Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00183
Passphrase unavailable — hardware wallet 2015
SurvivesCase description
A user who had set a PIN on their Trezor device entered it incorrectly multiple times, triggering the device's progressive delay and eventual wipe after 16 incorrect attempts. The recovery seed was in a sealed envelope in a different location. Accessing the seed required the user to travel internationally, a process that took three weeks.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Passphrase unavailable |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| 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
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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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.
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