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Crypto Theft in Scottsdale: Fake Uber Driver Steals $300K

Crypto Theft in Scottsdale: Fake Uber Driver Steals $300K

CoinEditionCoinEdition2024/12/15 16:00
By:Abdulkarim Abdulwahab

Nuruhussein Hussein is accused of posing as an Uber driver to steal over $200,000 in cryptocurrency from victims. The scheme involved accessing victims’ phones under false pretenses and transferring funds from Coinbase accounts. Hussein was arrested on December 11, facing felony charges, including theft, fraud, and money laundering.

  • Nuruhussein Hussein is accused of posing as an Uber driver to steal over $200,000 in cryptocurrency from victims.
  • The scheme involved accessing victims’ phones under false pretenses and transferring funds from Coinbase accounts.
  • Hussein was arrested on December 11, facing felony charges, including theft, fraud, and money laundering.

A man posing as an Uber driver in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been arrested after allegedly stealing $300,000 in crypto assets from two unsuspecting passengers. The suspect, Nuruhussein Hussein, faces multiple felony charges, including theft, fraud schemes, and money laundering, after targeting unsuspecting victims outside The W Scottsdale hotel.

How the Crypto Theft Happened

The alleged scheme unfolded in two separate incidents, one in March and another in October. According to court documents, Hussein approached individuals waiting for their rides, calling out names of supposed Uber passengers. Authorities have not disclosed how he obtained the names of his victims.

Once the victims got into his car, Hussein tricked them into giving him access to their phones. Sometimes he said his phone wasn’t working and borrowed theirs. Other times, he offered to help them with the Uber app.

With their phones, he moved cryptocurrency from their Coinbase accounts. He used phone-to-phone transfers or sent funds to cold storage.

The victim from March reported a disturbing exchange when attempting to retrieve their phone. Hussein allegedly made threats, prompting concerns that he was armed, though no weapon was visible. Prosecutors have highlighted the complexity of the operation, describing it as “an extremely sophisticated electronic fraud.”

Authorities estimate the thefts to be over $300,000, though court documents place the figure at approximately $223,000.

Arrest and Legal Action

Hussein was arrested on December 11 by Scottsdale Police Department detectives and U.S. Secret Service agents. He is currently held on a $200,000 cash-only bond and will face electronic monitoring if released. The court has restricted his internet use and barred him from leaving Maricopa County, citing frequent international travel as a flight risk.

“If Mr. Hussein is able to post bond, we’d ask for electronic monitoring and no use of the internet,” prosecutors argued.

Uber’s Response and Crypto Safety

Uber did not comment on the case but shared general safety advice. The company recommends that passengers check their driver’s identity in the app and avoid giving out personal information.

This incident reminds crypto holders of the growing sophistication of crypto-related crimes . Users are urged to exercise caution, especially in public settings, and to enable security features like two-factor authentication on accounts linked to cryptocurrency holdings.

Hussein’s next court appearance is scheduled for later in December as authorities continue their investigation.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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