The bipartisan leaders of Congress' Joint Economic Committee have issued a warning to taxpayers about the increasing prevalence of tax scams as the April 15, 2025, filing deadline approaches [1]. According to the committee, scammers have victimized approximately one in four Americans with tax season scams, a trend that has become more common due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and software enabling deepfakes [1].
The alert highlights several key tactics used by fraudsters, including IRS impostor scams initiated via phone calls, emails, or texts using spoofed caller IDs or addresses. Taxpayers are reminded that the IRS almost always initiates outreach by mail and rarely uses texts or emails, and never demands immediate payment through social media or nontraditional methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency [1]. Urgent or threatening messages, requests for identifying information, or demands for payment through unconventional channels should be considered red flags [1].
The committee advises taxpayers to verify any suspicious communications by contacting the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 or by creating an IRS account online. Additionally, taxpayers should confirm the legitimacy of websites by checking for subtle misspellings or extra letters in the URL, which may indicate a sham site [1].
Third-party tax preparer scams are also on the rise, with fraudsters impersonating reputable companies or demanding high upfront fees and guaranteeing large refunds. Taxpayers are urged to research unfamiliar companies through the Better Business Bureau and verify preparers' Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN) on the IRS website. Preparers who refuse to provide their PTIN should be avoided [1].
CONCLUSION
Congress' warning underscores the heightened risk of tax scams as the filing deadline nears, with one in four Americans reportedly affected. Taxpayers are advised to remain vigilant, verify communications, and exercise caution when dealing with tax preparers to mitigate potential losses. The increased use of AI and deepfake technology by scammers signals a growing threat to financial security during tax season.