Fake Crypto Tax Emails Spread in South Korea, Tax Agency Warns Users Not to Click Links

South Korea’s National Tax Service warned users to be on alert as phishing emails masquerading as notices on virtual-asset taxation spread.

The agency said on August 14 that spoofed emails with subject lines including “Advance Explanation Notice on Virtual Asset Taxation” were being distributed. It urged recipients not to click links or open attachments in the messages.

Opening the emails or clicking embedded links could expose personal information, the National Tax Service said. The messages are designed to induce clicks by posing as guidance related to virtual-asset taxation.

Users can check through Hometax, the agency’s online tax portal, whether an email or text message was actually sent by the National Tax Service. If they receive a suspicious message, it is safer to log in to Hometax directly rather than use any link included in the email or text.

Anyone who has already clicked a suspicious link can file a report through the Korean National Police Agency’s cybercrime reporting system or the Korea Internet & Security Agency’s personal information infringement reporting channel.

The National Tax Service said impersonation emails tied to virtual-asset tax guidance have caused personal information leaks and urged the public to exercise extra caution.