For my own safety, I quit

[Agbamoni]

I understand your fear, OP. If you feel like quitting, then you have to quit because your safety comes first before anything else.
I recommend an environment that prioritizes security for running a business that accepts Bitcoin. These kinds of businesses dont need an environment that's easily accessible to anyone in the country. Most businesses that use Bitcoin as payment are high-end businesses like gold and jewelry stores, etc. High security measures should be practised around such businesses.

[Obim34]

I don't know if crypto is legal or not in OP's country, but he isn't worried about the authorities clamping down on him for accepting Bitcoin. That's not what the topic is about. Rather, OP is worried that by accepting Bitcoin in his business, he might be a potential target for robbery or kidnapping due to the increasing numbers of wrench attacks on his country.

If that is the case then he should stop, as long Bitcoin payment does not cover over 50% of means of receiving payment, then he doesn't need to worry, as fiat can equally be used. A one man business usually comes with personal risks, always a target when considering new improvements, if i were to be in OP shoes, yes i would consider dropping down the signboard.

[cxtreenal]

This is a big problem. After being kidnapped, cash is usually the norm. Many kidnappers demand cash for fear of being identified. Since your business accepts Bitcoin, you may not be targeted and your family may not be asked for Bitcoin as a ransom. In the case of wealthy people family members are also kidnapped and demanded for money. It is possible to avoid unwanted incidents by being aware. While kidnapping someone and demanding money from their family can be scary in some cases, you should be careful and create awareness to keep your family and others safe in your community. Be careful yourself and make others aware because mutual cooperation is the most important thing to keep yourself safe from criminals. The number of criminals is much less than the number of aware people and seek the help of law enforcement.

[Queen uloma]

For you being afraid isn't stupid at all. What you're feeling is a normal reaction as a human, since the incident happened close to you. And you're close to this particular person, experience like that can distort your feeling of safety. Firstly the issue isn't really Bitcoin itself, but the criminals that abuse it. But in your environment, perception  matters more than practical reality. If someone believes this person is involved in Bitcoin, so they're assumed to be wealthy, that alone can make you be a target to them. So taking down the signboard isn't fear, it's a smart precaution, and it doesn't make you weak, it means you're acting with foresight and awareness.

[HajiBagi]

It is actually best to stay on the side of safety so I see your reason and support you on what you did. But have you ever thought about the culprit asking to get paid in Bitcoin because they think it is untraceable and is not related to whether your store has an option to let customers pay in Bitcoin?

Sometimes it hurts to be paranoid, it often leads to stress, frustration, and in the end, depression.  As long as you do not flex your wealth, I do not think people will come at you with ill intentions.  Most of the members here advise people who are engaged in Bitcoin to be low-profile. 

I agree with you, flex your wealth has caused some of us to lose our money and bitcoin because it make us exposed ourselves to the public that we have something valuable in our hands, people are very complicated and no one should be trusted even those who are very close to us, there are many people who are holding bitcoin and live in area where security is not well safeguarded but they know how they are doing to not let anyone know that they have bitcoin.

Another reason why he will be targeted is because he displayed bitcoin payment on his business signboard, that kind of things are not supposed to be displayed in area where you know that it is not safe, that kind of thing should be in a place where you can get a 24 hours security and when anything happens they can track down the criminal immediately.

[Akaenyi]

You cannot sell off your Bitcoin because a kidnaper demanded for random in Bitcoin, if you do that means you will quit and sell of all your assets. Would you sell your car because armed robbers steals other people's cars or blow up all your cash because the bank can go bankrupt and thieves can steal your physical cash? I think that what we can do is be security conscious, try as much as possible to protect ourselves from harm and secure our assets very well.

Due to the many cases of attacks on crypto holders I think that it is best to keep the information about what we are worth to ourselves. Don't announce in public that you own Bitcoin so that you won't be targeted by robbers and kidnappers.

[Marvelockg]

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 will say that the answer to this question will depend on the location of your business and wether or not you're business is located in a major city where others are also into crypto related business or in a place where once they hear about crypto, it gives them an impression that you're a filthy rich young guy. If the latter is the case, you've got to consider your safety and do the needful before you become the victim.

Displaying a bitcoin Caption in your business is not just because you want to show off. It should be basically because bitcoin is well known in that environment by people around and that by being known as an holder of bitcoin, you're not indirectly endangering your life. What's the essence of being vocal about bitcoin when it will endanger your life?

[vs2014]

Criminals can claim any type of asset even cash hand to hand but that doesn't mean we won't use cash. Criminals are very smart and have enough knowledge about the crypto market so they claimed Bitcoin knowing that there would be no legal complications. Everything has its pros and cons and i have a lot of good things about Bitcoin so I want to share them. Bitcoin is currently being used in most countries and people are freely accumulating Bitcoin but this is the first time I have seen such an incident. If it is under threat in your country then be very secretive and do not let anyone know that you are a millionaire.

[tabas]

I agree with you, flex your wealth has caused some of us to lose our money and bitcoin because it make us exposed ourselves to the public that we have something valuable in our hands, people are very complicated and no one should be trusted even those who are very close to us, there are many people who are holding bitcoin and live in area where security is not well safeguarded but they know how they are doing to not let anyone know that they have bitcoin.

Another reason why he will be targeted is because he displayed bitcoin payment on his business signboard, that kind of things are not supposed to be displayed in area where you know that it is not safe, that kind of thing should be in a place where you can get a 24 hours security and when anything happens they can track down the criminal immediately.

While he's not flexing his Bitcoin holdings there but that sign of Bitcoin accepted is attractive to these criminals. As we're optimistic with using it as a payment, I think it's also going to depend in the area. We know our locations if they're a good one and peaceful or, it's chaotic and lawless. That's a good decision by OP to simply go away but there's no need to sell of his assets, maybe giving up that sign or the business itself and move to another area. As for these 24 hours security, if it's a big operation he does need that but if it's a SME, he doesn't have to as he's about to close. And these CCTV operations should have someone in monitor because most establishments, don't have a person to look out in it.

[vanesha]

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 would do the same, because Bitcoin has no legal or regulatory body anywhere. When it comes to the security of cryptocurrency assets, it has nothing to do with the government. We focus solely on ourselves. The only ones who can protect us from crime are ourselves. Don't take excessive risks; it's okay to protect yourself, because you are the only one who can fully safeguard your assets. Love your wife and children.

[Itz-prisigold]

Criminals can claim any type of asset even cash hand to hand but that doesn't mean we won't use cash. Criminals are very smart and have enough knowledge about the crypto market so they claimed Bitcoin knowing that there would be no legal complications. Everything has its pros and cons and i have a lot of good things about Bitcoin so I want to share them. Bitcoin is currently being used in most countries and people are freely accumulating Bitcoin but this is the first time I have seen such an incident. If it is under threat in your country then be very secretive and do not let anyone know that you are a millionaire.

I totally understand what you are saying, but when you compare these two options from a perspective of circumstance,  criminal activity can be done with cash as well as in Bitcoins. However, when Bitcoins is sent, then it is basically gone because they cannot be traced. Therefore,  it is likely to become an easier target for crime, especially in places such as my country that do not provide a method for tracking Bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin does have many advantages and individuals are using it throughout many parts of the world. The reality however is being open about accepting Bitcoin could put you in real danger, and being secretive in this regard is not merely about hiding your assets,  it is about maintaining your safety.

So it is not relevant if Bitcoin is beneficial or bad,  what matters is understanding when and how to use it in order to avoid placing oneself in harm.

[VRExpress]

People have lost their lives due to what they have, some people don't mind taking your life so that you won't be able to enjoy what you worked for, they are satisfied with this rather than seeing you enjoying, I remember a case of a guy who killed his friend because he can't stand his success, at first I don't believe until he was interviewed.

This is cash/fiat related, it scare me how some people believe that having Bitcojn means you are wealthy, they don't know that bitcoin comes I'm different numbers and value, most people cant even afford 0.2 BTC today, crime will be easier for criminal who knows what Bitcoin truly is, especially if you are living in a not so well developed country, op did the right thing.

[sfjordhalvson]

People have lost their lives due to what they have, some people don't mind taking your life so that you won't be able to enjoy what you worked for, they are satisfied with this rather than seeing you enjoying, I remember a case of a guy who killed his friend because he can't stand his success, at first I don't believe until he was interviewed.

This is cash/fiat related, it scare me how some people believe that having Bitcojn means you are wealthy, they don't know that bitcoin comes I'm different numbers and value, most people cant even afford 0.2 BTC today, crime will be easier for criminal who knows what Bitcoin truly is, especially if you are living in a not so well developed country, op did the right thing.

I get your point, and this is something many people overlook. The danger is often in the perception, people hear bitcoin and assume you're rich, even if you hold a small amount. At current prices (~$60k per BTC), even 0.2 BTC is already around $12k something, which most people can't afford. But even criminals don't think in fractions, they only see "crypto=money". That 's what make it risky, especially since bitcoin transactions can't be reversed if someone forces you.

From what I've seen, it's better to stay private and not talk about holding openly, especially in places where security is an issue. This makes sense, sometimes safety is more important than exposure.

[Awaklara]

I would do the same, because Bitcoin has no legal or regulatory body anywhere. When it comes to the security of cryptocurrency assets, it has nothing to do with the government. We focus solely on ourselves. The only ones who can protect us from crime are ourselves. Don't take excessive risks; it's okay to protect yourself, because you are the only one who can fully safeguard your assets. Love your wife and children.

Protecting assets is indeed our own responsibility. But as a citizen, you certainly have the right to receive protection from the state. I mean, if such a case has occurred and the state knows, they should take security measures in areas prone to crime. If the situation there is quite bad, stopping temporarily is not a problem. Tighten the security system at home and in the business environment.

[Pablo-wood]

I understand your fear, OP. If you feel like quitting, then you have to quit because your safety comes first before anything else.
I recommend an environment that prioritizes security for running a business that accepts Bitcoin. These kinds of businesses dont need an environment that's easily accessible to anyone in the country. Most businesses that use Bitcoin as payment are high-end businesses like gold and jewelry stores, etc. High security measures should be practised around such businesses.

As long as it's a developing country I will always advise Bitcoin payments should be on request and not publicly shown. We all know how poor security services in developing countries tend to be. A system that can't secure it's environment is it a random business premises they will secure. No standard ammunition, no good safety kits. One has to be wise when operating in a setting as this, it takes a living soul to run a business so one has to save their lives first even if it means taking down a sign post that publicly announces their mode of payment. This like that can ignite kidnapping or assassination.

[vs2014]

Criminals can claim any type of asset even cash hand to hand but that doesn't mean we won't use cash. Criminals are very smart and have enough knowledge about the crypto market so they claimed Bitcoin knowing that there would be no legal complications. Everything has its pros and cons and i have a lot of good things about Bitcoin so I want to share them. Bitcoin is currently being used in most countries and people are freely accumulating Bitcoin but this is the first time I have seen such an incident. If it is under threat in your country then be very secretive and do not let anyone know that you are a millionaire.

So it is not relevant if Bitcoin is beneficial or bad,  what matters is understanding when and how to use it in order to avoid placing oneself in harm.

Of course, we have to take the primary responsibility for security ourselves and personally I am very secure in using Bitcoin. Since Bitcoin is decentralized so there is no central customer support that we can feel safe with. We can get into a lot of problems like this due to a small mistake. Since this type of crime has started and the criminals are getting away with it very easily we must take responsibility for our own safety. Nothing is perfect so everything has its good and bad sides so we should move forward with the good side. If we blindly trust people then we can become victims of such crimes.

[SmartCharpa]

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?

You need it bring down the signboard for your own safety, your environment isn’t safe, and you might be their next target, even if you never tell anyone that you own a Bitcoin, the signboard of your business shows that you accept it as a payment, to be honest, you have to take it down because you don’t know who have seen you or if someone close to you that might plan the same thing with you, it is very difficult to track those criminals who collect ransom in bitcoin.

However, if I were you, I wouldn’t even reach this point to take down the signboard, it’s already obvious that even as your country is developed, the society isn’t safe. If I own a business and my country accepts bitcoin as a payment, I will not try it because the country is not safe, kidnapping is already happening without accepting bitcoin, it will give them more freedom, since it will be difficult to track transactions.

[lienfaye]

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?

Your security should be your top priority so it's understandable if you'd like to remove the sign board, it's a good decision. Accepting Bitcoin in a business as a means of payment can lead others to become aware of its existence and it's your own way to spread awareness. However, if your safety is at risk, it would be better to stay low profile to get rid of your fear especially there are already cases of kidnapping in your place.

[zasad@]

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?

Your security should be your top priority so it's understandable if you'd like to remove the sign board, it's a good decision. Accepting Bitcoin in a business as a means of payment can lead others to become aware of its existence and it's your own way to spread awareness. However, if your safety is at risk, it would be better to stay low profile to get rid of your fear especially there are already cases of kidnapping in your place.

First, I'd like to point out that in many countries, cryptocurrency payments are processed through an intermediary: the buyer pays in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, and the payment service transfers dollars or another local currency to the customer's account. I hope you understand that the seller doesn't want to bear the risk of a decline in the price of bitcoin. Therefore, in most cases, the seller receives fiat money, not cryptocurrency, in their account.

[YellowSwap]

I can remember a brother from another mother calling me a rich person all because I told him about Bitcoin and he failed to buy then but Bitcoin now made a new ATH of 126k.

It was a shocking to him and nothing to me, since that time he wouldn't let me rest, always saying that I am now rich that I should show him love.

It's only a foolish kidnapper that will kidnap someone and ask them for all their Bitcoin without knowing what they actually worth, what if the victim only has $200 worth of Bitcoin?

It's crazy how people think, till date I never told him that I lost huge amount of money investing on altcoins, now I think I should tell him before he firmly believe that I am so rich.