Web Desk
As tax season approaches, cybercriminals are using advanced tactics to exploit taxpayers.
According to experts, artificial intelligence (AI) is now making scams harder to detect, increasing the risk for individuals.
Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer at cybersecurity firm McAfee, warns that scammers are evolving their methods.
“Every year, criminals find new ways to deceive taxpayers. This year, AI is making their scams more convincing than ever,” he says.
A recent McAfee survey reveals that nearly one in four Americans has either lost money or knows someone who has fallen victim to tax scams.
Alarmingly, 87% of respondents fear that AI-generated scams are now harder to identify.
Common Tax Scams and AI’s Role in Fraud
Fraudsters are sending fake IRS messages via texts and emails, urging immediate action.
McAfee data shows 48% of people have received such messages this tax season.
“Scammers use fear tactics, like claims of unpaid taxes or impending audits,” Grobman explains.
“These messages contain links directing users to fake IRS websites, where criminals steal personal and financial details.”
Scammers are also impersonating tax preparation companies such as H&R Block and TurboTax.
According to McAfee, 33% of survey respondents encountered this scam, while 35% received fake refund notifications.
Targeting Victims Based on Age and Gender
Cybercriminals tailor scams based on demographics. McAfee’s report finds that Gen Z victims are targeted for personal data, while Boomers face direct payment fraud.
Young adults are the most frequent victims, but individuals aged 45-54 report the highest financial losses per scam. One in ten victims lost over $10,000.
Scammers also use gender-based tactics: Men are three times more likely to be lured into cryptocurrency scams, while women often face fraudulent tax debt threats.
AI-Driven Deepfake Calls and Phishing Attempts
With AI advancements, scammers are increasingly using deepfake audio to impersonate IRS agents.
“We’ve seen fraudulent phone calls using AI-generated voices that mimic regional accents,” Grobman reveals.
“These calls sound highly realistic, making it easier to deceive taxpayers.”
AI-powered chatbots are also enabling scammers to craft sophisticated phishing emails and text messages at scale.
On the dark web, cybercriminals now have access to AI tools specifically designed for fraud, Grobman warns.
How to Protect Yourself from IRS Scams
Taxpayers can take several steps to safeguard their finances:
Verify Website URLs: The IRS only uses “.gov” domains. If a website doesn’t end in “.gov,” it’s likely fraudulent.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Never click on links or call back numbers from unsolicited messages.
Recognize IRS Communication Rules: The IRS does not send texts. It only emails in limited cases, such as sending receipts for online payments. Any other email is likely a scam.
As AI-powered scams become more sophisticated, experts urge vigilance. “Awareness is key,” Grobman emphasizes.
