In one of the biggest crypto thefts of the decade, a 19-year-old named Veer Chetal from Connecticut has pleaded guilty to stealing over $245 million worth of cryptocurrency. His method? Posing as tech support agents from Google and Yahoo to trick users into revealing access to their crypto wallets.
This blog breaks down what happened, how the scam worked, and what you can do to stay protected in this evolving landscape of crypto threats.
🧑💻 Who Is Veer Chetal and What Did He Do?
Veer Chetal was just 19 years old when he pulled off a multi-state crypto scam that spanned millions of dollars and dozens of victims. He worked with a network of fraudsters to impersonate customer service reps from popular online companies.
What’s the Big Deal?
💰 Stole $245 million in crypto
🎭 Used fake Yahoo and Google support numbers
🔓 Gained access to seed phrases and wallet accounts
🧑⚖️ Victims were forced to hand over their credentials under pressure
🎯 How the Scam Worked: Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Fake Tech Support Numbers
The fraud team set up look-alike websites and search ads that appeared when users searched for “Google customer support” or “Yahoo help.”
2. Social Engineering Phone Calls
Once a victim called the fake number, the scammers would pretend to be real tech agents. They’d say something was wrong with the victim’s email or wallet.
3. Seed Phrase & Wallet Access
The scammers would then walk the victim through “security steps,” convincing them to reveal their seed phrase or provide screen-sharing access.
4. Immediate Transfer of Funds
Once the scammers had the wallet access, they would transfer all the funds instantly, leaving the victim with nothing.
📉 Why This Crypto Heist Is a Wake-Up Call
This wasn’t a hacker breaking into a blockchain. This was a human trick, using basic psychology and fear to rob people of their digital assets.
What Makes It So Alarming?
🧠 No advanced coding needed—just clever manipulation
📞 Scammers used realistic phone conversations
🌍 Scam spread across multiple states and platforms
This case shows that crypto security isn’t just technical—it’s behavioral.
🔐 How to Protect Yourself From Fake Tech Support Scams
✅ Tip #1: Never Call Numbers from Search Results
Use official websites only to find customer support. Scammers buy ads to appear at the top of search engines.
✅ Tip #2: Never Share Your Seed Phrase
Your 12- or 24-word phrase is your wallet. No real support agent will ever ask for it.
✅ Tip #3: Avoid Screen Sharing With Unknown Sources
Even if someone claims to be from a trusted company, do not share your screen or install unknown apps.
✅ Tip #4: Use Hardware Wallets
Keep large amounts of crypto offline in a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) for maximum safety.
✅ Tip #5: Stay Informed
Follow blogs, newsletters, and security updates. Being aware is your first layer of defense.
👮 What Happened to Veer Chetal?
According to legal filings, Veer Chetal has:
Pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges
Been involved in fraud, identity theft, and wire fraud
Cooperated with authorities to trace back the stolen funds
The case has shaken not just crypto investors, but also cybersecurity experts who worry about the ease of executing such scams.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Crypto Is Secure—People Are the Target
The blockchain may be safe, but you are still vulnerable if you don’t understand social engineering threats.
This $245M case is proof that even the most secure wallets can be drained if users are tricked into handing over their keys.
Key Takeaways:
Always double-check support contacts
Never share your seed phrase
Use offline wallets for large holdings
Stay alert. Stay educated. And never give access to anyone—no matter how convincing they sound.
❓ FAQ: Crypto Support Scams & Wallet Safety
Q1. How do I know if a support number is fake?
Always verify via the company’s official website, not from ads or forums.
Q2. Can a scammer steal my wallet with just a seed phrase?
Yes. A seed phrase is full access to your crypto. Never share it.
Q3. What if I already gave away my seed phrase?
Immediately move your funds to a new wallet and report the scam.
Q4. Is it safe to screen-share with real support teams?
Most legit crypto companies never require screen sharing. Avoid it.
Q5. What are common signs of a scam?
Urgency, poor grammar, and unusual requests for private info are all red flags.
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