposed bill to verify whether specific digital assets fall under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Garlinghouse has publicly supported the CLARITY Act and, in late January 2026, stated that legislative progress in Washington is “closer than ever.” The bill is intended to provide formal definitions and regulatory boundaries, an issue that has been a persistent source of uncertainty within the industry. Ripple formally concluded its legal battle with the SEC in August 2025, marking the end of a case that had extended for years. With that chapter closed, attention has shifted to broader legislative clarity to establish consistent oversight standards across the U.S. market. In this context, Garlinghouse’s 75% projection appears tied to both Ripple’s continued recovery and the anticipated advancement of landmark regulatory measures. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Community Reaction Reflects Diverging Expectations The tweet generated mixed reactions. Nepentia | XRP characterized April as more than a calendar milestone, writing that it represents “the start of the US-regulated era.” The commenter added that “75% certainty is enough for the risk models to start allocating,” suggesting that institutional participants may begin adjusting strategies in anticipation of legislative certainty. Others responded with skepticism. Macro Bombastic cautioned that while some may treat Garlinghouse’s statements as definitive, outcomes ultimately depend on timing. Meanwhile, XRP-Brutal-Truth criticized company leadership, arguing that investors have yet to see the expected market gains despite the lawsuit’s conclusion. Together, these responses underscore the significance of the end-of-April timeline cited in the clip. With legislative discussions advancing and Ripple’s legal dispute resolved , Garlinghouse’s 75% assessment places clear expectations on the weeks ahead as market participants await confirmation of whether regulatory clarity will materialize. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CEO Puts This Bull Signal At 75% By April, XRP Army Says This Is Bullish appeared first on Times Tabloid .
14 Feb 2026, 07:00
Alt5 Sigma’s Monumental $8M WLFI Transfer to World Liberty Financial Signals Deepening Crypto Alliance
BitcoinWorld Alt5 Sigma’s Monumental $8M WLFI Transfer to World Liberty Financial Signals Deepening Crypto Alliance In a significant move underscoring the accelerating convergence of traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems, blockchain intelligence firm Lookonchain reported a major transaction on February 20, 2025. A wallet associated with Nasdaq-listed digital asset infrastructure provider Alt5 Sigma transferred 75.8 million WLFI tokens, valued at approximately $8.02 million, to World Liberty Financial. This substantial Alt5 Sigma transfer not only fulfills a previously announced strategic investment but also highlights the growing institutional confidence in politically-linked decentralized finance (DeFi) initiatives. Analyzing the $8 Million Alt5 Sigma Transfer The transaction, executed approximately twelve hours before public reporting, represents a concrete step in a declared corporate strategy. Alt5 Sigma, a company providing digital asset trading, custody, and settlement solutions, had previously announced its intention to acquire roughly 7.5% of the total WLFI token supply. This latest Alt5 Sigma transfer directly advances that goal, moving a significant portion of capital from a publicly-traded entity into the treasury of a high-profile DeFi project. Blockchain analysts confirm the transaction’s on-chain visibility, providing verifiable evidence of the fund movement. Consequently, this action reinforces the tangible, asset-backed nature of corporate commitments in the crypto space. Furthermore, the use of a presumed corporate wallet for the transfer aligns with standard operational procedures for institutional crypto holdings. The Strategic Relationship Between Alt5 Sigma and World Liberty Financial The transaction gains deeper context from the established, close ties between the two entities. World Liberty Financial is a decentralized finance project notably led by members of the Trump family, blending political branding with blockchain-based financial services. Alt5 Sigma’s repeated financial engagements with the project suggest a strategic partnership that extends beyond a simple asset purchase. This relationship exemplifies a broader trend where traditional finance (TradFi) infrastructure firms seek footholds in the DeFi sector. For Alt5 Sigma, partnering with a politically recognizable brand like World Liberty Financial may offer unique market access and branding opportunities. Conversely, the DeFi project gains legitimacy and liquidity from the backing of a Nasdaq-listed company. Institutional Adoption and Market Impact Financial experts point to this transaction as a bellwether for institutional crypto adoption in 2025. The movement of eight million dollars between a public company and a DeFi entity is no longer an anomaly but a sign of market maturation. Such transfers require robust compliance frameworks, secure custody solutions, and clear accounting standards—all areas where Alt5 Sigma operates. The market impact of the transfer is twofold. Primarily, it provides substantial liquidity and treasury diversification for World Liberty Financial. Secondarily, it signals to other institutional investors that large-scale, on-chain asset movements between corporate and decentralized entities are both feasible and increasingly common. The table below outlines the core details of this strategic move. Metric Detail Reporting Entity Lookonchain Source Presumed Alt5 Sigma Corporate Wallet Recipient World Liberty Financial Asset Transferred WLFI Token Quantity 75.8 Million WLFI Approximate USD Value $8.02 Million Strategic Context Fulfillment of 7.5% total supply purchase plan This transaction follows a clear pattern of growing institutional involvement in digital assets. Moreover, it demonstrates how blockchain transparency allows for real-time verification of corporate actions that were once opaque. Understanding the WLFI Token and Its Ecosystem WLFI is the native utility and governance token of the World Liberty Financial DeFi ecosystem. The token facilitates various functions within the platform, which may include: Governance: Allowing holders to vote on protocol upgrades and treasury allocations. Fee Discounts: Providing reduced costs for transactions or services on the platform. Staking Rewards: Enabling users to earn yields by securing the network or providing liquidity. Access: Granting entry to exclusive features or financial products. Alt5 Sigma’s acquisition of a large stake indicates a long-term belief in the token’s utility and the project’s growth trajectory. By securing a substantial percentage of the total supply, Alt5 Sigma positions itself as a major stakeholder, potentially influencing the project’s future direction through governance rights. Compliance and Regulatory Considerations for Major Transfers As a Nasdaq-listed entity, Alt5 Sigma operates under stringent securities regulations and disclosure requirements. Its decision to allocate millions of dollars to a digital asset involves careful legal and compliance scrutiny. This transfer implies that the company’s advisors have conducted necessary due diligence on: Asset classification and accounting treatment of WLFI. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols for the transaction. Potential securities law implications of the investment. Required public disclosures to shareholders and regulators. The successful execution of this Alt5 Sigma transfer, therefore, serves as a case study in how public companies can navigate the complex regulatory landscape of digital asset investments. It provides a blueprint for other firms considering similar allocations. Conclusion The reported $8.02 million Alt5 Sigma transfer of WLFI tokens to World Liberty Financial is a landmark event in the 2025 financial landscape. It validates the deepening synergy between established public markets and the innovative world of decentralized finance. This transaction fulfills a strategic corporate commitment, strengthens a high-profile partnership, and demonstrates the operational capability for large-scale institutional moves on-chain. Ultimately, the Alt5 Sigma transfer underscores a market where traditional and decentralized finance are not competitors but increasingly interconnected components of a broader digital economy. FAQs Q1: What is Alt5 Sigma? A1: Alt5 Sigma is a Nasdaq-listed company that provides digital asset trading, custody, and settlement infrastructure for institutional and professional traders, bridging traditional finance with cryptocurrency markets. Q2: What is World Liberty Financial? A2: World Liberty Financial is a decentralized finance (DeFi) project associated with the Trump family. It offers blockchain-based financial services and uses the WLFI token as its native digital asset for governance and utility within its ecosystem. Q3: Why is this $8 million transfer significant? A3: The transfer is significant because it involves a substantial capital movement from a regulated, publicly-traded company to a DeFi project. It demonstrates institutional adoption, fulfills a major corporate investment strategy, and highlights the growing legitimacy of blockchain-based financial systems. Q4: What are WLFI tokens used for? A4: WLFI tokens are primarily used for governance voting, earning staking rewards, accessing platform features, and potentially receiving fee discounts within the World Liberty Financial DeFi ecosystem. Q5: How does this transaction affect the cryptocurrency market? A5: This transaction positively signals further institutional capital entering the crypto space. It may increase confidence in DeFi projects with tangible corporate backing and illustrate the practical, large-scale asset management now occurring on public blockchains. This post Alt5 Sigma’s Monumental $8M WLFI Transfer to World Liberty Financial Signals Deepening Crypto Alliance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
14 Feb 2026, 05:48
Figure Technology confirmed a data breach after an employee was tricked by hackers into giving access to company files
Figure Technology, a prominent blockchain-based fintech company, has acknowledged a security incident involving unauthorized access to its data. In a statement, Alethea Jadick, a spokesperson for Figure Technology, said the breach occurred when an employee fell for a social engineering scam, allowing hackers to gain access to a few files. The firm confirmed that it is communicating with partners and affected parties regarding the breach. Moreover, it pointed out that complimentary credit monitoring is available to all recipients of this notice. Nonetheless, reporters claimed that Figure’s spokesperson failed to address certain questions concerning the breach details. Breach incidents in the tech industry remain a key concern The figure’s breach incident has sparked security concerns among individuals, igniting heated discussions in the industry. In this scenario, reports stressed that ShinyHunters, a notorious black-hat criminal hacking and extortion group, took credit for the breach on its dark web portal. According to the hackers, the company refused to meet their demands, prompting them to leak 2.5 gigabytes of allegedly stolen data. In response to this action, Figure stated that, “We recently found out that an employee was manipulated into giving access, which let someone download a limited number of files through their account. We took immediate action to stop the activity and hired a forensic firm to investigate which files were impacted.” Following this statement, sources declared that the approach applied in this case was Social engineering, a psychological manipulation of people into performing actions such as granting unauthorized access or divulging confidential information, acting as a form of “human hacking”. Meanwhile, to demonstrate the intensity of the situation, Chainalysis shared a report last month noting that scammers stole an estimated $17 billion in cryptocurrency last year, using AI to enhance impersonation and social engineering . Their report showed that data breaches remained a key concern in the tech industry last year, further heightening tensions this year. This was after a report from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, dated December 2025, revealed that regulators recorded more than 8,000 filings covering more than 4,000 distinct scenarios that significantly affected at least 374 million people. While Figure’s spokesperson provided limited details about the firm’s breach, an anonymous individual from the ShinyHunters group informed a reliable source that the breach was part of a broader campaign targeting companies that use the Okta single sign-on service. In the meantime, sources mentioned that other alleged victims were the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. Step Finance encounters a breach in its operation As breach incidents continue to be a significant challenge in the industry, Step Finance, a prominent DeFi platform particularly within the Solana blockchain ecosystem, announced that several of its treasury and fee wallets were compromised, prompting an investigation into the breach. Following its announcement, onchain data revealed that hackers unstaked about 261,854 SOL and moved them to an unknown address. At the moment, the blockchain security company CertiK claimed that the price of SOL was around $110, implying that these transfers accounted for almost $29 million in value. Meanwhile, in attempts to calm down the tension among its clients, Step Finance shared an X post, highlighting that, “We experienced a security breach in some of our treasury wallets a few hours ago, and we are currently looking into it… We will share more details later.” The platform also disclosed that it engaged cybersecurity experts to assist with the investigation. Nonetheless, Step Finance failed to mention the primary cause of the breach. This sparked speculation in the ecosystem, with some alleging it stemmed from a smart contract flaw and others claiming it was due to an access control issue. The main question raised at the moment was whether user funds outside the treasury were affected. These concerns prompted reporters to reach out to Step Finance for clarity on the speculations and questions raised, but it declined to respond. Earn 8% CASHBACK in USDC when you pay with COCA. Order your FREE card.
14 Feb 2026, 05:45
Trump Cryptocurrency Price Prediction 2026-2030: Unveiling the Critical Factors That Will Shape TRUMP’s Trajectory
BitcoinWorld Trump Cryptocurrency Price Prediction 2026-2030: Unveiling the Critical Factors That Will Shape TRUMP’s Trajectory As the 2024 U.S. election cycle concludes, market analysts globally are scrutinizing the Trump (TRUMP) cryptocurrency, a political memecoin, for its potential price trajectory through 2030. This analysis, published in December 2024, provides a fact-based examination of the market forces, regulatory environment, and socio-political dynamics that could influence the TRUMP token’s valuation in the coming years. Investors must understand that cryptocurrency markets, especially for assets tied to volatile narratives, are inherently unpredictable. Trump Cryptocurrency Price Prediction: Understanding the Asset’s Foundation The TRUMP token exists as a digital asset on the Solana blockchain. It originated as a community-driven memecoin, leveraging the cultural and political significance of its namesake. Unlike traditional securities, its value derives primarily from speculative trading, community sentiment, and perceived relevance to real-world events. Consequently, any Trump cryptocurrency price prediction must first acknowledge this foundational volatility. Market data from CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap shows extreme price swings are common, often correlating with news headlines rather than technical fundamentals. Furthermore, the broader cryptocurrency market cycle profoundly impacts all altcoins. Historical patterns suggest a potential bull market peak in late 2025, followed by a consolidation phase. Analysts from firms like Galaxy Digital and ARK Invest frequently note that memecoins typically amplify broader market trends. Therefore, a holistic Trump cryptocurrency price prediction cannot be made in isolation. It requires parallel analysis of Bitcoin’s dominance, Ethereum’s performance, and overall capital flows into the digital asset space. Key Market Drivers and Regulatory Headwinds for 2026-2027 The period from 2026 to 2027 will likely be defined by several critical factors. First, the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the United States will have matured significantly. The implementation of clear frameworks by the SEC and CFTC could either legitimize certain token models or impose severe restrictions. A report from the Congressional Research Service in late 2024 highlighted ongoing debates about how memecoins and other utility-light assets will be classified. This regulatory clarity, or lack thereof, represents the single largest external variable for any Trump cryptocurrency price prediction. Expert Analysis on Sentiment and Liquidity Second, on-chain metrics provide tangible data points. Trading volume, holder distribution, and liquidity pool health are measurable indicators of a token’s strength. According to blockchain analytics firm Nansen, tokens with concentrated ownership and thin liquidity face greater downside risk during market stress. For TRUMP, sustained development of its decentralized exchange (DEX) liquidity and an expansion of its holder base would be necessary for price stability. Experts like Meltem Demirors of CoinShares often emphasize that long-term viability requires moving beyond pure speculation to some form of sustained utility or governance function within a niche community. Primary Market Drivers for TRUMP: Political Narrative Cycle: Ongoing relevance to U.S. and global politics. Regulatory Developments: SEC rulings and congressional crypto legislation. Broader Crypto Market Health: Bitcoin ETF flows and institutional adoption. On-Chain Metrics: Holder growth, exchange listings, and liquidity depth. Community Activity: Development of use-cases beyond mere trading. Long-Term Outlook: Scenarios for TRUMP Price Prediction 2028-2030 Projecting towards 2030 involves outlining plausible scenarios based on current trajectories. It is crucial to present these not as forecasts, but as illustrative models based on different combinations of market conditions. The following table summarizes three potential pathways. Scenario Key Conditions Potential Market Implication for TRUMP Bull Case Supportive U.S. regulation; sustained political relevance; strong crypto bull market; vibrant developer community. High volatility with potential for significant peaks during event-driven rallies, reliant on continuous market enthusiasm. Base Case Moderate regulation; niche community persistence; crypto market follows typical 4-year cycle. Price largely tracks the broader memecoin sector, with spikes around election cycles or major political events, followed by retracements. Bear Case Restrictive regulation; loss of narrative relevance; extended crypto bear market; community dissipation. Severe devaluation risk as trading interest fades, highlighting the asset’s speculative nature and dependence on constant attention. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts, including Jamie Douglas, consistently warn that assets lacking inherent cash flows or staking yields are exceptionally vulnerable in downturns. Therefore, any Trump cryptocurrency price prediction for 2030 must heavily weight the probability of the token maintaining a dedicated community and finding a sustainable niche within the vast crypto ecosystem. Comparatively, other political memecoins have seen rapid boom and bust cycles, providing a cautionary historical precedent. Conclusion In summary, constructing a reliable Trump cryptocurrency price prediction for 2026 through 2030 requires a multifaceted approach. Analysts must weigh volatile political narratives against concrete regulatory developments and hard on-chain data. While short-term price movements may capture headlines, the long-term trajectory of the TRUMP token will ultimately depend on its ability to evolve beyond a simple sentiment proxy. Investors should prioritize rigorous research, understand the extreme risks of memecoin speculation, and consider the asset’s performance within the context of their broader, diversified portfolio strategy. The coming years will serve as a critical test for the longevity of politically-themed digital assets in an increasingly institutional market. FAQs Q1: What is the Trump (TRUMP) cryptocurrency? The TRUMP token is a memecoin created on the Solana blockchain. It is a decentralized digital asset whose value is driven by market speculation and its association with a prominent political figure, rather than underlying company profits or traditional financial metrics. Q2: What are the biggest risks for this Trump cryptocurrency price prediction? The primary risks include extreme regulatory crackdowns, loss of cultural relevance, dilution from competing tokens, illiquidity during market panics, and the inherent volatility of the broader cryptocurrency market, which heavily influences all altcoins. Q3: How do expert analysts view political memecoins like TRUMP? Most mainstream financial analysts categorize them as high-risk speculative assets. They emphasize that investment should only involve capital one is prepared to lose entirely, as their valuations are not based on discounted cash flow models but on crowd sentiment and narrative cycles. Q4: Could the TRUMP token gain utility beyond speculation? Potentially, yes. Some community-driven projects develop governance features, charitable donation mechanisms, or access to exclusive content. However, this requires active development and adoption, which is not guaranteed. Its current primary utility remains as a tradable asset. Q5: Where can investors find reliable data for their own Trump cryptocurrency price analysis? Reputable data aggregators like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap provide price, volume, and holder statistics. On-chain analysis platforms such as DEXScreener and Birdeye offer real-time trading data. For regulatory context, official publications from the SEC and congressional committees are essential primary sources. This post Trump Cryptocurrency Price Prediction 2026-2030: Unveiling the Critical Factors That Will Shape TRUMP’s Trajectory first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
14 Feb 2026, 04:41
Valentine’s Day Romance Scams: US Prosecutors Warn on Crypto Risks
Prosecutors in the U.S. state of Ohio have issued a public warning urging Americans to watch for romance scams tied to cryptocurrency as they celebrate Valentine’s Day. The alert drew attention to a rise in emotionally driven fraud cases where victims are persuaded to send digital assets after forming online relationships. Federal Warning Outlines Latest Tactics The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio said criminals often approach targets through dating apps, social platforms, or text messages, then build trust for weeks or months before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investments. According to U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, scammers “prey on trust and emotion,” and they “are not looking for love—they are looking for money.” He added that such criminals often focus on older adults and emotionally vulnerable individuals. His office also cited recent prosecutions and investigations, including a December 2025 case where authorities charged Frederick Kumi, a Ghanaian national accused of helping run a romance fraud network that allegedly took more than $8 million from elderly victims since 2023. Per investigators, the group used AI tools to create false identities and maintain convincing conversations before requesting money. Kumi was arrested in Ghana and is facing charges including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Another case involved an Ohio woman who lost about $663,000 after a stranger contacted her through a “wrong number” text. The fraudster later guided her through opening accounts on Crypto.com and Coinbase, then convinced her to transfer funds to a fake investment platform. Fortunately, detectives from the FBI traced part of the stolen money to cryptocurrency wallets and seized more than $8.2 million in USDT with help from Tether. Data Shows Wider Trend in Crypto-Linked Fraud Recent industry research suggests these crimes fit a broader pattern, as shown in a January 2026 report from blockchain security firm PeckShield, which estimated that crypto scams and hacks cost users more than $4 billion in 2025, with about $1.37 billion tied to scams alone. The company said losses from scams rose about 64% from the previous year, often involving personalized impersonation tactics aimed at high-value targets. The Ohio prosecutors have recommended several ways that people can protect themselves from romance tricksters, including reverse image searches on profile photos, skepticism toward anyone who refuses to meet in person, and a hard rule against sending cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers to people met online. They also advised victims to preserve all communications and financial records, then file reports with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Additionally, the National Elder Fraud Hotline operates daily to guide older adults through the reporting process. According to the officials, for those who may have sent crypto, time matters, since law enforcement can freeze stolen assets, but only if wallets are identified before funds move through mixers or overseas exchanges. The post Valentine’s Day Romance Scams: US Prosecutors Warn on Crypto Risks appeared first on CryptoPotato .
