Tax season can be stressful and now scammers are making it worse by using AI, spoofed caller ID and fake websites to create convincing, urgent‑sounding contacts.
10 News recently received an AI‑generated voicemail from someone claiming to be a tax resolution specialist. The message included a callback number and even had a LinkedIn profile matching the name, but the tone and the pressure to act were classic red flags.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that it generally contacts people directly, not through a tax resolution specialist, and they contact taxpayers by mail first without leaving threatening, prerecorded messages demanding immediate payment or sensitive information.
In its newly released Dirty Dozen list for 2026, the agency highlights schemes that can steal refunds, trigger audits or lead to identity theft.
Read on for the IRS’s top scams to watch for this year, how to spot the red flags, and clear steps to protect your refund and your identity.
Tax scams to watch out for
- Phishing emails, texts, DMs with alarming language, QR codes or fake IRS websites
- AI-enabled robocalls/voice-mimicry and spoofed caller ID demanding payment
- Fake charities soliciting donations after disasters
- Viral social-media “tax hacks” pushing false credits or refunds
- Identity-theft attempts to access IRS Online Accounts
- Abusive/ fabricated Form 2439 (undistributed long‑term capital gains) claims
- Bogus “Self‑Employment Tax Credit” promotions
- Ghost preparers who won’t sign or give a PTIN
- Inflated non‑cash charitable donation schemes (conservation easements, art)
- Overstated withholding / fabricated wage or withholding data schemes
- Spear‑phishing and malware aimed at tax pros (malicious “new client” emails)
- Aggressive Offer in Compromise (“OIC mill”) marketing that overpromises results
Red flags that tell you it’s a scam
- Unsolicited contact (call, text, email, social DM) asking for personal information or money.
- Urgent/threatening language, pressure to act now or face arrest/penalties
- Requests to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
- Links, QR codes, or attachments in unexpected messages
- Caller ID looks legitimate but info doesn’t match IRS practice (IRS mails first)
- Preparer refuses to sign the return or provide a PTIN
- Promises of guaranteed large refunds or “secret” credits you don’t qualify for
- Poor spelling/odd email domains or websites that don’t match IRS.gov
- Requests to file false documentation or fabricate income/withholding
Why it’s important to be careful
- Financial loss: stolen refunds, fees, or forced payments
- Identity theft: stolen SSN, IRS account access, long recovery process
- Refund delays, audits, penalties, and possible criminal charges for fraud
- Ransomware/malware can lock your device or expose sensitive data
- For tax pros: client data breach, business disruption, reputational harm
What to do if it happens
- Don’t click links or open attachments; hang up on suspicious calls
- Verify independently at IRS.gov or call the number on their website— the IRS generally contacts by mail first
- Report phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov and suspicious activity at IRS.gov/SubmitATip
- If you suspect identity theft, visit IRS.gov/idtheft for next steps and consider credit freeze/monitoring.
- Never sign a blank/incomplete return, instead insist your preparer signs and provides a PTIN
A good rule of thumb - when in doubt, hang up or stop responding and get in contact with the IRS directly through their website or phone number.