Tax Season Scam Alert: Safeguard Against IRS Imposters

Wooden blocks spell "SCAM" on a rustic surface.

IRS imposters are threatening Americans with sophisticated tax scams, using fake stimulus payment texts and AI technology to steal personal information and money during the busy tax season.

Top Takeaways

The IRS will never contact taxpayers via text, email, or phone to request personal information like Social Security numbers or banking details.
Scammers are using false promises of $1,400 stimulus payments to trick people into clicking on links that steal sensitive data.
“Ghost” tax preparers who don’t sign returns and disappear after filing fraudulent claims pose serious risks to taxpayers.
New AI-powered scams, including voice cloning technology, are being used to impersonate trusted individuals and government agencies.
Taxpayers should report suspicious communications to [email protected] and consider creating an IRS identity protection PIN for additional security.

Beware of Fake Stimulus Payment Texts

A new wave of tax scams is targeting Americans with unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service regarding $1,400 stimulus payments. These messages are designed to steal sensitive information by directing recipients to fraudulent websites that mimic official government pages. The IRS has repeatedly emphasized that they do not communicate with taxpayers through text messages about stimulus checks or other tax matters. Instead, the agency uses official letters sent through the US Postal Service for important communications about tax issues, refunds, or stimulus payments.

If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from the IRS, security experts advise against clicking on any links. The safest action is to delete the message immediately or report it as junk or phishing through your phone’s messaging app. Additionally, you can forward suspicious texts to [email protected] and report the scam to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker to help protect others from falling victim to the same scheme.

The IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2025

The IRS has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2025, warning taxpayers about the most prevalent threats to their financial and personal information. These scams operate year-round but intensify during tax filing season when people are already focused on their tax obligations. The list includes sophisticated phishing attacks, fake charity solicitations that exploit public generosity during crises, and false fuel tax credit claims that mislead taxpayers into claiming credits they don’t qualify for.

The IRS is working collaboratively with state tax agencies, the tax software industry, financial institutions, and tax professionals to combat these threats through education and awareness campaigns. They’ve emphasized that understanding the warning signs of potential scams is one of the most effective ways individual taxpayers can protect themselves from falling victim to fraud and identity theft.

AI-Powered Scams and “Ghost” Preparers

Technology has enabled scammers to develop increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive taxpayers. Voice cloning technology, a newer AI-powered threat, allows criminals to mimic the voices of trusted individuals or authority figures when making phone calls to request sensitive information or payments. These scammers might claim to be IRS agents demanding immediate payment for back taxes or offering special refunds to those who provide banking details. The authentic-sounding voices make these scams particularly convincing to unsuspecting taxpayers.

Another significant threat comes from “ghost” tax preparers who operate without proper credentials. These individuals prepare tax returns but refuse to sign them as required by law, often disappearing after filing potentially fraudulent returns. They frequently promise unrealistically large refunds by claiming credits and deductions that taxpayers aren’t eligible for. Once the IRS discovers these improper claims, the taxpayer, not the ghost preparer, becomes responsible for any penalties and additional taxes owed.

Protecting Yourself During Tax Season

To avoid becoming a victim of tax-related scams, the IRS recommends filing your taxes early to prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent returns in your name. Use only trusted tax preparation platforms or professionals who have proper credentials and provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number on your return. Be skeptical of preparers who base their fees on the size of your refund, as this creates an incentive for them to engage in questionable practices to maximize refund amounts.

For additional protection, consider creating an IRS Identity Protection PIN, which prevents anyone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. Regularly monitor your credit reports for unauthorized activity and consider freezing your credit if you’re not actively applying for loans or credit cards. Remember that legitimate IRS communications about tax issues will come through official mail from the US Postal Service, not through unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal information or immediate payment.