Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has added another $129 million to its Bitcoin treasury, pushing its total holdings past the Bitcoin-stacking country of El Salvador. &#8220;Metaplanet now holds more Bitcoin than El Salvador. From humble beginnings to rivaling nation-states, we&#8217;re just getting started,&#8221; said CEO Simon Gerovich on X after the latest purchase announcement. On May 12, the Tokyo-listed firm announced that it had acquired 1,241 Bitcoin (BTC) for 14.8 million yen ($101,843) per coin. The total buy, at its highest ever purchase price, is worth around $129 million at current market prices. This brings the firm&#8217;s total holdings to 6,796 Bitcoin, currently worth around $707 million, and the average purchase price is $91,000 per Bitcoin. Metaplanet started its BTC accumulation strategy in April 2024. El Salvador is the sixth-largest nation-state holder of the asset with 6,714 Bitcoin worth around $642 million, according to the National Bitcoin Office. _Source:__Simon Gerovich_ The Japanese investment firm also reported a Bitcoin Yield, which measures the ratio of percentage change in Bitcoin holdings per fully diluted share, of 38% for the current quarter to date. The firm achieved a BTC Yield of 95.6% during the first quarter of 2025. _**Related:**__**Trump &#8216;s US-China trade deal could shed light on Bitcoin&#8217;s use case**_ Metaplanet has been more aggressive in its accumulation of the asset in recent months, with a purchase of 5,555 Bitcoin on May 7, four purchases in April totaling 18,586 BTC, and six purchases in March totaling 18,925 BTC, each buy larger than the previous. _Metaplanet BTC purchase disclosure. Source:__Metaplanet_ The firm is the largest holder of Bitcoin in Asia and the tenth largest globally, according to BiTBO. ## Saylor hints at another buy Meanwhile, Michael Saylor hinted at another purchase by his firm, Strategy, on May 12, by posting a screenshot of the &#8220;Saylor Tracker&#8221; chart, which tracks the firm&#8217;s Bitcoin treasury portfolio. &#8220;Connect the dots,&#8221; was the accompanying comment. _Source:__Michael Saylor_ Saylor has made similar Monday posts with a cryptic comment many times in the past, which have been followed by a BTC acquisition announcement. Strategy currently holds 555,450 BTC worth around $57.8 billion at current prices, according to the tracker. _**Magazine:**__**Bitcoin eyes &#8216;crazy numbers,&#8217; JD Vance set for Bitcoin talk: Hodler&#8217;s Digest**_

Metaplanet now holds more Bitcoin than El Salvador

## Social engineering in crypto, explained
_In the world of cryptocurrency, security goes beyond just protecting your 
wallet with a password or private key. One of the most deceptive and 
increasingly dangerous threats to crypto users today is social engineering._
While you might think of cyberattacks as highly technical affairs, social 
engineering manipulates the most vulnerable aspect of security: human nature.
At its core, social engineering refers to the act of manipulating people into 
divulging confidential information or granting unauthorized access to systems.
Unlike traditional hacking, which typically exploits technological 
vulnerabilities, social engineering targets the human element. Attackers rely 
on deception, psychological manipulation and trust-building tactics to deceive 
their victims. By exploiting psychological weaknesses, attackers can trick 
individuals into giving up their private information, credentials or funds.
In the world of crypto, this kind of manipulation is especially dangerous 
because transactions are irreversible, and the decentralized nature of 
cryptocurrencies can make it even harder to recover lost funds. Once funds are 
transferred or access is granted, it&#8217;s almost impossible to reverse the 
action. This makes crypto users a prime target for social engineering attacks.
_**Did you know?** In 2024, phishing and spoofing topped the US Federal Bureau 
of Investigation&#8217;s list of reported cybercrimes, with victims also losing over 
$6.5 billion to crypto-related investment fraud, according to the Internet 
Crime Complaint Center._
## Anatomy of a social engineering attack: Step by step
_Social engineering attacks trick crypto users by gaining trust, creating 
urgency, and then stealing sensitive info to drain their wallets._
### Step 1: The setup &#8212; Scouting for targets
Scammers start by lurking on social media platforms such as X, Discord, 
Telegram and Reddit.
They look for:
 * Newbies asking for help 
 * People showing off their gains or NFTs 
 * Users who accidentally leak wallet addresses or emails.
The more info they gather, the easier it is to craft a personalized attack.
### Step 2: The approach &#8212; Gaining trust
Next, they reach out, pretending to be:
 * A helpful support agent (e.g., from MetaMask, Binance) 
 * A famous crypto influencer 
 * A friend or community manager.
They copy profile pictures, usernames (sometimes with slight changes), and 
even fake verification badges to seem real. This is all about lowering your 
guard.
### Step 3: The hook &#8212; Creating urgency or fear
Now they trigger your emotions with urgent, scary or tempting messages:
 * &#8220;Your wallet is at risk &#8212; act now!&#8221; 
 * &#8220;Exclusive airdrop ending in 5 minutes!&#8221; 
 * &#8220;We detected suspicious activity &#8212; please verify your account!&#8221; 
 * They use fear, excitement and time pressure to force you into quick action without thinking.
### Step 4: The ask &#8212; Extracting sensitive info
This is where the real trap springs. They ask you to:
 * Share your private key or seed phrase (a big red flag) 
 * Click a link to a phishing site that looks like MetaMask, Phantom or OpenSea 
 * Approve a suspicious smart contract that drains your wallet 
 * Send a small amount of crypto to &#8220;verify your account&#8221; or &#8220;unlock&#8221; funds.
If you fall for this step &#8212; game over.
### Step 5: The heist &#8212; Draining your crypto
Once they get your sensitive info or get you to sign a malicious transaction, 
they:
 * Instantly drain your wallet of coins and tokens 
 * Swap your assets into privacy coins (e.g., Monero) to hide the trail 
 * Launder the funds through mixers or exchanges.
Victims usually realize the theft too late; sadly, funds are gone forever in 
most cases.
_**Did you know?** Onchain analyst ZachXBT uncovered an additional $45 million 
stolen from Coinbase users in early May 2025 through social engineering scams 
&#8212; a tactic he says is uniquely prevalent on the platform compared to other 
crypto exchanges._
__
## Common types of social engineering scams in crypto
Scammers target crypto users via phishing, impersonation, giveaway and romance 
scams, and fake investment platforms.
### Phishing
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent forms of social engineering in the 
crypto world. This can take several forms but typically involves fake 
websites, apps or emails designed to look legitimate.
 * **Fake wallet apps:** Scammers create fake versions of popular wallet apps like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. They trick users into downloading these apps, which then steal the private keys and funds stored within them. 
 * **Fake exchanges:** Similarly, attackers might impersonate well-known cryptocurrency exchanges. Victims are sent a link to a phishing site that looks identical to a legitimate platform, such as Binance or Coinbase. Once users log in and input their details, the attacker gains access to their funds. 
 * **Fake MetaMask pop-ups:** One common trick involves fake pop-ups that prompt MetaMask users to enter their seed phrase or private keys, thereby giving scammers control over their wallets.
### Impersonation
Impersonation scams occur when attackers pose as legitimate figures &#8212; whether 
that&#8217;s support staff, crypto influencers or even friends &#8212; to convince 
victims to hand over their information or funds.
 * **Fake support staff:** In many cases, scammers will impersonate customer support agents for popular crypto wallets or exchanges. They might reach out to users claiming there&#8217;s an issue with their account and ask for sensitive information, such as a password or seed phrase. 
 * **Influencers and friends:** Attackers might pretend to be well-known crypto influencers or friends, asking for funds or convincing victims to participate in a scam. In some cases, attackers even go as far as to hijack a social media account of a crypto personality, offering fake giveaways or investment opportunities.
### Giveaway scams
&#8220;Send 1 ETH, get 2 ETH back&#8221; &#8212; this is the classic giveaway scam that has 
made its rounds throughout the crypto community. Scammers pose as trusted 
entities, often mimicking celebrities like Elon Musk or official crypto 
exchanges, claiming they&#8217;re running a giveaway.
The catch? The scammer asks you to send cryptocurrency to a specified wallet 
address in exchange for a larger amount of crypto that you&#8217;ll receive &#8220;later.&#8221; 
Once the funds are sent, they disappear.
### Romance and friendship scams
Romance and friendship scams, often known as pig butchering, occur when an 
attacker builds an emotional connection with the victim through messaging 
platforms like Telegram or even dating apps. Over time, the scammer gains the 
victim&#8217;s trust and then lures them into a fake investment opportunity, often 
involving cryptocurrency.
Victims are manipulated into sending funds to what they believe is a secure 
investment, only to lose all their money when the scammer disappears.
### Fake investment platforms
Fake investment platforms promise extremely high returns with minimal risk &#8212; 
too good to be true. These scams might mimic legitimate crypto investment 
platforms, promising high returns on crypto investments or passive income 
streams.
Once users deposit their funds, the platform either disappears or the scammer 
stops responding to communication.
## Why social engineering works so well in crypto
Social engineering attacks thrive in the cryptocurrency world because they 
take advantage of certain vulnerabilities that are unique to the space. The 
combination of psychological manipulation, technical complexity and the 
irreversible nature of crypto transactions makes crypto users particularly 
susceptible to these types of scams.
Below are the key factors that explain why social engineering is so effective 
in the crypto environment:
 * **Fear and urgency:** Crypto scams often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly. Common examples include emails or messages stating, &#8220;Your account is locked!&#8221; or &#8220;You need to verify your identity to avoid losing access to your funds!&#8221; These messages push users to make impulsive decisions that they later regret. 
 * **Greed:** Social engineering tactics often prey on a person&#8217;s desire to make quick, easy money. Scammers might promise users huge returns on investment or offer &#8220;exclusive&#8221; crypto deals that seem too good to pass up. This appeals to the greed of crypto investors, making them more likely to act impulsively.
 * **Lack of crypto security knowledge:** Many crypto users, especially beginners, may not fully understand how crypto security works. This makes them more susceptible to attacks like phishing, where they might unknowingly give up their private keys or passwords. Scammers take advantage of this lack of knowledge to manipulate and deceive.
## How to protect yourself from social engineering attacks
_While social engineering is hard to prevent entirely, staying vigilant, using 
2FA, verifying links and practicing strong security habits can significantly 
reduce your risk._
Several steps you can take to minimize your risk include:
 * **Be skeptical of unsolicited messages:** Always be cautious when you receive unsolicited messages, whether by email, SMS or social media. If someone contacts you out of the blue asking for sensitive information or money, verify the authenticity of the message before acting. 
 * **Enable two-factor authentication (2FA):** Always use 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it harder for attackers to gain access &#8212; even if they manage to obtain your password. 
 * **Verify links and URLs:** Before clicking on any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it leads. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn&#8217;t match the official site, don&#8217;t click it. Always double-check URLs for legitimacy, especially when dealing with crypto transactions. 
 * **Educate yourself and others:** The best defense against social engineering is knowledge. Stay informed about common scams and share this knowledge with others. The more you know, the less likely you are to fall for a scam. 
 * **Use strong security practices:** Consider using hardware wallets for storing your crypto assets, as these are considered much safer than keeping them on exchange platforms or software wallets. Always keep your private keys and seed phrases secure and never share them with anyone.
In a crypto world full of scammers, your best defense is vigilance, education 
and strong security practices &#8212; because even the smartest tech can&#8217;t protect 
you from a well-crafted con.

What is social engineering in crypto (and how to protect yourself)?

As the cryptocurrency market continues its rollercoaster journey, investors 
and enthusiasts are keenly watching Bitcoin’s trajectory. With whispers of a 
$200,000 price tag circulating, many are wondering if this bold milestone is 
within reach in 2025. Toobit experts, known for their data-driven insights and 
deep understanding of market dynamics, have weighed in on this pressing 
question. Here’s what we predict: Why is Bitcoin Going Up? Toobit experts 
attribute the recent surge in Bitcoin’s price to several factors. First, the 
ongoing expansion of the crypto strategic reserve by major financial 
institutions has provided a solid foundation for BTC’s long-term growth. This 
move signals increased institutional confidence, which often triggers broader 
market optimism. Additionally, the 2024 Bitcoin halving event, which 
significantly reduces the rate at which new coins are mined, is expected to 
cut supply and increase scarcity, further pushing the price upward. Bitcoin 
Dominance and Market Influence Another critical factor driving this potential 
rise is Bitcoin’s dominance. Historically, Bitcoin dominance – the measure of 
BTC’s share of the total cryptocurrency market – tends to climb during bull 
runs. This dominance is seen as a marker of overall market confidence, often 
leading to new Bitcoin all-time highs as investors flock to the most trusted 
digital asset during times of economic uncertainty. Why Toobit Experts Believe 
BTC Will Hit 200k in Late 2025 Toobit experts anticipate that the convergence 
of multiple macroeconomic and crypto-specific trends will drive BTC toward the 
$200,000 mark. Key factors include the continued institutional accumulation of 
Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, the maturation of the broader crypto 
market, and a potential influx of retail investors seeking refuge from 
inflation and economic instability. This combination of reduced supply, 
increased demand, and heightened global interest sets a strong foundation for 
Bitcoin to potentially break past its previous all-time high and reach this 
ambitious target. Path to $200,000: The Key Catalysts Institutional Adoption: 
With companies adding BTC to their balance sheets and the rise of Bitcoin 
ETFs, institutional participation is expected to skyrocket. Regulatory 
Clarity: Clearer regulatory frameworks in major economies could reduce market 
fear and attract more traditional investors. Geopolitical Instability: 
Bitcoin’s role as a digital store of value and hedge against inflation 
continues to grow amid global economic tensions. Final Verdict: When Will 
Bitcoin Really Hit 200k in 2025? Toobit experts remain cautiously optimistic. 
They believe that if macroeconomic conditions align, and the crypto market 
maintains its upward momentum, Bitcoin reaching $200,000 by late 2025 is not 
just possible, but probable. However, they caution that such a price surge 
would require sustained adoption and a continued narrative of digital gold, 
coupled with market maturity to withstand external shocks. As always, 
potential investors should approach this market with a long-term perspective 
and a solid risk management strategy. About Toobit To stay updated on the 
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find out how we&#8217;re more than just a little crypto.

Toobit Experts Predict: When Will Bitcoin Hit 200k in 2025?

Three Florida teenagers are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery, and 
extortion after allegedly abducting a man at gunpoint and stealing $4 million 
in crypto and non-fungible tokens. According to local media, two of the 
suspects, both 16 years old from…

Florida teens accused of kidnapping man at gunpoint and stealing $4m in crypto

Goldman Sachs-backed cryptocurrency custody firm BitGo has become the latest 
cryptocurrency company to secure regulatory approval to operate across the 
European Union.
Germany&#8217;s financial regulator, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority 
(BaFin), granted BitGo Europe a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) 
license to provide digital asset services in the EU, the firm announced on May 
12.
The new license allows BitGo to offer services to both crypto-native firms and 
traditional finance institutions, including banks and asset managers within 
the EU.
_Source:__BitGo_
&#8220;This license underscores our commitment to the highest standards of security, 
transparency, and trust,&#8221; BitGo Europe managing director Harald Patt said.
## BitGo set up the EU headquarters in 2023
Founded in 2013 in Palo Alto, California, BitGo is a major platform in the 
cryptocurrency industry specializing in crypto custodial services, holding 
cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) on behalf of its clients.
BitGo&#8217;s latest regulatory milestone in Europe follows a number of efforts to 
increase presence in the EU, including establishing local headquarters in 
Frankfurt in 2023.
Since setting up BitGo Europe in Germany, BitGo has received multiple 
registrations in several EU states, including Italy, Spain, Poland and Greece.
&#8220;With the MiCA license now secured, BitGo can operate across the entire EU 
under a unified, forward-looking regulatory framework,&#8221; the firm said in the 
announcement.
## &#8220;Broad range of institutional-grade solutions&#8221;
BitGo did not specify the exact services it intends to roll out immediately 
under the new MiCA license.
&#8220;BitGo&#8217;s MiCA licence comes at a pivotal moment as BitGo expands its product 
suite to offer a broad range of institutional-grade digital asset solutions,&#8221; 
the announcement added.
_**Related:**__**Tether CEO defends decision to skip MiCA registration for 
USDT**_
As of May 12, BaFin&#8217;s official records did not yet reflect BitGo&#8217;s MiCA 
license, showing only earlier registrations.
_BaFin data on BitGo &#8216;s registrations in Germany as of May 12, 2025, 8:30 am 
UTC. Source: BaFin_
Cointelegraph approached BitGo for additional details on its MiCA license but 
did not receive a response by the time of publication.
As previously mentioned, Germany has emerged as a major jurisdiction for 
European businesses seeking MiCA registration, with BaFin issuing licenses to 
several companies, including Bitpanda and Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody, in 
2025.
_**Magazine:**__**Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it &#8216;s becoming them in 
stablecoin fight**_

Crypto custodian BitGo secures MiCA license in Germany

Uniswap has reached a new milestone by becoming the first decentralized 
exchange to hit $3 trillion in total trading volume. Hayden Adams, the founder 
of Uniswap, shared the benchmark on May 12 in post on X. He thanked users for…