The crypto community has been in an uproar these past couple of days, with news spreading like wildfire about LZB being kidnapped and extorted.

Some people speculate it was a setup, while others think it was just a straightforward kidnapping case. But at the end of the day, no matter how the story is written, the ultimate goal is always the same—money. The crypto world really is a deep and murky pond.

If you’re dealing with people out there, you really need to stay alert. Those people who act overly enthusiastic when you’ve just met, eager to become your “brothers” and always trying to get close to you—there’s nothing wrong with keeping your guard up. This is especially true for friends who have some assets to their name; you need to be extra cautious.

I used to hear people say, “Chinese people don’t scam other Chinese people.” Thinking about it now, that’s pretty interesting. The usual trick is to win you over with sincerity, make you let your guard down, and then take advantage of you when you least expect it.

The crypto industry is inherently full of unknown risks. Beyond market volatility, the real test often comes from human nature, which can be even more deadly. Protecting your assets—and your personal safety—is the only way to go in the long run.