IRS Warning: Tax Scams Targeting Americans Are Increasing
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has raised a new alarm because the number of tax scams that claim to take advantage of Americans has been on the increase particularly at the time of tax season. Fraudsters are employing emails, text messaging, phone calls, and even social media to deceive the taxpayers to surrender personal and financial data.
Amidst millions of Americans who submit their taxes or await their refunds, fraudsters take advantage of the lack of understanding, delays in receiving the refunds, and the news about the stimulus to steal their identities and money.
This is what taxpayers should know in order to remain safe.
Why Tax Scams Are Increasing
Tax-related scams, according to officials, increase with each year because of:
- High volume of tax filings
- Delay of refunds is anxiety-provoking.
- Confusion about IRS rules
There is more communication over the internet.
Scam artists use fear, or urgency, and misinformation to coerce victims to make a decision.
Most Common IRS Tax Scams in 2025
Scam IRS Mails and SMS.
Fraudsters write mail messages:
- Refunds are “on hold”
- There is a need to take immediate action.
- Accounts are suspended
These communications usually include rogue links.
Threatening Phone Calls of Arrest.
There are fake agents of IRS:
- Arrest
- Fines
- Property seizure
Threatening phone calls are not performed by the IRS.
Refund-Related Scams
Victims are told:
Their refund was not calculated correctly.
- Extra money is available
- Banking information should be validated.
This is one of the general ways of stealing personal information.
Fake Tax Preparers
Other fraudsters identify themselves as professional tax preparers and:
- Charge fees
- Steal refund money
- File false returns
It is important to check tax professionals before disclosing information.
The way that IRS Actually reaches out to Taxpayers.
The IRS confirms:
Initial contact is normally via official mail.
- The agency does not approach social media, email or texting on the first contact.
- Payments are never requested through gifts and crypto.
Any message that requires urgent payment is a fake.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Scammers often target:
- Seniors
- First-time filers
- Low-income households
- People waiting for refunds
- Immigrants who are not conversant with IRS procedures.
Knowledge is the greatest protection.
IRS Tax Scams: How to Lock Your Door.
Taxpayers should:
Ignore suspicious messages
Do not give out information about oneself.
Use official IRS tools only
Verify tax professionals
Report scams immediately
When it seems to be an urgency or a threat, then it is probably a scam.
How to act in case you are a target or victimized.
If you suspect a scam:
- Do not respond
- Store the call or message information.
Reporting through formal IRS reporting means.
- Monitor financial accounts
Damage can be minimized through fast response.
IRS Notice: Delays in Refunds are the Order of the Day.
A lot of frauds take advantage of delayed refunds. The IRS reminds the tax payers that:
- Refunds may be made after a period of over 21 days.
- Delays are not accompanied by any verification fees.
- Official tools can be used to display legitimate updates only.
Being patient will prevent being a victim of fraud.
FAQs – IRS Tax Scams
❓ Does IRS use emails/texts?
No. The IRS does not initiate contacts via the email or text.
❓ Can the IRS arrest me by phone?
No. Threats of arrest on the phone are frauds.
❓ Is it always the case that the messages about the refund are fake?
No, unless accessed in official IRS sites.
❓ Shall I pay on the spot threatened?
No. Do not provide payments without checking.
❓ What is the way to verify information about the IRS?
Only using the official government sources.
The increased number of companies that do tax scams on Americans is a reminder of the need to create awareness. The IRS still encourages the taxpayers to take their time and be sure and careful about the information provided and do not make hasty judgments.
The best cover during tax season is keeping up with the times.