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Why might it be harder for a thief to sell a cryptocurrency they’ve stolen?
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Its market value automatically falls
107 votes (23.8%)
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Its blockchain history can expose its origin
249 votes (55.5%)
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Its supply is automatically reduced
50 votes (11.1%)
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Its transaction fees permanently increase
43 votes (9.6%)
Total votes: 449
Answer: B) Its blockchain history can expose its origin
Even if hackers successfully steal millions, turning it into spendable cash is surprisingly difficult. That’s because transactions on public blockchains leave a permanent record. Specialist firms can trace stolen funds as they move between wallets, and exchanges may refuse deposits linked to known criminal activity. This creates a phenomenon known as tainted coins, where cryptocurrency associated with theft can be harder to exchange for cash, despite being technically identical to other coins.