Crypto Wrench Attacks Surge 41% in 2026, $101M Lost in First Four Months as Family Members Increasingly Targeted

According to CertiK, crypto wrench attacks have resulted in approximately $101 million in losses during the first four months of 2026, with 34 verified incidents globally representing a 41% increase from the same period in 2025. If the trend continues, the firm estimates hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for the full year.

Notably, 82% of the 34 attacks occurred in Europe, with France accounting for 24 incidents. Additionally, more than half of the attacks involved family members of the primary targets—including spouses, children, and elderly parents—either as direct victims or as pressure levers. CertiK notes that attackers are increasingly using data-driven targeting methods, purchasing victim information including names, addresses, and financial profiles from online brokers.