During tax season, scams and identity theft are on the rise. Experts note that scammers are using artificial intelligence to create more convincing phishing calls, emails, and texts. Rosario Mendez, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), states that identity theft is one of the most common forms of fraud during tax season. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported over 600 imposters on social media in the 2025 fiscal year and urges people not to click on links or open attachments from unexpected messages. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that it does not leave urgent, pre-recorded threatening messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest. Scammers often use alarming language and QR codes to direct people to fake websites where they ask taxpayers to 'verify' their accounts or enter personal information. Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), confirmed an increase in scams and identity theft attempts, likely aided by AI-generated messages. She advises the public to follow the rule: 'Type, don't click.' If a scammer has used your Social Security number to file a tax return, the same thief could use it to open bank accounts, credit cards, or apply for unemployment benefits, experts warn. They recommend monitoring your credit report and freezing credit accounts. If you are a victim of a scam, it is crucial to report it to the IRS and file a report at IdentityTheft.gov. You should also file a police report, even if the local police are initially reluctant to take it.
