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IRS warns of fake letters pushing a fake digital asset compliance portal
The IRS says the scam uses an unofficial, QR-linked website to collect sensitive wallet and exchange credentials before follow-up calls seek passwords, 2FA codes, or private keys.
The IRS Criminal Investigation division is warning crypto holders about an international fraud network that sends convincing letters impersonating the agency. The messages encourage recipients to create an account on a “Digital Asset Compliance Portal,” and include a QR code that directs users to an unofficial IRS-lookalike website.
According to the IRS, the fake site requests sensitive personal and financial information, including details tied to crypto exchange accounts and wallets. If a victim submits that information, scammers then make a final phone call impersonating a representative and ask for a password, 2FA code, or a private key to access the victim’s crypto account.
The IRS says there is no such thing as a Digital Asset Compliance Portal and urges people to report any communication referencing it. The agency also warned that criminals exploit public trust by creating official-looking correspondence and fake websites.
Coinbase, working with cyber defense firm DarkTower, helped identify where the fraudulent website originated, according to the report. The research pointed to the domain being registered through a Hong Kong registrar and hosted in the same Romanian location tied to other impersonation schemes involving banks and FedEx, the outlet reported.