North Wales Police warns of fake security letters targeting cryptocurrency wallet owners
North Wales Police is warning cryptocurrency users to be on their guard after scammers began sending fake security letters through the post to people who own Ledger hardware wallets.
The force’s Cybercrime Unit says it is tracking the campaign, which uses personal data from previous Ledger customer data breaches to make the letters appear genuine.
Unlike most phishing attempts, which arrive by email or text message, this scam is delivered by physical post to home addresses.
The letters tell recipients they must carry out a “Quantum Resistance Security Update” before the end of the month.
They include official-looking Ledger branding, the recipient’s name and address, and in some cases a list of the specific devices they own.
A QR code in the letter directs people to a fake website designed to look like the Ledger Wallet app, where they are asked to enter their 24-word recovery phrase.
North Wales Police say anyone who enters that phrase hands scammers full control of their cryptocurrency wallet, and that funds can be emptied within seconds.
The force says Ledger, and any reputable wallet provider, will never ask for a recovery phrase under any circumstances.
Anyone who has already scanned the QR code or entered their phrase is advised to act without delay.
North Wales Police say the steps are: stop using the affected device or seed phrase immediately; transfer any cryptocurrency to a completely new wallet with a new seed phrase; report the fraud to the national reporting centre by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting Report Fraud online; and keep the physical letter, screenshots of the fake site, and any transaction records as evidence.
For anyone concerned about a security update request, North Wales Police advise going directly to the official Ledger website by typing the address into a browser rather than following any link or QR code.
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