Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00210
Passphrase unavailable — exchange custody (2015)
SurvivesCase description
A long-dormant exchange account holder attempted to access their account in April 2015, having held BTC there since 2012. The exchange had migrated to a new platform and the old account credentials were invalid. The password reset process required access to an old phone number that had been deactivated and reassigned by the carrier.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Passphrase unavailable |
| Custody system | Exchange custody |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2015 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving passphrase unavailable
217 cases involve passphrase unavailable
512 cases involve exchange custody
View archive statistics →
This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
Submit a case
← All cases
Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.
Translate