Operation Shamrock Letter to Congressional Representatives

Use your voice to push for change. Pig butchering scams are devastating lives across the country. Global scam networks are unchecked by weak legislation. Our lawmakers must be held accountable and take real steps to protect consumers.

  1. Find your representative by going to Congress.gov.

  2. Copy the letter below.

  3. Replace the bracketed sections with your information. Note: Government officials require the full contact information in order to deliver your message to their office.

  4. Send via e-mail or postal mail.

[Date]

The Honorable [Representative/Senator’s Name]
[Office Address]
Washington, D.C. [ZIP Code]

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Combat Crypto Scams and Reform Tax Law for Victims

Dear [Representative/Senator’s Last Name],

I am writing to bring to your attention the growing crisis of cryptocurrency-based scams, particularly pig-butchering scams, which have devastated thousands of Americans, including me [or someone I know]. These scams are sophisticated, often run by transnational criminal organizations, and have cost victims billions of dollars.

The impact of these crimes extends beyond financial loss. Victims often face emotional distress, mental health struggles, and, adding insult to injury, an unjust tax burden. Victims of theft — whether through scams or fraud — may still be required to pay taxes on their retirement accounts. It is unconscionable that those who have already suffered financial ruin may be further punished by the tax system.

I urge you to take the following actions:

1. Combat Pig-Butchering Scams: Support legislation that strengthens law enforcement’s ability to track, freeze, and recover stolen crypto assets, and work with international partners to dismantle scam syndicates.

2. Regulate Bitcoin ATMs: Implement stricter oversight of Bitcoin ATMs, which are frequently used by scammers to launder illicit funds. Enhanced Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements are critical to ensuring these machines are not a tool for fraud.

3. Provide Theft Loss Deductions for all Crypto Scam Victims: Introduce or support tax reform that ensures theft loss deductions for all individuals who have been defrauded by Crypto scams, allowing them to offset their financial losses and receive some relief from the IRS.

4. Appoint a National Scam Czar: Establish a National Scam Czar, a high-level official dedicated to coordinating federal efforts to combat fraud, scams, and financial crimes. This position would work across agencies, including the Department of Justice, the SEC, to develop policies, strengthen enforcement, and ensure that victims receive the support and restitution they deserve.

Millions of Americans engage with cryptocurrency, and while innovation should be encouraged, regulatory gaps allow criminals to exploit innocent people. It is imperative that Congress steps in to protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure that victims are not further penalized by outdated tax policies.

I appreciate your time and leadership on these issues and urge you to act swiftly. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]