What if a simple text message could cost you thousands — or even millions?
That’s exactly what happened in a massive cybercrime case involving 24-year-old Tyler Buchanan from Dundee.
According to the US Department of Justice, Buchanan has pleaded guilty to helping orchestrate a scheme.
That stole at least $8 million in cryptocurrency from victims across the United States.
The group used SMS phishing — sending fake texts that tricked employees into clicking links and entering sensitive details like passwords.
Once inside, they accessed company systems, grabbed confidential data, and drained digital wallets.
Between 2021 and 2023, the operation targeted major industries — from tech to telecom.
Crypto Scam Consequences
Investigators even found stolen login details and crypto “seed phrases” on Buchanan’s devices — essentially the keys to entire fortunes.
And he wasn’t alone. Co-conspirator Noah Michael Urban has already been sentenced to 10 years and ordered to repay $13 million.
Now, Buchanan faces up to 22 years behind bars when he’s sentenced in August.
Experts often warn: “Cybercrime doesn’t need force — just one mistake.”
And in today’s world, that mistake might be as small as tapping a text.
So next time your phone buzzes… will you think twice?
