irs.gov: How to avoid tax scams this filing season

Tax filing season is underway and scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money and identity information. As of Feb. 18, 2026 ET, experts urge taxpayers to recognize common ploys — scam calls, fake refund notices and phishing emails — and follow clear steps to protect themselves.

How the scams operate

Con artists typically use a handful of repeat tactics to make fraudulent outreach appear urgent and official. Phone calls are common: callers impersonate tax agents, threaten arrest or fines for alleged unpaid taxes, and pressure victims to pay immediately. They often demand untraceable payment methods such as wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency because those channels are hard to reverse.

Another frequent trick is the fake refund. Scammers claim the taxpayer is due a refund but must provide personal information first. That data can then be used for identity theft, including filing false returns. Young adults and students may be singled out with claims about missed student-related tax obligations.

To boost credibility, fraudsters spoof caller ID numbers, supply made-up badge or agent numbers, send official-looking emails that mimic government logos and colors, and use urgent-sounding robocall recordings. Follow-up communications often push recipients to act immediately before they can think or verify details.

Steps to protect your money and identity

Take these practical precautions this filing season:

• Stop and verify. If contacted unexpectedly by someone claiming to be from a tax agency, do not give personal or financial information. Hang up and check any claims against official mailed notices or by using contact information found independently, not provided by the caller.
• Know how real tax authorities communicate. Legitimate tax agencies initiate contact by mail when there are issues related to unpaid taxes. They do not demand immediate payment over the phone, require a specific payment method, or request credit or debit card numbers by phone.
• Ignore payment pressure. Any demand for instant payment through wire transfer, prepaid cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency is a red flag. Real agencies allow time for appeals and provide multiple, traceable payment options.
• Guard your personal data. Do not share Social Security numbers, bank account details, or login credentials with unsolicited contacts. Those details are the keys fraudsters use to file fake returns or drain accounts.
• Be skeptical of email and text messages. Phishing messages often mimic official design elements. Treat unexpected attachments, links, or requests for personal data as suspicious and verify official correspondence channels.
• Watch for vulnerable targets. Seniors and students are frequently targeted. Encourage older relatives and young adults to treat any unsolicited tax-related contact with caution and discuss suspicious communications with a trusted person.

If you’re targeted: what to do next

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, stop communication immediately. Do not click links or open attachments. Verify any claim by checking mailed notices and contacting the agency using phone numbers or addresses listed on official correspondence or on the agency’s verified website. If you believe you shared sensitive information, act quickly: contact your bank or card issuer, change passwords, and consider placing fraud alerts on credit files.

Report scam attempts to your local consumer protection office or state attorney general’s consumer hotline, and keep records of the interaction — dates, numbers used, scripts or messages received. Prompt reporting helps investigators track trends and can reduce the number of potential victims. Staying alert and following these safeguards will reduce the odds scammers succeed this filing season.