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Ledger Wallet Scam Hits IRL, $1.6B Lost in Crypto Hacks — Are Your Coins Even Safe in 2025?

Ledger Wallet Owners Targeted IRL as $1.6B Goes Poof in Q1 2025 Crypto Hacks

Yo, 2025 is not playing fair. If you’ve got a Ledger hardware wallet sitting pretty at home, better double-check your mailbox. A new wave of IRL phishing attacks is here, and it’s next-level shady. People are getting physical letters — yep, real paper mail — looking hella official with Ledger logos and all, telling them to “secure their wallets” by scanning a QR code and typing in their 24-word seed phrase. Big nope.

This isn’t just some sketchy email scam — it’s a full-on phishing operation that looks super legit. They’re using return addresses, reference numbers, and “urgent update” lingo to freak users out. But Ledger already clapped back on X (Twitter) saying, “Nah fam, we would never ask for your recovery phrase.” And if they’re asking, it’s a trap.

Why’s this even happening? Some say it links back to Ledger’s massive 2020 data leak where 270K+ users’ info — names, emails, addresses — got doxxed online. And now, those same people are getting hit with long-game scams. This ain’t the first rodeo either — remember those tampered Ledger devices that came with pre-loaded malware?

But wait, it gets worse.

In March, scammers went digital again. Coinbase and Gemini users got phishing emails looking official AF. The scam? A fake class-action lawsuit saying you gotta move your funds to a “self-custody wallet” before April 1, 2025 — or lose access. Spoiler alert: those wallets are 100% controlled by the scammers.

All this comes as Q1 2025 officially becomes the worst quarter for crypto hacks in history. Blockchain security firm Immunefi reports $1.63 billion gone in just 3 months. And 94% of that came from just two insane attacks: Bybit got wrecked for $1.46B, and Phemex took a $69.1M L.

Experts are pointing fingers at North Korea’s Lazarus Group — the usual suspects for high-profile, high-stakes cybercrime. So yeah, crypto might be mooning, but so are the scammers.

The Takeaway?

Never give out your seed phrase — not online, not IRL, not ever.
Ledger, Coinbase, Gemini, none of them will ask for it.
If a message (or letter) gives off even 1% scam vibes, don’t bite.
Triple-check sources, use 2FA, and don’t be the next headline.

Also Checkout: Zar Secures $7M to Let You Swap Cash for Stablecoins at Local Stores — Real-World Crypto Utility Is Here

$92M Stolen in April: DeFi Hacks Surge as 2025 Losses Top $1.7 Billion

Hackers stole a staggering $92 million from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms in April 2025, according to a report by blockchain security firm Immunefi. The wave of attacks hit 15 separate DeFi protocols, representing a massive 124% spike compared to March’s $41 million in losses.

The Biggest DeFi Hacks of April

UPCX suffered the most significant breach, losing $70 million in a single exploit.
KiloEx was hit for $7.5 million, though the attacker later returned the funds.
Centralized exchanges were not affected, highlighting DeFi’s unique security challenges.

Immunefi confirmed that all losses in April were limited to DeFi platforms, underlining how vulnerable open-source and permissionless systems remain.

Immunefi’s Warning to the Industry

Immunefi’s CEO, Mitchell Amador, said the growing sophistication of hackers — particularly state-sponsored actors — is one of the crypto industry’s biggest threats.

“The sheer scale of the attack shows how state-backed actors are arguably the most pressing threat to our industry,” Amador warned.

He stressed the need for a “zero-trust” mindset, urging protocols to assume attackers will breach their systems eventually, and to design accordingly.

2025: The Worst Year Yet?

As of April 30, total stolen funds in 2025 have now surpassed $1.7 billion, outpacing all of 2024, which saw $1.49 billion in theft.

Despite better bug bounty programs and increased auditing efforts, cyberattacks on DeFi protocols are accelerating. The industry’s worst breach this year remains the $1.5 billion Bybit hack in February.

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Zar Secures $7M to Let You Swap Cash for Stablecoins at Local Stores — Real-World Crypto Utility Is Here

Brandon Timinsky, ex-CEO of SadaPay, just pulled a massive move — raising $7 million to launch Zar, a startup on a mission to bring stablecoins to the real world via your local corner shop. Backed by heavy hitters like a16z, Dragonfly Capital, VanEck Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and even the Solana founders, Zar’s trying to flip how emerging markets do money.

The vision? Let anyone trade physical cash for stablecoins like USDT or USDC at everyday stores, using just their phone and a QR code. That’s right — Zar wants to turn your favorite corner shop into a straight-up crypto exchange.

The Plan: Real Cash Meets Digital Dollars

Zar’s play is simple but bold. In regions where banking sucks and cash rules, stablecoins can offer financial freedom. By tapping into a global network of 28 million+ mobile money agents who already process $1.5 trillion outside banks, Zar is bridging TradFi and DeFi.

Users walk into a participating shop, scan a QR code, check the exchange rate and vendor ratings, and hand over cash. In return, stablecoins drop into their digital wallet. Shopkeepers earn from rate margins, and Zar takes a small cut.

Already, 7,000 vendors in 20+ countries (including Pakistan, Nigeria, Argentina, and Indonesia) are hyped. Plus, nearly 100,000 people are chilling on the waitlist.

🌍 Why This Hits Hard in the Global South

Timinsky ain’t targeting the U.S. — where banking is boringly stable and crypto’s mostly an investment. Zar’s eyes are locked on emerging markets, where local currencies are volatile, and financial access is trash.

And the timing couldn’t be better. Stablecoins now sit at a $238B market cap, and according to Citigroup, that number could explode 10x to $2T by 2030. They say regulations and institutional demand will be key drivers.

Already, active stablecoin wallets surged from 19.6M to 30M in just a year — a solid 53% jump that shows real-world adoption isn’t just hype.

What’s Next for Zar?

The $7M war chest will help Zar expand the team, set up new global offices, and polish the tech before its planned late-summer launch.

If this works, Zar could be the Venmo of the unbanked, offering a permissionless, borderless way to store and transfer value in an increasingly digital economy.

TL;DR

Zar raises $7M to let anyone swap cash for stablecoins at stores worldwide.
Backed by a16z, Solana founders, Coinbase Ventures, and more.
Taps into 28M+ mobile money agents, targeting emerging markets like Nigeria & Argentina.
Nearly 100k users on waitlist, 7k vendors already on board.
Stablecoin market could hit $2T by 2030, says Citi.
Launch planned for late summer 2025.

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What Happened in the Crypto World Today? (April 29, 2025)

The cryptocurrency market remains dynamic as April 29, 2025, unfolds. Here’s a snapshot of the top five cryptocurrencies by market capitalization and their recent movements:

Information and Changes on Crypto As of April 29, 2025

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Current Price: $94,929
24h Change: +1.36%
Market Cap: $2.02 trillion

Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory, approaching the $95,000 mark. Analysts attribute this momentum to increased institutional adoption and the anticipation of the upcoming halving event. Standard Chartered forecasts BTC reaching $120,000 in Q2 and potentially $200,000 by year-end.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Current Price: $1,816.93
24h Change: +3.25%
Market Cap: $392.5 billion

Ethereum shows resilience, trading above $1,800. The network’s transition to Proof of Stake and the growth of Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism contribute to its stability.

3. Binance Coin (BNB)

Current Price: $601.73
24h Change: +0.30%
Market Cap: $95.98 billion

BNB maintains a steady position, reflecting confidence in the Binance ecosystem. Its utility in trading fee discounts and participation in token sales keeps it relevant.

4. XRP (XRP)

Current Price: $2.30
24h Change: +1.32%
Market Cap: $177.2 billion

XRP experiences a modest gain, buoyed by developments in cross-border payment solutions and ongoing institutional partnerships.

5. Cardano (ADA)

Current Price: $0.7086
24h Change: +3.04%
Market Cap: $60 billion

Cardano shows signs of a potential breakout, trading near its 200-day EMA. The recent integration of Bitcoin into its Lace Wallet and advancements in AI collaborations enhance its appeal.

This is what happened and changed in crypto space as of April 29, 20205

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Cardano’s Lace Wallet Now Supports Bitcoin, Strengthening Cross-Chain Ambitions

Cardano is expanding its cross-chain capabilities. On Monday, Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson announced via X (formerly Twitter) that the Lace Wallet now supports Bitcoin, marking a significant step in interoperability.

Bitcoin Now Supported in Cardano’s Lace Wallet Alongside ADA

Lace, developed by Input Output Global (IOG), was originally designed for managing Cardano-native tokens like ADA. With the latest update, users can now also store and interact with Bitcoin directly within the wallet. The update introduces new features including Firefox compatibility and behind-the-scenes performance enhancements.

“With this release, Lace becomes even more accessible and versatile,” the team said in a blog post, noting that Bitcoin integration is still in beta but represents a major usability improvement.

While the announcement didn’t cause a dramatic market reaction, it aligns with Cardano’s broader vision of building cross-chain functionality and offering users a more unified crypto experience.

ADA Price Update: Recovery Continues, But Resistance Ahead

At press time, ADA is trading around $0.71, near its 200-day Exponential Moving Average. The token is moving in a narrow range between $0.7090 and $0.7105, signaling caution among traders.

Yesterday, ADA briefly dropped to $0.66 but has since rebounded. A close above $0.74 could open the door to a move toward the $0.80 level. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 53, suggesting a balanced momentum between bulls and bears.

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Breaking ! Vaulta and Ultra Partner to Revolutionize Web3 Gaming and Finance

Vaulta, the newly rebranded Web3 banking network formerly known as EOS Network, is entering a bold new phase — teaming up with blockchain gaming platform Ultra to transform the future of gaming and decentralized finance.

Announced on April 29, the strategic partnership aims to blend gaming, tokenization, and financial tools into a single ecosystem that could rival traditional financial systems — all powered by Web3. Vaulta will rely on Ultra’s infrastructure to build out its gaming vertical, while Ultra cements itself as a “Netflix for gaming” offering cross-game monetization, token rewards, and metaverse-ready features.

Vaulta Foundation CEO Yves La Rose believes the collaboration will “elevate digital assets to the standards of traditional finance,” enabling users to explore new decentralized financial opportunities through gaming. By integrating Vaulta into its gaming stack, Ultra becomes a key hub for users to tap into DeFi, decentralized marketplaces, and next-gen financial utilities.

Ultra CEO Gus van Rijckevorsel added that Web3 gaming is set to outpace even TV and film, with projections forecasting a $615 billion market by 2030. To meet this demand, Ultra is focused on building infrastructure designed specifically for game developers, publishers, and players. Rijckevorsel said Vaulta represents “a major brick” in the foundation of this mission.

In-game interactions on Ultra’s platform will be powered by the UOS token, which will serve as the native currency for transactions, rewards, and monetization. The partnership also plans to introduce artificial intelligence elements that support real-time game guidance, intelligent user experiences, and enhanced interactions.

Vaulta’s rebranding and realignment come as part of its mission to lead the next generation of decentralized banking. Meanwhile, Ultra is riding momentum from a recent $12 million funding round, reinforcing its roadmap into 2025 and beyond.

This alliance could be a game-changer for both DeFi and Web3 gaming, blurring the lines between financial empowerment and interactive entertainment.

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Abu Dhabi Firms to Launch Dirham-Backed Stablecoin for UAE Digital Economy

Three of Abu Dhabi’s most powerful institutions—ADQ, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and International Holding Co.—are joining forces to launch a stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham. The move signals a major step in the region’s push toward modernizing digital payments under central bank oversight.

FAB to Lead Dirham Backed Stablecoin Development With Central Bank Support

According to a joint announcement, FAB will create the new digital currency, which will be pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham and regulated by the UAE Central Bank. The goal is to enable faster, more secure, and more trusted blockchain-based transactions for both businesses and everyday users.

Hana Al Rostamani, CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank, noted that the stablecoin has the potential to “transform how UAE consumers and businesses use and secure blockchain payments,” offering reliable, real-time settlement across different industries.

The partners have emphasized the need for full regulatory approval before the launch, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and financial safety standards. Once approved, the stablecoin is expected to be integrated across various everyday use cases and emerging technologies, including machine-to-machine payments and artificial intelligence.

This isn’t the UAE’s first step into the stablecoin space. In December 2024, the central bank approved AE Coin, and more recently, on August 21, 2024, Tether announced plans to issue a UAE dirham-based stablecoin, expanding its presence in the Middle East.

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Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Holds Above $93K, XRP and Monero Lead Gains

As of April 28, 2025, the cryptocurrency market exhibits a mix of stability and notable movements. Bitcoin (BTC) remains steady, trading at approximately $93,774, showing minimal change over the past 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH), however, faces challenges, with its price at $1,758.48, reflecting a 1.93% decrease.

Altcoins Show Varied Performance in Crypto Space

XRP has experienced a notable uptick, trading at $2.27, marking a 2.25% increase. Monero (XMR) stands out with a significant surge, rising over 40% in the past 24 hours, driven by increased trading volumes and investor interest.

BNB maintains a slight positive movement, currently at $600.07, up by 0.17%. Cardano (ADA) sees a minor decline, trading at $0.689988, down by 0.74%.

The overall market sentiment remains cautious, with investors closely monitoring macroeconomic factors and regulatory developments that could influence future movements.

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New ! CZ Suggests Satoshi Nakamoto Could Be a Future web3 AI

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, co-founder of Binance, stirred the crypto world with an outlandish yet fascinating theory: Satoshi Nakamoto could be an AI from the future. In a recent interview with Turkish blockchain advocate Erhan Ünal, CZ said while he personally doesn’t know who Satoshi is, he’s heard wild theories—including the idea of a time-traveling AI inventing Bitcoin.

Who is Satoshi Nakamoto ?

“I think it’s good that we don’t know who he is,” CZ said, explaining that even those early Bitcoin contributors who communicated via email with Satoshi never uncovered anything definitive. No IP addresses, no leaks—just a legacy shrouded in secrecy.

CZ also acknowledged the possibility that Satoshi Nakamoto could be a group rather than an individual, emphasizing that whoever it was, they “covered their tracks really well.” Theories about Satoshi’s identity spiked again recently following HBO’s 2024 documentary Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, which controversially named Canadian cryptographer Peter Todd as Satoshi—a claim Todd strongly denied.

On Bitcoin’s future, CZ remained optimistic, saying Bitcoin will be “way bigger than gold,” urging people not to judge new technologies using old benchmarks.

At the moment, Bitcoin’s market cap stands at $1.88 trillion, having recently fallen back to seventh place after briefly surpassing silver, Amazon, and Google earlier this month.

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Breaking ! Bitget Sues Traders After VOXEL Token Manipulation Nets $20M

Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitget is taking major legal steps after a scandal involving its VOXEL token market. According to Bitget’s head of exchange Jiayin Xie, eight user accounts are being sued for allegedly manipulating the VOXEL token’s price, profiting by over $20 million.

The issue originated from a glitch in Bitget’s market-making bot around April 20. This glitch caused extreme volatility, allowing some traders to exploit the rapid price movements — with the token briefly priced at around $0.1645. Bitget clarified that the incident wasn’t caused by hacking or an internal breach, but due to technical malfunctions that bypassed normal price controls.

In response, it immediately froze suspicious accounts, halted VOXEL trading, and announced that any recovered funds would be distributed back to affected users via airdrops. Importantly, users who traded VOXEL between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM on April 20 and withdrew their funds will not be penalized, and their accounts have been reinstated.

This situation is attracting attention, especially after Bitget’s CEO, Gracy Chen, previously criticized Hyperliquid for their handling of a similar manipulation incident with the JELLY token. Some now accuse it of hypocrisy, although the exchange maintains that its transparency and rapid action differentiate its response.

It is determined to restore user trust, emphasizing that ensuring fairness and market integrity remains its top priority.

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