Crypto Confession: "I decided to touch my parents’ investment. They had no idea. Fast forward, I lost everything."

The crypto markets have always enticed the young and whether you're a millennial or Gen Z, one simply can't resist the skyrocketing profits cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) have generated for holders over the years.

However, the crypto market has also gone through several crashes over the years — as one is unfolding right before our eyes — and millions of traders have faced the heat.

Not only have traders lost millions of dollars in these crashes, but they have also lost relationships, gone through mental breakdowns, and even died by suicide.

Related: Crypto trader dies by suicide amid market crash

Recently, a crypto trader confessed to losing his money, family's trust, and mental health a few years ago.

The trader said that he was in his early twenties during 2020-21 when he watched his €6,000 investment in digital assets skyrocket within weeks. The profits came fast, and so did the confidence.

Encouraged by the young man's success, his parents also joined in and bought 4 Bitcoin and 30 Ethereum (ETH). The elderly couple trusted their son with everything as he helped set up their accounts.

"I set everything up for them, and they trusted me. I became increasingly dependent on the profits and overconfident."A television broadcasts cryptocurrency market information on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.

As profits soared, the young man started trading altcoins (cryptocurrencies other than BTC) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). But the thrill of winning turned into desperation as the crypto market crashed and his gains evaporated.

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In a frantic bid to recover, the trader took a devastating step — using his parents’ investments without their knowledge to earn it back. But he lost all the investment during the crypto crash.

"Fast forward, I lost everything."

But the emotional cost cut deeper than the financial one. Years later, he’s been through therapy, but the guilt lingers.

“The worst part is that my relationship with my family is still broken.”

The crypto trader's tragic story underscores a harsh truth: the line between investing and gambling often blurs when greed and desperation take over. In the crypto market, volatility is a feature — not an exception.

Discipline matters more than luck and traders should know when to exit their positions. Never invest money you can’t afford to lose, and never violate the trust of your loved ones.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. You should consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment or financial decisions.

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Nov 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Money Mistakes section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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