Tax Scams Are on the Rise: Here’s What to Know

Tax scams are surging this season, with AI making fraud more sophisticated and widespread.

The headquarters of the Internal Revenue Service is in Washington, Aug. 10, 2024. Ted Shaffrey/AP

NEW YORK—Robocalls, texts, and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared to previous years, with artificial intelligence likely increasing fraud attempts, according to the consumer protection bureau of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Consumer advocates and government officials urge the public to stay wary, to stop and think before engaging with phone or text messages, and to remember the IRS will not contact you directly by text or phone.

Here’s what to know.

‘Tis the Season for Tax Scams

Each year, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” of tax scams that target taxpayers. At the top of the list is impersonation of the agency by email, text, and phone. The IRS reported over 600 social media impersonators during fiscal year 2025, and urges people not to “click links or open attachments from unexpected messages.”