Federal consumer protection officials are sounding the alarm about a dramatic surge in tax season fraud targeting Americans, including Delaware residents. The Federal Trade Commission’s consumer protection division reports that fraudulent robocalls, text messages, and phishing emails have increased significantly compared to previous tax seasons, with artificial intelligence technology making these schemes more convincing and widespread.
Consumer advocates and federal officials are urging taxpayers to exercise extreme caution when receiving unexpected communications and to remember that the Internal Revenue Service never initiates contact through text messages or phone calls.
The IRS annually publishes its “Dirty Dozen” list of the most prevalent tax scams targeting Americans. Leading this year’s list is fraudsters pretending to be IRS agents through various communication channels. During the current fiscal year 2025, the tax agency has identified more than 600 fake social media accounts impersonating the IRS, warning taxpayers to avoid “clicking links or opening attachments from unexpected messages.”
The IRS emphasizes that the agency “does not leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest.”
According to the IRS, criminals frequently employ threatening language and QR codes to direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to trick taxpayers into “verifying” their accounts or providing sensitive personal information. These malicious links can also install harmful software, including ransomware that can lock users out of their files and private data. The agency notes that “AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone (robocalls, voice mimicry, and spoofed caller ID)” is becoming increasingly common. Advanced phone scams now utilize artificial intelligence to create realistic computer-generated voices and fake caller identification systems that appear legitimate.
Rosario Mendez, an attorney with the FTC’s consumer protection bureau, identifies identity theft as among the most widespread forms of tax season fraud. Mendez describes this crime as the unauthorized use of someone’s Social Security number or other personal details, typically to claim their tax refund illegally.
“People usually discover this when they go to file their tax returns and discover someone else has already filed,” she said. “For the records of the IRS, that is, it’s already happened. But it’s not the person — it’s an identity thief.”
Eva Velasquez, who leads the Identity Theft Resource Center as CEO, confirms her organization has documented rising numbers of scam attempts and identity theft cases in recent years, likely enhanced by AI-generated communications.
“We’re seeing an uptick in phishing emails, fake texts, and even phone calls,” Velasquez said. “Scammers are trying to get you to engage in any manner – talk to them, click the link, share your personal data, or share access to your devices or accounts.”
Velasquez believes the “sheer volume and level of sophistication” indicates artificial intelligence is being utilized by criminals.
“‘Deluge’ is the best word I can think of, because it’s relentless,” she said.
Velasquez recommends a “Type, don’t tap” approach when dealing with suspicious messages. Instead of clicking any links in questionable communications, she advises manually entering the official IRS website address (IRS.gov) or the legitimate website of whatever agency allegedly sent the message.
“Go to the source. Don’t click any of those links,” she said. “If you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t engage.”
Kathy Stokes, who directs fraud prevention programs for AARP, notes an interesting pattern in scam reporting: younger Americans more often report being targeted by scammers, while older victims typically lose larger amounts of money.
“That’s because they have more money to lose,” she said.
When suspicious messages arrive, Stokes stresses the value of pausing and consulting with others. She explains that when people receive notifications that seem unusual, frightening, or urgent, taking time to discuss it with trusted friends or family members usually helps identify scam attempts.
“That’s also going to inoculate the people you share it with from falling for the scam,” she said.
For taxpayers who discover someone has fraudulently used their Social Security number to file a return ahead of them, immediate action is crucial. Victims should notify the IRS and visit IdentityTheft.gov to file an official report. This process generates a personalized recovery plan from the government.
“If a scammer has used your social security number to file a tax return, it’s possible the same thief could use it to open bank accounts, credit cards, or file for unemployment,” she said. “Another worthwhile step is to monitor your credit report and freeze credit accounts so they can’t be misused.”
Alan Butler, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, supports these recommendations and encourages scam victims to consider identity monitoring services moving forward. However, he cautions against expensive services that may themselves be questionable, advising thorough research before purchasing protection.
“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,” he said.
Stokes also recommends that financial fraud victims consider filing reports with local police departments.
“Even if you get pushback from local law enforcement, you should insist on the report,” she said. “There may be a means of restitution for fraud victims down the road, and they would want that as a point of proof of what happened.”
