# **Scotts Valley Police Issue Warning on Bitcoin Extortion Scam**

Scotts Valley police are alerting the public about a **new online scam** that has been circulating recently. Victims have reported receiving **emails from an unknown sender** claiming to possess compromising images or videos of them. The perpetrator then attempts to **extort Bitcoin** from the victims, threatening to share these materials with their friends or family if they do not comply.  

The police have confirmed that this is a **national scam** affecting individuals across the country. In light of this, they advise anyone receiving such messages to **not respond** or send any form of payment, including **cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards**. If you find yourself in this situation, you can report it by calling their **non-emergency Dispatch** number at **831-566-2110**.  

For additional safety tips, visit the official website for more information.

Scotts Valley police are warning the public of a new online scam. 

Beware: National Bitcoin Extortion Scam Targeting Victims!

Investors can start trading **Ripple's new stablecoin** on **Tuesday**, following approval from the **New York State Department of Financial Services**. The stablecoin, named **ripple USD (RLUSD)**, will be backed by the U.S. dollar and is set to be issued on both the **Ethereum blockchain** and the **XRP ledger**. Initially, it will be available on select global exchanges, with plans for broader access in the coming weeks.

### The Motivation Behind RLUSD
Jack McDonald, Ripple's senior vice president of stablecoins, emphasized the need for a native stablecoin to enhance **cross-border payments**. He stated, "As we've been using stablecoins more and more in our flows, that really piqued our interest that we should have our own native stablecoin that can be more cost-effective and operationally efficient to use."

The launch comes at a time of increased optimism in the crypto industry regarding potential regulatory clarity under the upcoming administration of President-elect **Donald Trump**. Ripple has previously faced challenges, including a lawsuit from the **SEC**, which classified **XRP** as an unregistered security. However, a recent ruling provided Ripple with a partial victory, stating that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors.

### Market Dynamics
The market cap for dollar-backed stablecoins has surged by **50% this year**, with **Tether (USDT)** holding a dominant **70%** share, while **Circle's USDC** accounts for about **20%**. McDonald noted that there is a growing demand for alternatives to the current leading stablecoins due to market concentration concerns.

### Ripple’s Strategy
Ripple, which has been a major player in **business-to-business payments** for over a decade, primarily operates outside the U.S. Despite stablecoins traditionally being used for trading, Ripple aims to leverage RLUSD to complement its existing payment solutions. McDonald explained, "There's a place in payments specifically for both XRP and for stablecoins."

Additionally, Ripple's initiative to launch RLUSD on both the **Ethereum** and **XRP ledger** is expected to increase the demand for XRP as a bridging asset, enhancing the ecosystem around **XRP ledger**.

### Competitive Landscape
Ripple is entering an increasingly crowded market for stablecoins, with competitors such as **Robinhood**, **Kraken**, and **MercadoLibre** also launching their own dollar-backed stablecoins. This competitive environment highlights the growing importance and acceptance of stablecoins in the financial landscape.

Ripple received approval to issue RLUSD from the New York State Department of Financial Services earlier this month.

Ripple Launches RLUSD: A Game-Changer for Cross-Border Payments!

Semler Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMLR), a leader in healthcare technology, recently announced significant updates regarding its **Bitcoin (BTC)** holdings and capital markets activities.

### **BTC Update**
Between December 5 and December 15, 2024, Semler acquired **211 BTC** for **$21.5 million**, raising its total holdings to **2,084 BTC** at an average purchase price of **$80,916** per bitcoin. This acquisition was financed through its at-the-market (ATM) offering and operational cash flow.

### **ATM Update**
On December 16, 2024, Semler filed a new prospectus to increase its ATM offering by **$50 million**, totaling **$150 million**. As of December 13, 2024, they have generated approximately **$100 million** from previous sales under this offering.

### **BTC Yield: A KPI**
From October 1, 2024, to December 15, 2024, Semler's **BTC Yield** stood at **67.0%**. From July 1, 2024, to December 15, 2024, this yield was even higher at **92.8%**. Semler uses BTC Yield as a key performance indicator to evaluate the effectiveness of its bitcoin acquisition strategy, which they believe positively impacts shareholders.

### **Important Considerations**
BTC Yield reflects the ratio of Semler's bitcoin holdings to its Assumed Diluted Shares Outstanding. However, it is crucial to understand that BTC Yield does not equate to traditional financial yields and should not be interpreted as a direct indicator of investment returns for shareholders.

### **About Semler Scientific**
Semler Scientific is committed to innovating healthcare technology, with its flagship product, **QuantaFlo®**, aiding in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The company is also strategically investing in bitcoin as its primary treasury asset, highlighting its commitment to integrating cryptocurrency into its financial strategy.

Semler acquires 211 BTC for $21.5M, bringing total holdings to 2,084 BTC. Company strengthens position with $50M increase in ATM offering after successful $100M raise.

Semler Scientific's Bitcoin Strategy: Now Holding 2,084 BTC and Expanding ATM Offering to $150M

### CoinW's Bold Transformation

Dubai, UAE, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — **CoinW**, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is embarking on an exciting rebranding journey with **Mission X**. This initiative is celebrated with the addition of two global ambassadors: **football legend Andrea Pirlo** and **record-breaking Swiss mountaineer Nicolas Hojac**. They represent CoinW’s vision of **precision, ambition,** and **unwavering trust**.

### Mission X: Peak Challenge Trading Competition

To mark this monumental rebranding, CoinW is launching the **Mission X: Peak Challenge**, a month-long trading competition from **December 16, 2024** to **January 15, 2025**, featuring an impressive **30 BTC prize pool**. Participants can compete in three sub-events based on trading volume, futures trading performance, and Earn Product subscriptions.

### Competition Highlights
- **“Reach the Peak”**: Unlock rewards by achieving trading milestones, with the top trader vying for the **Ultimate Summit reward of 10,000 USDT** and a chance at a **1 BTC lucky draw**.
- **“Battle for the Summit”**: Dominate the leaderboard with futures trading returns, with **1 BTC** for the top-ranked trader and prizes for the top 300.
- **“Summit Explorer”**: Earn up to **12% APY** and exclusive airdrop rewards through CoinW’s Earn Products.

### Enhanced Trading Experience
With **Mission X**, users can now enjoy a sleek platform with reduced futures maker fees of just **0.01%**, as well as the launch of an enhanced mobile app. CoinW’s rebranding is not just about a new look; it’s about providing a **superior trading experience** and comprehensive support to its users. 

With the partnerships with Pirlo and Hojac, CoinW reaffirms its dedication to **safeguarding user assets** and inspiring traders worldwide to **ascend to new heights**.

**Mission X** stands as an extension of CoinW’s core brand promise: **“Your Trusted Crypto Ally.”**

![CoinW Logo](https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/MWY3ZDhjYmItOGZiMS00ZmYwLWE3YzQtNzFlM2U4ZTgyY2RlLTUwMDEwOTYzNQ==/tiny/CoinW.png)

Dubai,UAE , Dec.  16, 2024  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoinW, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is scaling new heights with its rebranding initiative:...

Join the CoinW Mission X: Your Chance to Win 30 BTC in an Epic Trading Challenge!

### MicroStrategy's Stock Surge

Shares of **MicroStrategy** jumped significantly on Monday after Nasdaq announced that it will join the tech-heavy **Nasdaq-100 index**. The stock experienced a rise of over **5%** during premarket trading.

![MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107051661-1650986786982-gettyimages-1239811110-BITCOIN_MIAMI_2022.jpeg?v=1732218292&amp;w=1858&amp;h=1045&amp;vtcrop=y)

Michael Saylor, Chairman and CEO of MicroStrategy, is seen speaking at the Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami.

### Nasdaq-100 Inclusion

The inclusion in the **Nasdaq-100**, effective **Dec. 23**, follows MicroStrategy's remarkable performance this year, with its stock up **547%**—substantially outperforming the **S&P 500**'s **26.9%** gain. This surge is attributed to the rising price of Bitcoin, which recently traded around **$104,650**, increasing by over **1%** on the day.

### Impact on Market Liquidity

MicroStrategy has been accumulating Bitcoin for years, currently holding over **420,000 bitcoins**. This makes it a significant proxy for Bitcoin in the corporate world. With its inclusion in the **Invesco QQQ Trust ETF**, which tracks the Nasdaq-100, MicroStrategy is expected to see passive inflows, further boosting its stock price.

Analyst Gautam Chhugani from Bernstein highlighted that MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin buying program is **unprecedented**, making it the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, equivalent to **2%** of the total supply valued at around **$44 billion**. This addition to the Nasdaq-100 will enhance MicroStrategy’s **market liquidity**, expanding its capital and Bitcoin acquisition strategy.

Shares of MicroStrategy were higher Monday after Nasdaq announced the bitcoin proxy will join the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 index.

MicroStrategy's Stock Soars as it Joins Nasdaq-100: What This Means for Bitcoin Investors

### Bitcoin Reaches New All-Time High

The price of **bitcoin** has hit a new all-time high following US President-elect **Donald Trump's** confirmation of plans to establish a **BTC federal reserve**. This surge has pushed the cryptocurrency's market cap above **$2 trillion**.

On Monday morning, as Trump made his announcement, bitcoin rose nearly **5%**, reaching a record price of over **$106,000** (£84,000). This is a significant milestone for the world’s leading **cryptocurrency**.

### Trump's Vision for Bitcoin

Trump previously proposed the idea of a **bitcoin federal reserve** during the **Bitcoin 2024 conference** in July, where he promised to position the US as the “**bitcoin superpower**” globally. In an interview with CNBC, he expressed intentions to overhaul regulations and implement favorable policies for cryptocurrency, stating, “We’re gonna do something great with crypto because we don’t want China, or anybody else.”

### Global Perspectives on Cryptocurrency

Other nations are also exploring the concept of cryptocurrency reserves. **Russian President Vladimir Putin** recently commented on the need to hold state reserves in foreign currencies, suggesting that investing domestically is more appealing. He criticized the current US administration for undermining the dollar's status as a global reserve currency, prompting countries to consider alternatives like **bitcoin**.

### Skepticism in the Financial Sector

Despite the enthusiasm, skeptics remain. **Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell** has compared bitcoin to **gold**, stating it is not widely used as a payment method or a stable store of value, emphasizing its volatility and lack of competition with the dollar.

### Market Momentum

Since the election on **November 5**, which saw Trump and other pro-crypto candidates elected, bitcoin has surged over **50%**. The overall cryptocurrency market is now approaching **$4 trillion**. 

**Nigel Green**, CEO of deVere Group, believes that the stage is set for even greater highs, predicting bitcoin could reach **$150,000** by mid-2025 due to growing **investor FOMO** (fear of missing out) and increasing institutional investments. 

**This dual momentum is fueling the crypto market’s resurgence and establishing bitcoin as a ‘must-have’ asset in portfolios.**

Latest crypto record pushes bitcoin’s market cap above $2 trillion 

Bitcoin Soars to New Heights: Trump's Federal Reserve Plan Ignites Market Surge

### Deepfake Video Misleads Viewers
A **deepfake video** featuring **Elon Musk** claiming to host a **$20 million cryptocurrency giveaway** has gone viral, leading many to a **scam website** called **Elon4u.com**. In the video, Musk appears to announce a surprise giveaway, stating, *"I’ll be doing a $20 million crypto giveaway at Elon4u.com for one week starting December 13."* This misleading content sparked confusion and concern among viewers.

![Elon Musk walks on Capitol Hill](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/12/16/550x309/Elon_Musk_1734328891058_1734328891440.JPG)
*Elon Musk walks on Capitol Hill on the day of a meeting with Senate Republican Leader-elect John Thune in Washington.(REUTERS)*

### The Debunking of the Scam
The video was quickly debunked as a **deepfake**. **DogeDesigner**, a prominent figure in the crypto community, warned followers on **X (formerly Twitter)** about the scam, emphasizing, *"Elon Musk and his companies are NOT doing any crypto giveaways. Don’t fall for scams! Stay safe."*

### The Rise of Deepfakes
This incident underscores the **growing risks** associated with **deepfake technology**, which can convincingly mimic the voices and appearances of well-known personalities. Experts caution that scams involving deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for users to verify claims from trustworthy sources.

In recent years, **cryptocurrency scams** have surged, often exploiting high-profile individuals like Musk to lend an air of legitimacy. As deepfake technology becomes more advanced, distinguishing between authentic content and manipulated media is becoming more challenging for the public.

Although Musk has yet to comment on this particular deepfake incident, he is no stranger to online scams that misuse his name and social media presence, causing alarm among his followers. The **Elon4u.com** site linked in the video is now under scrutiny, with experts advising users to avoid suspicious websites and report potentially harmful content.

A deepfake video falsely claiming Elon Musk is hosting a $20 million cryptocurrency giveaway has circulated, misleading viewers to a scam website.&nbsp;

Elon Musk's $20 Million Crypto Giveaway: The Viral Deepfake That Misled Thousands

### Dollar's Resilience Amid Fed Expectations
The **U.S. dollar** is hovering near a **three-week peak** against major currencies as traders anticipate a **rate cut** from the Federal Reserve this week, while also signaling a cautious approach to easing in 2025.  

### Bitcoin Breaks New Ground
In a remarkable turn of events, **Bitcoin** has soared above **$105,000** for the first time, driven by indications that **President-elect Donald Trump** is considering a **strategic bitcoin reserve**. This news has buoyed the cryptocurrency market significantly.  

### Yen and Sterling Struggle
Meanwhile, the **yen** is struggling to regain its footing after experiencing its worst week since September, following reports that the **Bank of Japan** may skip a rate hike. **Sterling** is also under pressure due to a surprising economic contraction reported last week.  

### Market Dynamics
The dollar has gained additional support from rising **U.S. Treasury yields**, with traders expecting a **quarter-point rate reduction** on Wednesday. However, speculation suggests that the Fed may not implement another cut in January. As inflation persists above the central bank's **2% target**, analysts warn that the upcoming administration's policies could be inflationary.  

### Currency Movements
As of the latest updates, the **U.S. dollar index** was stable at **106.86**, with the dollar adding **0.1%** to **153.87 yen**. Bitcoin has surged as much as **3.6%** from Sunday’s close, reaching an all-time high of **$106,533**. Trump's announcement regarding a potential U.S. bitcoin reserve has significantly impacted market sentiments.

The U.S. dollar hovered close to a three-week peak versus major peers on Monday amid expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this week but then signal a measured pace of easing for 2025.  Bitcoin soared above $105,000 for the first time, buoyed by signs President-elect Donald Trump will go ahead with a potential strategic bitcoin reserve.  The yen struggled to recover following its worst week since September after Reuters and other news outlets reported that the Bank of Japan is leaning towards forgoing a rate hike on Thursday.

Beware: National Bitcoin Extortion Scam Targeting Victims!

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Scotts Valley Police Issue Warning on Bitcoin Extortion Scam

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