and demand. Tax scams and IRS- immediate action. They may threaten you with false mexico telegram data claims that you will lose all your money or go to jail for violating financial laws. Another tactic is for taxpayers to call pretending to be tax authorities and ask for personal and financial information in order to transfer their refunds to their accounts.
In fact, according to TIGTA’s 2023 Filing Season Final Results Report, nearly $13.8 billion in tax fraud. Tax scams and IRS- was detected through identity theft filters. The report further stated that the IRS confirmed 87,591 tax returns as fraudulent and prevented $1.2 billion in fraudulent refunds.
Artificial intelligence is exacerbating tax fraud
Artificial intelligence brings benefits to tax authorities by simplifying and automating tasks. On the other hand, threat actors use AI to generate convincing fake tax scam emails and phone scripts targeting taxpayers. They also abuse the technology to clone voices, doctor images, and create fake videos to mislead people.
Cybercriminals are also using AI to create fake W2 and 1040 forms and sell them on the dark web to unsuspecting individuals who then use them to defraud others.
High-risk details cyber criminals are looking for
A large amount of sensitive financial and personal think carefully about the content information is exchanged between individuals and the IRS, and some of the data the threat actors attempt to steal includes
- Social Security Number
- State ID Card
- Employer Identification Number
- Central Authorization Document Number
- Bank Account Number
- Debit and credit card details
- Email account password
- Access Code
Common tax scams
While anyone can fall victim to tax scams, the main targets are people over 60, new taxpayers under 25, green card holders, and small business owners. But whether you are a primary target or not, be alert and beware of these common tax scams.
1. Information verification scam
Criminals pretending to be officials call or email you, claiming to verify your personal and financial information and ask you to provide it before filing your tax return. The email may ask you to visit a link that will redirect you to a fake website where you must provide the requested details. Do not visit such websites; official IRS communications are made through the U.S. Postal Service, not by email or phone.
2. Late tax collection scam
Scammers call taxpayers to tell them they owe more tax than they declared and claim they are being detained for underpaying, scaring them into paying the extra tax in a hurry.
However, the IRS official website states that no one taiwan lead from the agency will call and ask you to pay immediately, especially by debit card or gift card. Such unreasonable requests are signs of impersonation and phishing attacks, so it is recommended to confirm through the contact information listed on the IRS official website before proceeding.