As Bitcoin surges to new highs and digital assets gain mainstream traction, the dangers facing crypto holders are no longer limited to phishing emails and malware. Binance has issued a global security warning, urging users to brace for a new wave of physical threats targeting cryptocurrency owners.

In a detailed safety advisory published on May 27, the world’s largest crypto exchange revealed a disturbing uptick in real-world incidents—particularly kidnappings and extortion attempts—against individuals believed to own significant crypto assets. Binance’s Physical Security team emphasized that the rise in such attacks correlates directly with bull market conditions, with 15 known kidnapping cases already recorded in the first five months of 2025.

“As digital protections improve, criminals are turning to old-fashioned tactics,” Binance warned. The trend is shifting from online hacks to physical coercion, targeting people whose public profiles or digital footprints suggest wealth in crypto.

In response, Binance introduced a five-step action plan designed to help users minimize exposure and protect both their identities and digital holdings:

1. Stay Private Online: Avoid flaunting crypto holdings or sharing wallet screenshots. Use pseudonyms for blockchain transactions and keep your crypto involvement low-profile.
2. Lock Down Social Media: Make profiles private, turn off geolocation, and never post travel plans in real time.
3. Hide Wallet Ownership: Use privacy tools like address rotation and avoid linking blockchain activity to your real identity.
4. Boost Physical Security: Be discreet at crypto events, vary daily routines, and assess home or office security regularly.
5. Prepare for Emergencies: Set up trusted crisis contacts, consider multi-signature wallets, and know how to reach security professionals or law enforcement if needed.

Binance’s message is clear: complacency can be costly. As crypto becomes more embedded in global finance, so too do the threats evolve—from digital scams to real-world danger.

“Criminals are watching for careless online behavior and waiting for moments of vulnerability,” Binance warned, reinforcing the need for vigilance at every level.

🔗 Read the full Binance advisory here.