*I was Scammed – Warning to New and Experienced Traders Alike*

I was scammed.

Plain and simple – no one to blame but myself for not seeing the signs earlier. A few clicks from one Youtube link to another and the next thing you know I was watching a "live stream" of Vitalik talking about some new advancements to ETH, the 2.0 system, and what's next for the crypto space. There was a website plug in the video to which directed me to a website to participate in this "telethon" like event. The website was legit – unbelievably well crafted – No nonsense, and indistinguishable from a true "fundraising" event.

That's all it took, a quick scroll of the website and (a few minutes later) my ETH was gone. I had been keeping some liquid in a metamask wallet for an nft drop – and it just disappeared.

I have been able to trace the wallet that stole my funds, the website domain provider and the unknown parties "location" (although, this is very likely a fake address and IP).
But it doesn't matter. I spent all day extremely low, mad at myself – angry with the system – wishing (for the first time) it was a regulated space so that people couldn't just walk away with my crypto.

I haven't taken my eyes off of my wallet in the hopes that it miraculously reappears – but I know this is false hope and I won't be getting it back.

My message of caution – PLEASE beware that scammers are going to GREAT lengths to trap even the most experienced investor. If anything looks fishy – even in the SLIGHTEST – do NOT touch it with a 10 foot pole. Don't click, don't interact, and most importantly GET YOUR CRYPTO ONTO COLD WALLETS.

I hope that this saves even One person from falling into a similar trap.

And umm Vitalik… if you read this… would appreciate you sending some money (to my new) account:
0xBBB597F898cAe1497C5a2F918A617BC51df41733

as I am going to have a very challenging time making some payments this month.

BE SAFE. INVEST SMART. DO NOT PLAY WITH MONEY YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE.