Full Breakdown
Rising Threat of Tax Scams Amid 2025 Filing Season
1/28/2026, 8:51:21 PM
Overview of Tax Scams
As the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting tax returns for the 2025 season, federal agencies are alerting the public to a surge in phishing and smishing scams. These scams often involve fraudulent communications that impersonate the IRS or state tax offices, attempting to extract personal information from unsuspecting taxpayers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emphasizes that legitimate tax agencies will not request sensitive information via text, email, or social media.
Types of Scams
Common scams include robo-emails or texts with subject lines like "tax refund," and phone calls from individuals posing as IRS employees. These callers may falsely claim that the recipient owes back taxes and attempt to connect them with a 'tax resolution officer' to gather personal information. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has reported a notable increase in such scams, particularly in Colorado, where callers use artificial intelligence to mimic human voices, making the scams more convincing.
Personal Accounts and Warnings
Denver resident Laura Leckband shared her experience of receiving multiple scam calls that claimed to offer tax relief. She reported these incidents to the BBB, which noted that urgency is a common tactic used by scammers. Meghan Conradt, a BBB director, highlighted that scammers often borrow the names of legitimate companies to lend credibility to their schemes. Leckband expressed concern about being targeted due to her age and previous experiences with identity theft.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Both the BBB and the IRS recommend several strategies for individuals to protect themselves against tax scams. These include:
- Do not respond to unexpected calls or texts: The IRS will initiate contact via mail.
- Be cautious of payment methods: Avoid paying taxes with gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
- Verify contact information: Always use known numbers to contact the IRS or businesses directly.
- Report suspicious activity: Individuals can report scams to the BBB Scam Tracker or the FTC complaint portal.
The Role of AI in Tax Fraud
Cybersecurity expert Sean P. Conroy warns that the 2025 tax season may see an increase in AI-driven fraud. Criminals can use AI tools to clone voices and create deepfake simulations, complicating traditional verification methods. Conroy suggests implementing non-technical protocols, such as establishing a "challenge-response" phrase for financial transactions, to mitigate risks associated with AI fraud.
Conclusion
As tax season progresses, the threat of scams continues to evolve, particularly with the integration of AI technology. Taxpayers are urged to remain vigilant and adopt protective measures to safeguard their personal information against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
