In a shocking development, scammers have launched a sophisticated phishing attack targeting a Bitcoin wallet associated with the infamous Mt. Gox exchange, which holds an estimated $8.7 billion in BTC. The attack, reported on July 8, 2025, aims to exploit one of the largest caches of stolen cryptocurrency from the 2011 hack that led to the collapse of Mt. Gox, once the world’s leading Bitcoin exchange.
The phishing attempt reportedly involves fraudulent messages mimicking legitimate communications, potentially using the branding of historical financial institutions like Salomon Brothers to gain trust. According to recent reports, attackers are leveraging OP_RETURN messages on the Bitcoin blockchain to embed deceptive content, a tactic designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds.
Mt. Gox, which filed for bankruptcy in 2014 after losing approximately 850,000 BTC to hackers, has been in the process of repaying creditors, with deadlines recently extended to October 2025. This ongoing restitution process makes the timing of this attack particularly alarming, as many affected parties are already on high alert for updates regarding their claims.
Blockchain analysts and cybersecurity experts are warning users to remain vigilant against unsolicited messages or emails claiming to be related to Mt. Gox repayments. The use of fake lawyers and other social engineering tactics has been flagged as a growing concern in this scam, with tiny transactions often used to test wallet vulnerabilities before larger attacks are attempted.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risks in the cryptocurrency space, especially concerning historical hacks with unresolved assets. Authorities and exchanges are urging users to secure their wallets with two-factor authentication and to avoid sharing private keys or seed phrases under any circumstances.
As investigations continue, the crypto community remains on edge, with fears that successful exploitation of the targeted wallet could lead to significant market volatility. Updates on this developing story will be crucial for investors and former Mt. Gox creditors alike, as they navigate the aftermath of one of Bitcoin’s darkest chapters.
Alfred Lee
