IRS warns of AI-fueled tax scam surge via calls, texts, and phishing

IRS, FTC warn scam activity is rising this tax season

Tax scams are on the rise this tax season, with robocalls, texts and phishing emails from scammers increasing compared with previous years, the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer protection bureau said. The FTC said artificial intelligence is likely increasing fraud attempts as scammers refine how they reach people through phone and digital channels.

Consumer advocates and government officials urged the public to stay wary and “stop and think before engaging” with phone or text messages, warning that the Internal Revenue Service will not contact taxpayers directly by text or phone, the report said.

The IRS “Dirty Dozen” and why messages are risky

The IRS releases a “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams that target taxpayers each year. At the top of that list is impersonation of the agency by email, text and phone, the report said, adding that the IRS reported over 600 social media impersonators during fiscal year 2025.

The IRS also urged people not to “click links or open attachments from unexpected messages.” It reminded taxpayers the IRS “does not leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest.”

New tactics, including AI-enabled phone impersonation

Scammers often use alarming language and QR codes to send people to fake websites that ask them to “verify” accounts or enter personal information, according to the IRS. The IRS also said links may install malware, including ransomware, which could prevent access to files and expose private information.

The IRS said “AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone (robocalls, voice mimicry, and spoofed caller ID),” is also increasing. As phone scams evolve, the agency said AI is providing new computer-generated tactics along with spoofed caller identification designed to look legitimate.

Identity theft is common—and often discovered when filing taxes

Identity theft is one of the most common forms of fraud during tax season, according to Rosario Mendez, an attorney for the FTC’s bureau of consumer protection. Mendez defined this as the misuse of a social security number or other personal information, often to collect a tax refund.

“People usually discover this when they go to file their tax returns and discover someone else has already filed,” Mendez said. “For the records of the IRS, that is, it’s already happened. But it’s not the person — it’s an identity thief.”

Consumer advocates see a “deluge” and recommend “Type, don’t tap”

Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, said the ITRC has tracked an increase in scams and identity theft attempts over the past several years, likely aided by AI-generated messages. “We’re seeing an uptick in phishing emails, fake texts, and even phone calls,” Velasquez said, adding that scammers try to get people to engage “talk to them, click the link, share your personal data, or share access to your devices or accounts.”

Velasquez said the “sheer volume and level of sophistication” suggests AI is being leveraged, describing the pattern as relentless: “‘Deluge’ is the best word I can think of, because it’s relentless.”

Slowing down can prevent losses—and protect others

Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs for AARP, said younger people file reports more often after being scammed, but older individuals report losing more money than younger consumers. “That’s because they have more money to lose,” Stokes said.

If a message sounds strange, scary or urgent, Stokes emphasized slowing down and talking to someone trusted. When people stop to talk to a friend or family member, they can typically figure out it’s a scam, Stokes said, adding that the action can also help others avoid falling for the same scheme: “That’s also going to inoculate the people you share it with from falling for the scam.”

If your identity may be compromised, report it

If someone has already used a Social Security number to file a tax return before the person does, Mendez said it is important to let the IRS know. She also said people should go to IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft, where the government provides a personal recovery plan.

Mendez said it is possible the same thief could use the information to open bank accounts, credit cards, or file for unemployment. She also urged monitoring credit reports and freezing credit accounts so they cannot be misused.

Alan Butler, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, echoed the idea of seeking identity theft monitoring, while warning about the cost of services. He cautioned that monitoring services are sometimes themselves shady and that people can be victimized again because the services try to up-sell them: “People can be victimized not only once with the theft of their identity, but a second time, because the monitoring services are trying to up-sell them.”

Consider filing a police report after losses

Stokes said that if someone is a victim and has lost money, they may also want to file a report with local police. “Even if you get pushback from local law enforcement, you should insist on the report,” she said, explaining that restitution may become possible later and victims would want documentation as proof of what happened.