If you think Karachi is the only place that has fallen prey to theft and crime, then I am here to tell you about the wildest Crypto crime, Retail Theft, and much more.
I mean who got the guts to challenge such a system, bravo!👏 (pun intended😂)
Here is what I have for you today:
Stealing Crypto, Losing Freedom
Blockchain revolutionizing in-store security
2014 Crypto Coins: RIP or HODLing On?
Robert Ross explains what is happening in the market
So without further ado,
Let's get started!
Blackpool Bitcoin Gang: Stealing Crypto, Losing Freedom
Are you a fan of heist movies?
I know I am, there's something exhilarating about watching a group of criminals outsmart the system and make off with millions.
This is why this story caught my attention, it's got all the elements of a Hollywood blockbuster: a group of Bitcoin scammers, millions of dollars worth of stolen crypto, and even some random strangers getting free cars and gift cards.
But this isn't a movie, it's the true story of the Blackpool Bitcoin Gang.
It all started in October 2017, when James Parker, a resident of Blackpool, England, discovered a glitch in the crypto exchange he was using. This glitch allowed him to withdraw crypto that wasn't his.
And what did he do? He told his friends, of course. Sallo bhai, is that you?😂
Over the next three months, the Blackpool Bitcoin Gang withdrew £20m worth of crypto.
Now, stealing millions of dollars worth of crypto is one thing, but what do you do with all that loot?
The Gang went on a shopping spree, buying fancy cars, and designer goods. But they didn't keep all the money to themselves, they also gave out £5,000 gift cards to random people on the street and bought cars for strangers they met in the pub. Man really be living in his Bollywood bubble, eh?😆
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Eventually, the Blackpool Bitcoin Gang was caught and charged with fraud and other crimes. They were sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison. (Bara aya SRK banne🤣)
This story serves as a reminder that crime doesn't pay, and that in real life, things don't always end like in the movies.
Project Unlock: How blockchain is revolutionizing in-store security at Lowes
Imagine a world where no Vasooli bhai falls pray to Choona by Dicky.
Well, you don’t have to imagine because….
Blockchain is now branching out into new territory - retail theft.
That's right, the team over at Lowes, the home improvement store, has come up with an innovative solution to combat retail theft using blockchain technology.
Introducing Project Unlock - a proof-of-concept that combines the power of RFID chips, IoT sensors, and blockchain technology to fight retail theft. It's like something straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie.
Here's how it works:
RFID chips are discreetly inserted into power tools, turning them into high-tech security devices.
IoT sensors are used to activate the RFID chips at the point of purchase, like a secret handshake between the tool and the store's system.
All transactions are recorded on the Ethereum blockchain, creating a tamper-proof and transparent record of every purchase.
And each physical product is paired with a unique NFT (non-fungible token) that changes status once it's purchased, making it easy to identify if an item was sold by Lowes or stolen.
Retail theft is a billion-dollar problem that's been plaguing retailers for years, but Lowes is taking a stand and using cutting-edge technology to combat it. With Project Unlock, they're turning power tools into un-stealable treasures and creating a secure and transparent record of every purchase.
It's a game-changer for the retail industry and just another example of how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way we do things. Next time you're at Lowes, take a closer look at those power tools, you might be surprised at what they're capable of.
2014 Crypto Coins: RIP or HODLing On?
Looks like the crypto graveyard is getting crowded.
Coin Kickoff's recent analysis of 2,400 dead coins from the past decade reveals some sobering statistics:
91% of all coins launched in 2014 are now six feet under, with 76.5% of those from 2014 ceasing circulation.
But what's killing off these digital currencies?
Scams,
Joke coins,
Failed initial coin offerings (ICOs),
And a severe lack of trade volume are among the top causes of death.
In fact, 2018 had the highest death toll with 751 coins biting the dust,
390 due to lost trade volume
237 because of fraud.
But before you shed a tear for these fallen coins, remember that not all is lost in the crypto world. The exception to this grim reality? Dogecoin, the meme-inspired currency that started as a joke in 2013 and now boasts a whopping $11 billion market cap. Who knew all you needed was a meme and a dream (and possibly a tweet from Elon Musk)?
So, as Chaucer once said, 'all scam coins must come to an end,' but for those with a strong sense of humor and a dash of luck, the future is looking bright.
Instagram Live: Robert Ross Unfiltered…
Robert Ross, who goes by his Instagram Handle tikstocks and Substack Handle
, went on a live with Adnan Bhai on 13th January, 2023.Robert Ross - a Senior Equity Analyst in an Investment Research Company, started creating content by the end of 2019, explaining markets in a way that’s digestible for young people.
The live session was pouring down in information about Finance and the macroeconomic factors that influence the markets. A little disclaimer, I will summarize the live for you but in no way should you consider Robert Ross’s opinions as a financial advice, it was a one-on-one elaborate discussion about markets. So, according to Robert Ross:
We will soon enter into a mild Recession, more specifically an Earnings Recession
Feds will not implement Interest Rate Cuts before Dec 2023, otherwise it would worsen inflation further
S&P would go down by 30% by 2023 (this includes the 2022 losses)
The right age to start investing is basically the sooner the better because a 19 year-old is more Risk Tolerant and has plenty working years to recover losses, unlike a 70 year old.
Investors holding their losing stocks and selling their winning stocks is basically a Behavioral Finance Fallacy or a Disposition Effect. It was discouraged by Peter Lynch as well as Warren Buffet.
A new investor should design his Portfolio in 80-20 fashion. This means 80% to be invested in 2 Index Funds (watch the live to know the names), 2-3% in Crypto, 18-17% in individual stocks or ETFs.
They also discussed:
About TESLA Stocks, what would happen to Microsoft (as a competition to Google) if it integrates Chatgpt in its products, what investing mistakes did Robert Ross make, why he doesn’t appreciate the Author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, etc.
If you wish to catch up, you know what to do….
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed this edition of our newsletter and found the information and tools we shared to be valuable.
Until next time,
Hafsa and Zain from Team Inspired Analyst - signing off!
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice or recommendation for any investment. The content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.