Bitcoin Investor Sues AT&T For $224 Million in Alleged Crypto Fraud

While cryptocurrency scams and lawsuits are usually based on "Exit-scams" and outright frauds, Michael Terpin, a U.S.-based cryptocurrency investor, has filed a mammoth $224 million lawsuit against his telecom operator, citing the theft of digital tokens.

As reported by Reuters, Aug. 15, Terpin is holding telecommunications giant AT&T liable for gross negligence and fraud after discovering crypto thefts from his account.

Terpin first discovered the series of token thefts in January 2018 after his "Digital identify" was stolen from his mobile phone provider.

Los Angeles-based law firm Greenberg Glusker is fighting the case on Terpin's behalf and noted the investor's phone number was promptly switched to an "International criminal gang" after the crypto theft.

In his complaint, Terpin cited the theft of digital tokens to a "SIM swap," a popular fraud tactic used by criminals.

Terpin claimed that $23.8 million worth of 3 million digital token units were stolen as a result of identity theft.

In addition to seeking $200 million in punitive damages, he alleged that AT&T was involved in comparable frauds.

Terpin was contacted by law enforcement officials in this regard.

Terpin's impressive bet in cryptocurrencies arose from his apparent belief in the digital asset class.

Terpin also advises the cryptocurrency hedge fund Alphabit, which raised over $300 million in 2017 to invest in the burgeoning asset sector.