Matcha Meta suffered a hack through its SwapNet integration, with attackers stealing around $16.8 million by swapping USDC for Ether and bridging it to Ethereum. Users who disabled One-Time Approvals and set direct allowances were affected, while those using the One-Time Approval feature were safe.

Blockchain investigator ZachXBT claims a man known as “Lick” stole tens of millions of dollars in crypto from U.S. government wallets linked to seized Bitfinex funds. The suspect is alleged to be the son of the boss of a company contracted to manage those assets, raising concerns over security and oversight.

Cambodia has arrested Prince Group chair Chen Zhi and deported him to China after months of joint investigations into alleged crypto fraud and forced labour scams. US, UK and Asian authorities have also seized and frozen billions of dollars in Bitcoin and assets linked to his network, tightening pressure on one of the region’s largest alleged scam groups.

A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn, Ronald Spektor, has been charged with a $16 million crypto phishing scam that targeted nearly 100 Coinbase users across the US. He allegedly tricked victims into sending their cryptocurrency to wallets he controlled and is now in custody while authorities work to recover the stolen funds.

A Singaporean investor lost S$100,000 after downloading a beta game launcher that contained malware, which emptied his crypto wallets. Despite using strong security measures, he was targeted by a sophisticated scam, highlighting risks for crypto users.

A Singaporean man accused of leading a major crypto fraud ring returned to a US court as plea talks with prosecutors continued. The case has expanded with more arrests and charges, while lawyers work towards a possible deal.

A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings after sending $85,958 to a scammer posing as a romantic partner and trader. Despite repeated warnings from his adviser, the investor fell for a pig butchering scam that used emotional manipulation and false promises of high returns.

A 71-year-old woman in Westlake, Ohio, was tricked by a phone scammer into depositing thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin ATM despite warnings from staff and police. Police froze the scammer’s crypto wallet, but it is unclear if she will get her money back.

A Europe-wide investigation uncovered a crypto fraud network that laundered over €700 million through fake trading platforms, deepfake adverts, and call centres. Authorities arrested multiple suspects and seized cash, crypto, and luxury goods while targeting the scam’s marketing and operational networks across seven countries.

Scammers are taking advantage of the holiday season, targeting online shoppers and crypto users with faster and more convincing tricks. Most attacks happen on social platforms, using fake profiles and urgent messages to steal money, and victims need to act quickly to protect their assets.