The tax season is coming, and while many of you are ready to submit returns, it is crucial to realize that the world of evolving tax scams is.
This year, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and vigilant.
New research by cybersecurity company McAfee sheds light on the common and what they are, reveals some surprising trends and highlights the importance of protecting oneself.
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Scam written in tax form (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How Americans propose taxes in 2025
Before sneaking into the scam, let’s see how people deal with taxes lately. this McAfee Research express:
- More than half of Americans (53%) are electronic membranes, online routes via tax software or IRS free archives
- Nearly one-third (31%) rely on professional tax preparers
- The vast majority (60%) pay and refund electronically
- Most (52%) still receive their W-2 and 1099s in old fashioned way: in mail
- While others (31%) log in to the Payroll Services Portal (e.g., ADP, Workday, Paychex) to retrieve them
Illustration of tax preparation tool (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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The uneasy reality of tax scams
The reality is that tax scams are more common than we might wish to admit. Nearly a quarter (23%) say they know someone or become victims of such scams in person. Let’s break down who is affected and how.
- Young people (18-24): Surprisingly, the organization is most likely to be a victim of the scam. They are also likely to compromise on their message via Instagram and WhatsApp.
- Elderly (65-74): On the other side, older people are least likely to experience tax scams.
- Gender Differences: Young people are more likely to suffer money from scams than young women.
When people do lose money, these amounts can be huge:
- 81% loss exceeds $500
- 51% loss exceeds $1,000
- A staggering 5% loss of over $10,000
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Needs and Threats: What the scammer wants
Scammers use various strategies to trick people into giving up money or personal information. Research shows that many people have received suspicious information claimed to be from the IRS or state tax authorities by:
- Phone (30%)
- SMS (27%)
- Facebook/Facebook Messenger (5%)
- WhatsApp (3%)
- Instagram/Instagram Direct Message (2%)
These messages usually include:
- Social Insurance Number or Tax Identification Number (40%)
- Pay immediately for refund tax (27%)
- Bank account number (18%)
- Credit/debit card information (17%)
It is important to note that the IRS does not usually initiate contact by phone, text, or social media to pay immediately.
A woman preparing taxes (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Who is targeting which scam?
Different age groups target different scams. This is a malfunction.
- Elderly (65-74): The group has targeted a significant target by payment scams, such as requirements for deductions or forgery of tax refund programs.
- Middle Age (35-54): The group’s goal is a combination of identity theft and payment scams, such as requirements for social insurance numbers or tax deductions.
- Young people (18-24): Scammers often seek personal information from the group, such as date of birth and bank account number.
A woman raising taxes (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
The cost of a scam fall
Many people receive emails or texts about their “tax refund” or “tax refund electronic period” with links. A large percentage of people (39%) clicked on these links. It is absolutely shocking how many people end up falling into these scams.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
Almost 40% of people who receive scams or call actually send scam money. Young people are particularly vulnerable. Half of the young people over 18 to 24 years old know that someone pays. When people click on those tempting links about tax refunds or e-legacy, they are playing adventure games: Almost 40% click on that email or text message, and that’s where the scammers can really bring you.
A woman raising taxes (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
The role of AI in the future of tax scams
Looking ahead, AI makes scams even more terrifying. Up to 87% of people are worried about the role of AI in creating realistic tax scams, but only 40% are confident that they can find deeper into the IRS. As a result, many (41%) are second guessing about actual tax communications. In fact, more than half say the tax scam news they received this year is more complex or realistic than last year. No wonder most people are worried about tax fraud this season.
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“Tax scams are getting smarter, and many are using AI to make their skills more convincing than ever before,” said Abhishek Karnik, head of threat research at McAfee. “While not every scam uses AI, we predict that with the increase in access to AI tools, including fraudulent emails, audio generated by AI and phone calls to fake tax preparation sites, more complex, social engineering-centric tax fraud strategies will increase, and even the most crafty applicants we can slip and fall easily.” ”
How to protect yourself from tax scams
OK, so the scam landscape looks grim. What can you do to stay safe? These are some practical steps to protect yourself.
1. Sceptical about unsolicited contacts: Remember that the IRS will never contact you via phone, email, text, or social media to request immediate payment or request personal information.
2. Avoid clicking suspicious links; use powerful antivirus software: Do not click on links in emails or text from unknown senders. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware (which may access your private information) is to install antivirus software on all devices. This protection can also remind you about phishing email and ransomware scams, ensuring your personal information and digital assets are secure. The choice of the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
3. Protect your personal information: Carefully protect your social security number, bank account details and other sensitive data.
4. Create a powerful unique password: Make sure to use strong passwords on financial and tax websites. Make sure each password is unique, especially for financial accounts. Get more details about me Best Expert Review Password Manager in 2025.
5. Enable two-factor authentication: This adds extra security to your account, which will prevent hackers from entering your account.
6. Invest in personal data deletion services: These services monitor your personal information and alert you of potential fraud. While there is no service that promises to remove all data from the Internet, it is great to have a deletion service if you want to keep monitoring and automatically delete information from hundreds of sites. View my preferred data deletion service here.
7. Do not respond to text/calls from unknown sources: No matter what you do, don’t respond to text/calls from unknown sources.
8. Trust your intestine: If anything, it might be. Verify information independently by contacting the IRS or your state tax office directly.
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Kurt’s key points
Tax season doesn’t have to be a stressful time full of worry. By staying informed, staying alert and taking simple steps to protect yourself, you can confidently browse the tax landscape and avoid victims of these scams. Be skeptical, be careful, always remember that it is much better to be safe than regret when it comes to your taxes.
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