Lost phone leads to more than $50K stolen, including Bitcoin

The NYPD released photos of two men they’re trying to identify.

Edric Robinson

Oct 15, 2025, 12:18 PM

Updated 1 hr ago

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A lost phone turned into a major headache for one Brooklyn man — police say thieves used it to steal more than $50,000, including a chunk of Bitcoin.
Investigators say it started when a 28-year-old man lost his phone on Sept. 28. Soon after, he noticed several unauthorized charges — about $1,000 spent at addresses linked to a Wine and Liquors on Marcus Garvey Boulevard and The Taco Bar on Tompkins Avenue.
But that wasn’t all. Police say whoever got their hands on his phone also managed to transfer about $54,000 in Bitcoin from his account. Detectives with the 61st and 79th precincts are still investigating how the suspects were able to access those funds.
The NYPD released photos of two men they’re trying to identify. One is seen wearing a red T-shirt and gold chain. The other is wearing a blue baseball cap and white T-shirt.
If you recognize them or have any information, you’re asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.
The Federal Trade Commission says if you ever lose your phone or card, act fast. Report it immediately to your bank or credit card company, check your accounts for any suspicious charges, and set up two-factor authentication for extra security.