A viral social media post claiming that a tourist lost 189 Solana (SOL), worth approximately US$14,000 or around IDR260 million, during a night out in Bali has sparked widespread discussion within the cryptocurrency community. However, the claim is now being questioned after on-chain investigators alleged that key evidence presented by the account may have been fabricated.
The story first gained attention after an X user using the handle @wrss29 described how he allegedly lost access to his crypto wallet after handing his unlocked mobile phone to a woman he had just met.
According to the post, the incident occurred while the tourist was spending the evening at a beach club in Bali. After several of his friends had left, he reportedly met a group of women and bought them drinks.
The victim claimed that one of the women asked to exchange Instagram accounts. Believing it to be harmless, he handed over his unlocked phone so she could search for his profile.
Because he had consumed alcohol, he later said he did not notice that the woman had been holding his phone for an extended period.
Shortly afterwards, the group allegedly excused themselves to go to the restroom but never returned.
The tourist later claimed that he discovered his Phantom cryptocurrency wallet had been emptied, with 189 SOL transferred out of his account.
The account also alleged that the incident had been reported to police, who reportedly launched an investigation.
According to the viral account, “Police launched an investigation, and 8–12 undercover intelligence officers tracked down and arrested the suspects at nearby venues.”
The post concluded with a warning for cryptocurrency holders, stating, “Never hand your unlocked phone to strangers, especially if it contains crypto wallet apps, even for something as simple as adding a contact or taking a photo.”
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Crypto Community Questions Authenticity of the Claim
While the story quickly circulated across social media, several members of the cryptocurrency community later challenged its authenticity.
Self-described on-chain investigators claimed they were unable to identify the wallet allegedly involved in the incident. They also questioned the screenshots shared by the account, suggesting that the evidence of the 189 SOL transfer may have been manipulated.
In addition, community members accused the account of previously sharing fake giveaway receipts and promoting bots allegedly capable of carrying out address poisoning attacks, a scam technique that tricks users into sending cryptocurrency to fraudulent wallet addresses.
However, these allegations have emerged from discussions within the cryptocurrency community on X and have not been independently verified by authorities or confirmed through official investigations.
At the time of writing, no official statement has been issued by Bali Police regarding the alleged theft, the reported arrests, or the authenticity of the claims circulating on social media.
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