Most people think crypto is only at risk from hackers. But in 2025, a terrifying trend is rising—wrench attacks, where criminals use real-world violence to steal your crypto.
This blog explains:
What wrench attacks are
Real incidents from 2025
How they work
And, most importantly, how to stay safe
🔧 What Is a Wrench Attack in Crypto?
A wrench attack is when someone physically threatens you—usually with a weapon like a wrench or a gun—to force you to hand over your crypto wallet access or seed phrase.
Unlike hackers who attack online, wrench attackers go after you in person. They use fear to get what they want.
🧨 Real Cases That Shook the Crypto World
📍 Case 1: Ledger Co-Founder Kidnapped in France (2025)
One of the co-founders of Ledger, the hardware wallet company, was kidnapped outside his home. The attackers demanded access to wallets and private keys. He was later rescued, but the case shook the crypto industry.
📍 Case 2: NYC Tourist Mugged for Crypto Access
A tourist in New York City was beaten and forced to unlock his phone and crypto app. He lost over $380,000 in minutes.
These aren’t rare anymore—wrench attacks are happening globally.
📈 Why Are Wrench Attacks Rising in 2025?
There are several reasons:
📱 More people hold large sums in mobile wallets
🗣️ Crypto investors talk publicly about their holdings
🔓 People store seed phrases poorly (e.g. on paper or phones)
🔍 Attackers can track public wallet data and find wealthy holders
🔐 How to Protect Yourself From a Wrench Attack
Your crypto might be safe from hackers—but are you safe from real people? Follow these steps to stay protected.
✅ 1. Use Multi-Sig Wallets
A multi-signature (multi-sig) wallet needs 2 or 3 approvals to move funds. Even if you're forced to unlock it, you can't do it alone.
✅ 2. Split Your Holdings
Don’t keep all your crypto in one place. Use:
🔐 Hardware wallets (cold storage)
🧊 Multi-sig vaults
🪙 Only keep small amounts in mobile wallets
✅ 3. Hide Your Crypto Identity
Never boast about your holdings. Don’t wear crypto merch or tweet about big profits. You become a target.
✅ 4. Protect Your Seed Phrase
Never write your seed phrase on paper near your computer or home. Use a metal seed phrase backup and store it off-site.
✅ 5. Set Up a Duress Wallet
Some wallets allow you to set up a fake or decoy wallet that shows only a small balance. You can use this if threatened.
🚨 Signs You Might Be a Target
You talk openly about crypto
You show luxury lifestyle on social media
You attend crypto events frequently
Your public wallet shows large transactions
Avoid these behaviors to reduce your chances of becoming a target.
🧠 What to Do If You’re Targeted
🚓 1. Call the Police Immediately
If you survive the attack, file a report. Authorities may track stolen funds via blockchain.
🔄 2. Move Funds to New Wallets
Immediately transfer your remaining funds to a secure wallet.
⚠️ 3. Tell Your Exchange or Wallet Provider
Some providers like Ledger or MetaMask can help freeze suspicious activity.
📚 Tips to Make Yourself Invisible to Attackers
Use pseudonymous wallets (no name attached)
Don't check balances in public
Avoid reusing wallet addresses
Don’t talk about profits with strangers
The less people know about your crypto, the safer you are.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Crypto Is Digital, But Risks Are Real
In 2025, the crypto world isn’t just fighting digital threats—it’s fighting physical ones too. Wrench attacks remind us that our real-life behavior matters just as much as our blockchain knowledge.
Your best defense?
Be quiet.
Be careful.
Be prepared.
Crypto is freedom—but only if you protect it right.
❓ FAQ: Wrench Attacks & Crypto Safety
Q1. What is a wrench attack?
A physical attack where someone forces you to give up your crypto wallet or seed phrase.
Q2. Are wrench attacks common in 2025?
Yes, they’re increasing. Several high-profile incidents have already happened this year.
Q3. Can multi-sig wallets protect me?
Yes. Multi-sig wallets require more than one person/device to approve a transaction, making it hard to access under duress.
Q4. What’s the safest way to store seed phrases?
Use metal backups stored off-site—not paper or photos on your phone.
Q5. Can police help after a wrench attack?
Sometimes. If reported early, they can track wallet movements using blockchain tools.
Also Read - LSDfi & Restaking Revolution 2025: The Future of Staked Assets in DeFi 🔁🚀
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