For my own safety, I quit

[Dex_master25]

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

The best and most logically accurate decision to make at this point, is the one you have mentioned. Since you already understand the danger happening and it even happened to someone you know, please do the needful and remove it from your signboard. You should only accept BTC or any other cryptocurrency from persons who know you well and who you know well and even if you must accept from others, use a representative or false owner or wallet that makes it look as if you are being helped by someone else, so as to divert attention from you.

[Kelvinid]

That's worrying actually, especially to those who keep disposing their bitcoin investment to the public. And I must say, these kidnappers are definitely aware about bitcoin and its highly expensive value compared to fiat, that's why they prefer to accept ransom in bitcoin.

Now for your own safety, its better if you could just bring down your bitcoin acceptance sign while kidnapping is rampant in your place. That will only add to your worries, thinking that these kidnappers might happen to stroll in your place and notice your sign board.

And most of all, stay cautious and vigilant. And stay low profile so that the people around won't suspecting that you have decent amount of bitcoin in your wallet.

[goldkingcoiner]

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Just because you accept Bitcoin does not mean you will be kidnapped.
You do not have to worry about that.

But if you own a LOT of Bitcoin and let people know, you will be in the same danger of getting kidnapped as you would be if you told someone you had a LOT of fiat paper money. They could kidnap you either way because you have money. And they could demand the ransom be paid in Monero, which is far more untraceable than Bitcoin (which is more traceable than the dollar or any other fiat currency).

[AmoreJaz]

If you think that can give you peace, then just remove for now what is hanging in your business.

But let me remind you, kidnappers also made their prior research about their future victims, so maybe when they start eyeing people who are publicly displaying their wealth in fiat and bitcoin, or these victims have been bragging about having bitcoin in their social media accounts, so expect that from that moment, their safety is already at stake.

Just live simple and private, and always stay low profile. If bad guys do not have idea that you have wealth in bitcoin, then they won't target you as their future victim.

That is true, if they are seeing that you are living extravagantly, they may get the idea that you have more than enough. But live simply, don't show that you are doing well and just go with your business as usual. But I cam understand the dilemma of the OP as he has the signboard, it means - he has some bitcoins.

[passwordnow]

If ever I am in your shoe. As soon as the crime rates become rampant that's related to cryptocurrencies near my store area, I'll have it considered my safety and my family too. I'll have the board or that quote of bitcoin acceptance have it removed asap. But once it's too late and the criminals have already seen that, they might target and remember you. So, it's best if you're not confident about it then have your business relocate somewhere or if it's not that worse. Just simply removing that sign will save you.

[kawetsriyanto]

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

I don't know where you live in, but there must be police in your country. There is a cyber police department that can handle the case related to digital world. They should know how to track where the BTC is being sent. Since the cases repeated, the police must find out certain clues. They probably only keep the information and they don't tell to the people yet. I'm sure, the police will catch them soon.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe?

If you think the case is getting more significant in your area, it is good idea to bring signboard down temporarily. You can install it again in the future when the situation is safe and there are no more similar cases. Make sure to prioritize your security first!

[Rustam Meraj]

If ever I am in your shoe. As soon as the crime rates become rampant that's related to cryptocurrencies near my store area, I'll have it considered my safety and my family too. I'll have the board or that quote of bitcoin acceptance have it removed asap. But once it's too late and the criminals have already seen that, they might target and remember you. So, it's best if you're not confident about it then have your business relocate somewhere or if it's not that worse. Just simply removing that sign will save you.

Chainalysis Crypto Crime Report proven as increase in force cases, where signs on front of store of Bitcoin Accepted Here serve as Rob Me signal to gangs who believe owner has high value easy-access wallet on spot.
I think that plan of Smart Investors is plan of becoming invisible, that is, becoming crypto business without any signs or posters, and being able to give customers ways to pay only at their request, through quiet tool, such as BitPay, Coinbase, or NOWPayments.
This hidden security plan will allow you to get 45 percent growth in new customers seen by crypto sellers, without risking being attacked. Just taking down real sign nowadays would save your family being targeted by criminals using social media and apps of crypto locations to scout their next victim.

[AmoreJaz]

If you think that can give you peace, then just remove for now what is hanging in your business.

But let me remind you, kidnappers also made their prior research about their future victims, so maybe when they start eyeing people who are publicly displaying their wealth in fiat and bitcoin, or these victims have been bragging about having bitcoin in their social media accounts, so expect that from that moment, their safety is already at stake.

Just live simple and private, and always stay low profile. If bad guys do not have idea that you have wealth in bitcoin, then they won't target you as their future victim.

That is true, if they are seeing that you are living extravagantly, they may get the idea that you have more than enough. But live simply, don't show that you are doing well and just go with your business as usual. But I cam understand the dilemma of the OP as he has the signboard, it means - he has some bitcoins.

[Iranus]

That's worrying actually, especially to those who keep disposing their bitcoin investment to the public. And I must say, these kidnappers are definitely aware about bitcoin and its highly expensive value compared to fiat, that's why they prefer to accept ransom in bitcoin.

Now for your own safety, its better if you could just bring down your bitcoin acceptance sign while kidnapping is rampant in your place. That will only add to your worries, thinking that these kidnappers might happen to stroll in your place and notice your sign board.

And most of all, stay cautious and vigilant. And stay low profile so that the people around won't suspecting that you have decent amount of bitcoin in your wallet.

Criminals prefer using bitcoin as ransom because they believe it makes it harder for police to track them down, not because bitcoin has high value.

You will not be kidnapped and extorted just because you are a bitcoin investor or simply because your small shop accepts bitcoin payments. Not all investors are wealthy and own a lot of bitcoin.

Kidnappers only target wealthy individuals or those who own valuable assets such as bitcoin, gold...who often like to show off and flaunt their wealth.

[LogitechMouse]

---
The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

I might feel the same as well if I'm in your shoes.

Knowing that there's a kidnapping that happened in your country is very scary already, but to know that one of those who got kidnapped is something that you even know is something that's even scarier, and I would basically do the same as well if I were you. Safety over everything, and if you feel that you might be next, removing the acceptance of Bitcoin in your business is the best thing to do.

Wrench attacks are not trackable unless there are lots of CCTVs in your area, but if not then it will be hard or even impossible to track it unless the authorities are well-known about blockchain. Still, you need to remove it, and I'm not being hysterical when I say this, but that's for your own safety. I guess this will be one of the reasons as to why many establishments choose not to accept Bitcoin. They might get attacked by an unknown criminal at one point.

[X-ray]

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Use binance pay or something that you can easily convert to bitcoin without disclosing that you own bitcoin.

People will think you're just accepting e wallet QR payment while secretly holding bitcoin, otherwise just prefer to be safety and temporarily don't accept it.

That's the cost of self custody and if you have huge amount of fiat in your stash, bad people will do the same harmful thing so it's not because bitcoin.

[Oshio-man]

Since you said the kidnappers have been doing it freely without be caught with security, show that there are some government officials behind it op, there are some security tools government will deploy everywhere in the society that will expose everybody that is part of that evil activity in that country and if the government fails to do something on time, it will going to cause more insecurity in that country and it will make the government to ban bitcoin from that country, I know there is no currency kidnappers cannot demand from a victim but that one doesn't mean bitcoiners are the people kidnapping people because they don't have time for such bad attitude in the society.

[MrBen10]

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Safety first before any other thing if you feel threatened by the situation in your country it's not a crime to take precautions. But quiting not to receive Bitcoin as payment is not a good idea, change happens and when it does we are expected to change too. Bringing down the signboard for safety reasons good.

[Oasisman]

If let's say, the criminals demanded cash, will you also quit using cash, and only accept transfers or cards, a lot of people use tools in different ways, a kitchen knife can also be a weapon, quiting because people are taking advantage of Bitcoin to do evil doesn't make sense, you know what they say, evil prevail cause good men do nothing, so spread the good news about Bitcoin and keep a positive mind, it ain't Bitcoin that is bad but those who use it.

But still, if the usage of Bitcoin threatens your peace, then of course u should be careful.

This does make a lot of sense. Although, there are a fine differences between cash and Bitcoin, but when criminals attacks they will take everything they can.
We all know safety is our top priority, and I don't blame how the OP reacted to such incident, and yeah if it threatens his peace of mind, taking off the "accepts Bitcoin" signage may help turn the criminals attention away from his establishment. However, quitting may not be a good alternative, especially if we're into Bitcoin for quite some time already. Maybe, investing more in security could be a good solution, especially that the OP owns a business.
I just hope it's just temporary, and OP will figure out sooner how to increase the level of his security, rather than totally quitting on Bitcoin.

[Outhue]

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Add the following text to the inscription: "bitcoin is not anonymous and all transactions are tracked".

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

There's no way to track cash in any country (unless the numbers are recorded and the banknotes are marked).

It seems like there's some kind of hysteria brewing around bitcoin, that criminals are now using bitcoin to kidnap people and extort money. Are there more rumors about bitcoin being used for criminal purposes?

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

Wouldn't you be scared if, instead of a bitcoin demanded a ransom in cash? I think anyone with even a little money should be scared, and the currency they demand the ransom in is secondary.

"Bitcoin is not anonymous and all transactions are tracked" sounds like saying don't rob me or else you will be tracked, but my question still stands that, how many wrench attackers have been caught? Many of them get away with it and if truly they can be tracked why aren't we seeing news about wrench attackers been arrested?

What if these criminals already have their ways of evading getting caught? Because just tell me why none have been caught so far even in well developed countries, that's scary, we all could be thinking that such criminals are stupid but I don't think they are, I believe they already know their ways of covering their tracks after receiving Bitcoin, let's not forget that mixer is also one of those ways but anyways, thanks for your advice @everyone.

I think the best thing that I can do is bring the signboard down and privately accept Bitcoin among my customers alone, if you don't enter my office you won't know that I am accepting Bitcoin as payment.

[Alpen]

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Look, man, you're telling fairy tales. Money exchanges have always existed, and it doesn't matter if they handle Bitcoin or cash. If you’re just an employee, why are you stressing? You’re in no more danger than a bank teller.

But if you’re the business owner in a developing country, I don’t believe for a second that you aren't already paying protection money to some local racket. If you are, your safety is their problem. You only get attacked if things go totally lawless, but that’s a risk for any business in our part of the world.

[fuguebtc]

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Look, man, you're telling fairy tales. Money exchanges have always existed, and it doesn't matter if they handle Bitcoin or cash. If you’re just an employee, why are you stressing? You’re in no more danger than a bank teller.

But if you’re the business owner in a developing country, I don’t believe for a second that you aren't already paying protection money to some local racket. If you are, your safety is their problem. You only get attacked if things go totally lawless, but that’s a risk for any business in our part of the world.

We cannot know the security situation where OP is living or what is happening there. But I agree that this has nothing to do with bitcoin because bitcoin is just a currency or an asset with value like gold or fiat. Meanwhile, the kidnappers' target is our property, not any specific type of asset.

The problem that OP is facing and needs to solve is the security issue in the area. Because even if he was not a bitcoin investor, he was still very wealthy and boastful, sooner or later he would become a target for kidnappers.

[betswift]

I have been in fear for two days straight after I heard that few numbers of people are kidnapped and I happen to know one of the victim, they are asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin, I don't know maybe I should call this stupid or not but I am lost in my thoughts....

As a developing country that I am from, my people don't even have their ways of tracking criminals on the Blockchain, even in other countries that are well developed than mine, wrench attacks still happened and none of them attackers got caught.

The reason for my fear is the fact that I have "Bitcoin Payment accepted here" displayed on my business signboard, so I think it is time for me to bring it down for my own safety. What would you have done if you are in my shoe? Any better option you have in mind?

Look, man, you're telling fairy tales. Money exchanges have always existed, and it doesn't matter if they handle Bitcoin or cash. If you’re just an employee, why are you stressing? You’re in no more danger than a bank teller.

But if you’re the business owner in a developing country, I don’t believe for a second that you aren't already paying protection money to some local racket. If you are, your safety is their problem. You only get attacked if things go totally lawless, but that’s a risk for any business in our part of the world.

You can read the last post and reconsider your conclusions a bit

[passwordnow]

If ever I am in your shoe. As soon as the crime rates become rampant that's related to cryptocurrencies near my store area, I'll have it considered my safety and my family too. I'll have the board or that quote of bitcoin acceptance have it removed asap. But once it's too late and the criminals have already seen that, they might target and remember you. So, it's best if you're not confident about it then have your business relocate somewhere or if it's not that worse. Just simply removing that sign will save you.

Chainalysis Crypto Crime Report proven as increase in force cases, where signs on front of store of Bitcoin Accepted Here serve as Rob Me signal to gangs who believe owner has high value easy-access wallet on spot.
I think that plan of Smart Investors is plan of becoming invisible, that is, becoming crypto business without any signs or posters, and being able to give customers ways to pay only at their request, through quiet tool, such as BitPay, Coinbase, or NOWPayments.
This hidden security plan will allow you to get 45 percent growth in new customers seen by crypto sellers, without risking being attacked. Just taking down real sign nowadays would save your family being targeted by criminals using social media and apps of crypto locations to scout their next victim.

That's a good idea but I think crypto business owners have one thing in mind and that's to help in adoption and that's why they're vocal with their acceptance of Bitcoin payments. But, if that's going to be at their own safety's expense, it's better to have it removed and let the customers do their thing of asking if the business still accepts it. I guess with the word of mouth by the trusted customers and the owner himself can suggest it if they ask for it. It's going to be between the owner and the crypto customers where they're both safe and two-way safety for both customer and owner.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

We cannot know the security situation where OP is living or what is happening there. But I agree that this has nothing to do with bitcoin because bitcoin is just a currency or an asset with value like gold or fiat. Meanwhile, the kidnappers' target is our property, not any specific type of asset.

The problem that OP is facing and needs to solve is the security issue in the area. Because even if he was not a bitcoin investor, he was still very wealthy and boastful, sooner or later he would become a target for kidnappers.

That's why I prefer to remain anonymous regarding any involvement in Bitcoin, because we never know how someone might act in a way that could endanger us. Security is a crucial step to consider to avoid something that will happen and we should avoid being arrogant about our Bitcoin holdings as much as possible, so criminal activity can be avoided in our daily lives. Crime rates vary from region to region, so we must be careful and not be careless about accepting Bitcoin payments in our businesses, especially if our location doesn't allow Bitcoin as a legitimate means of transaction like fiat and it's better to proceed with caution.