Fake IRS letters target crypto holders

• Fraudsters are mailing fake Internal Revenue Service letters to cryptocurrency holders to steal digital assets and personal information.
• The letters imitate official tax notices and direct recipients to fraudulent websites or phone numbers.
• Authorities are urging taxpayers to verify all IRS communications before responding.

Criminals are sending fake Internal Revenue Service (IRS) letters to cryptocurrency holders in an effort to steal digital assets and sensitive personal information by impersonating the US tax authority.

The fraudulent letters closely resemble genuine IRS correspondence and instruct recipients to scan QR codes, visit fake websites or contact bogus phone numbers to resolve alleged tax issues related to cryptocurrency holdings.

The phishing campaign reportedly targets digital asset investors by exploiting concerns about tax compliance and recent IRS scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions.

Security experts advise recipients not to respond to unexpected tax notices without first verifying their authenticity through official IRS channels, as the agency provides guidance for reporting fraudulent communications.

The scam reflects a broader trend of cybercriminals using trusted government branding to trick cryptocurrency investors into revealing wallet credentials, private information or account access.

The IRS encourages taxpayers who receive suspicious tax-related letters, emails or messages to report them and avoid clicking links, scanning QR codes or sharing personal or financial information until the communication has been verified.