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December 24, 2013 4:13 pm - NewsBehavingBadly.com

Bitcoin-theft-615x324For those who have been following the confounding saga of Bitcoin – a virtual currency backed primarily by complex algorithms and brazen speculation – here is a bit of larceny and levity at the expense of a Bloomberg host, courtesy of Raw Story:

Bloomberg TV anchor Matt Miller gave two colleagues, Adam Johnson and Trish Regan, $20 in digital currency in a “12 Days of Bitcoin” segment.

But Johnson unwittingly displayed the digital QR code for his money to the camera, and a viewer was able to use the private key to take his Bitcoin.

Reddit user milkywaymasta said he used his smart phone to scan the QR code that was displayed in high definition for about 10 seconds, allowing him to take the money. … He promised to return the money if Miller provides a new address so the QR code can’t be swiped again, but the anchor said he could keep the Bitcoin.

“So freaking classic but also a GREAT lesson in bitcoin security!” Miller tweeted. “You can keep the $20 — well earned.”

Watch the theft courtesy of Raw Story.

D.B. Hirsch
D.B. Hirsch is a political activist, news junkie, and retired ad copy writer and spin doctor. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.