BlackRock has issued a warning about a surge in crypto scams targeting investors in its iShares Bitcoin and Ether ETFs.
The asset management company advised investors to avoid social media interactions with anyone claiming to represent BlackRock and offering investment opportunities or training, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Since its launch in January, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has accumulated $19.7 billion in Bitcoin, surpassing other U.S. spot BTC ETF providers in total inflows.
At the Bitcoin 2024 conference, BlackRock’s digital assets head, Robert Mitchnick, highlighted that client interest is predominantly in Bitcoin and Ethereum, with little demand for other cryptocurrencies.
He anticipated that investors would likely allocate around 20% of their crypto portfolios to Ethereum, with the majority in Bitcoin.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink recently acknowledged Bitcoin as “digital gold” and a legitimate financial asset, marking a significant shift in his perspective.
BingX, a cryptocurrency exchange, has alerted users to a possible security breach involving its hot wallet, leading to the activation of emergency protocols.
In the next five years, government prosecutors and tax agencies are expected to utilize artificial intelligence to analyze blockchain data for crime detection, according to Chainalysis CEO Michael Gronager.
Germany has shut down 47 cryptocurrency exchanges, accusing them of enabling cybercriminals to launder money by ignoring anti-money laundering regulations.
In the wake of the $230 million hack at Indian crypto exchange WazirX, the attackers have moved another $12 million worth of Ethereum.