# What to do before someone puts a gun to your head and asks for your Ledger

Source: https://x.com/PixOnChain/status/1910070486907953553?s=19&t=6naVM_Gw9DNR3YeoOd9vaQ

## Summary

This article describes a "double-decoy" method for protecting cryptocurrency on a Ledger hardware wallet in case of a robbery. The author suggests setting up a decoy wallet with about $10k and a second, hidden wallet with $1k using a passphrase and a second PIN, then storing a new 24-word seed phrase split across metal plates in separate locations. It also says to wipe the device once the seed phrase is secured.

## Article

Smartest people I know use this double-decoy setup.

So here's how to not lose your crypto if you ever get robbed:

Step 1: Set up your new Ledger

Get a brand-new Ledger device.

Generate a new seed phrase on it.

This becomes your main decoy wallet — send some of your funds here (say, $10k as an example).

Step 2: Enable Passphrase (25th Word)

Go into Settings > Security > Passphrase.

Turn it on.

Create a new passphrase (your secret 25th word).

Set up a second PIN code tied to that passphrase.

This creates a completely separate wallet on the same Ledger — send a smaller amount here (say, $1k).

Now your Ledger has two wallets:

PIN A = opens Wallet A with $10k.

PIN B = opens Wallet B with $1k.

This is your double-decoy wallet setup.

Step 3: How does it work?

Let’s say you're being robbed. They find your "ledger stash" and force you to unlock your wallet.

You enter PIN B, which opens Wallet B with just $1k.

They say “we’re not idiots, open the real one.”

You give in and enter PIN A, they see $10k and take it.

Meanwhile, your real wealth is not on this Ledger.

Tip: Choose wallet amounts that feel "believable" and "worth it" in your country - enough to satisfy thieves, but not enough to ruin you. The higher you can afford, the better the bluff.

Step 4: Where and how to store your actual stash

Use ledger to create a completely new 24-word seed phrase and split it across 2-6 metal plates (for durability).

Write the words on separate plates in random order.

On another plate, write the correct sequence using numbers only.

Example:
Plate A: isolate, bunker, reward, message
Sequence Plate: 4, 3, 1, 2

So the correct order is: reward, message, bunker, isolate

Break it up into as many plates as you want.

Store each metal plate in a different safety deposit box or safe location.

Final step: Nuke the Ledger

Once seedphrase is secure - Wipe the Ledger completely.

Now your funds are not exposed even if someone gets access to the device.

Your real wallet only exists when you restore it with the seed phrase.

Good self-custody always looks paranoid… until it isn’t.

## Comments

**mishaderidder.eth**: I always love to read about security. You can’t be paranoid enough :)

**macbudkowski.eth**: Same, though when I saw the first image in this essay I felt like this is where I draw my line 😂

**pugson.eth**: or just don't carry a ledger with you? 😅

**macbudkowski.eth**: haha that would be a good start. but what if they break into your house? 🤔

**pugson.eth**: in that case you probably can't do much anyway, whether it's a ledger or a software wallet.

if you can be anon, be anon :)

it's much harder if you need to publish your home address online because the country regulations require it, like Germany or Austria.



**mishaderidder.eth**: > or just don't carry a ledger with you? 😅

Damn we need pictures in comments https://thechainsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/snoop-cover.jpg

**mishaderidder.eth**: (It’s a personalised Diamond-Encrusted Ledger Nano X)

**macbudkowski.eth**: @pugson.eth and the challenge is that many companies have your home address anyway - Uber, Amazon, all food delivery, and so on. So if someone identifies you as a target, they just need to bribe someone who works at such a company to get your home address. Thankfully there are probably much more valuable targets than us :)

lol @mishaderidder.eth, it gave me the last bull run vibes, they even had a Fendi bag with a special Ledger spot: https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/style/fashion/fendi-ledger-crypto-wallet-accessories/