Tax Season Scams on the Rise

With tax season in full swing, security experts are warning consumers to be on high alert for scams. Scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing and sophisticated scams, making it easier for them to steal refunds and personal information.

According to Abhishek Karnik, head of threat research for McAfee, AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly common. These scams can take many forms, including phone calls, emails, and text messages, and can be very convincing.

Types of Tax Season Scams

One common type of scam is the fake IRS agent call. Scammers will call victims, claiming to be from the IRS, and demand payment or personal information. These calls can be very convincing, with scammers using AI to change their voice and speech patterns to sound more authentic.

Another type of scam is the fake tax software scam. Scammers will create fake websites that mimic those of legitimate tax software companies, such as TurboTax or H&R Block. Victims will be asked to enter their personal and financial information, which will then be stolen by the scammers.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from tax season scams, experts recommend being cautious and taking your time. Don't panic if you receive a call or message claiming to be from the IRS - instead, hang up and contact the IRS directly to verify the information.

Additionally, be wary of any requests for payment or personal information, especially if they are made via email or text message. The IRS will never request payment or personal information via these methods.

It's also important to file your taxes early, as this will give scammers less time to use your identity to commit fraud. And, if you need to download tax preparation software, make sure you are downloading it from a reputable source.