Revolut reportedly facing $3m ransom demand after hackers steal hundreds of customers’ data

Europe’s largest financial technology company, Revolut, has fallen victim to an impersonation scam that has resulted in hackers stealing personal data from hundreds of its cryptocurrency customers. The theft of customers’ data has prompted a reported $3 million (£2.2 million) ransom demand. The breach, which only affected about 680 of Revolut’s 80 million global customers, involved hackers posing as government officials to request personal customer details.

Revolut confirmed the incident last weekend and stated that their systems and customer funds are unaffected. One of the alleged hackers has reportedly threatened to publish customer data unless Revolut pays the ransom, according to the Financial Times. Some victims have expressed fear for their safety, with former Mt. Gox CEO Mark Karpelès saying he is worried about his family’s safety after being one of the victims.

Karpelès has contacted law enforcement in Tokyo due to the threat of kidnapping or death if Revolut does not provide more information about the breach. Revolut has taken immediate action by blocking the fraudulent email address and alerting the relevant government and financial regulators.