IRS Warns of Fake Tax Letters with QR Codes Targeting US Crypto Holders
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning about a new mail fraud scheme targeting cryptocurrency holders. The scam involves official-looking letters and QR codes that direct recipients to a fraudulent website where they may be prompted to enter financial or personal details.
The IRS discovered the scam through a criminal investigation, which found that an international operation had been sending letters resembling official IRS notices. These mailers inform recipients of a supposed 'Digital Asset Compliance Portal' and ask them to register.
However, scanning the QR code leads to an imitation website that requests personal and financial information, including crypto exchange account details and wallet data. The scam often involves a follow-up call from someone posing as an IRS official, asking for sensitive information such as passwords or private keys.
The IRS has emphasized that there is no legitimate Digital Asset Compliance Portal and warned against responding to any messages referring to one.