IRS Warns of Deceptive Tax Scams This Filing Season

Scam alert text revealed through torn red paper

Americans nationwide are being warned about sophisticated scams that could drain their bank accounts and steal their identities during tax season.

Quick Takes

The IRS will never initiate contact via text, email, or phone calls – they only communicate through official mailed letters.
New stimulus payment scams are using fake texts to lure taxpayers to fraudulent websites that steal personal and financial information.
AI-powered voice cloning technology is now being used by scammers to mimic trusted voices requesting sensitive information.
“Ghost” tax preparers who disappear after filing fraudulent returns pose a serious threat to unsuspecting taxpayers.
Creating an IRS identity protection PIN and filing early are effective protective measures against tax fraud.

Deceptive Stimulus Payment Messages Target Taxpayers

A wave of fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the IRS about $1,400 stimulus payments is circulating across the country. These unsolicited messages are part of sophisticated phishing attempts designed to capture sensitive personal information from unsuspecting taxpayers. The texts typically direct recipients to fake IRS websites where they’re prompted to enter Social Security numbers, banking details, and other valuable personal data. This information is then used for identity theft or unauthorized financial transactions, potentially causing significant financial harm to victims.

Tax experts emphasize that the IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers through text messages, emails, or phone calls about stimulus payments or tax refunds. If you receive such a message, do not click on any links. Instead, delete the message immediately or report it as junk/phishing through your messaging app. Suspicious texts can also be forwarded to [email protected], and fraud attempts should be reported to the BBB Scam Tracker to help protect others from falling victim to the same scheme.

The “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2025

The IRS has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2025, alerting taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals about common schemes targeting tax and financial information. These scams operate year-round but intensify during tax filing season. They include identity theft schemes, misleading tax credit claims, and various phishing attempts designed to compromise personal financial information. The sophistication of these scams continues to evolve, with criminals now using artificial intelligence to make their fraudulent communications appear more legitimate.

Among the most concerning schemes are those targeting assistance with IRS Individual Online Account setup, fake charity solicitations that exploit public generosity during crises, and false Fuel Tax Credit claims that mislead taxpayers into filing inaccurate returns. The IRS is working collaboratively with state tax agencies, the tax software industry, financial institutions, and tax professionals to educate the public about these threats and implement protective measures to safeguard taxpayer information.

Advanced AI Scams and “Ghost” Preparers

The tax fraud landscape has grown more dangerous with the introduction of AI-powered scams. Voice cloning technology now allows criminals to mimic trusted voices – including those of family members, colleagues, or supposed IRS agents – to request sensitive information or immediate financial transfers. When receiving unexpected calls about tax matters, experts recommend asking unpredictable questions that an AI system would struggle to answer correctly, such as personal references or recent events that only a legitimate caller would know.

Another significant threat comes from “ghost” tax preparers who file returns without signing or providing proper identification. These unscrupulous individuals often promise unusually large refunds, charge fees based on refund percentages, and then disappear after submitting fraudulent returns. To protect yourself, work only with legitimate tax professionals who sign returns and provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). File your taxes early to prevent scammers from filing false returns in your name, use trusted tax preparation platforms, and consider creating an IRS identity protection PIN for an added layer of security.

How to Stay Protected During Tax Season

Protecting yourself from tax-related scams requires vigilance and awareness. Never share personal or financial information through unsolicited communications, regardless of how legitimate they may appear. Remember that the IRS will not initiate contact via text, email, or phone calls about tax refunds or stimulus payments. If the IRS needs to reach you, they will send an official letter through the postal service. When in doubt about any communication claiming to be from the IRS, contact the agency directly using the official phone number or website listed on IRS.gov.

Consider taking proactive steps such as freezing your credit reports with the major credit bureaus, monitoring your accounts regularly for suspicious activity, and using multi-factor authentication for all financial and tax-related online accounts. By staying informed about current scam techniques and following these precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of tax-related fraud and identity theft during this tax season and beyond.