Congress Warns of Tax Scams Looming as Filing Deadline Nears
Bipartisan leaders on the Joint Economic Committee issued a warning about tax season scams. They said scammers could exploit the approaching filing deadline on April 15, 2025.
Scope and emerging threats
Roughly one in four Americans have faced tax season scams. Fraudsters increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfake tools to create convincing fraud.
How the IRS contacts taxpayers
The IRS almost always begins contact by mail. It rarely texts or emails and will not demand immediate payment in a message.
The agency will not threaten to involve law enforcement or demand a driver’s or business license. It will not ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or send people to non-IRS sites.
Verification steps
Taxpayers can verify suspicious communications by calling 800-829-1040. They can also create an IRS online account to check records and notices.
Confirm a website is the real IRS page by checking the URL for misspellings or extra characters.
Red flags and safety tips
- Do not click links or scan QR codes from unexpected messages.
- Beware urgent or threatening language that pressures you to act now.
- Do not provide sensitive IDs like your Social Security number by phone.
- Watch for requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency payments.
- Remember the IRS does not contact taxpayers via social media for tax matters.
Third-party preparer scams
Be cautious with preparers who demand large upfront fees or guarantee huge refunds. Verify a preparer’s PTIN on the IRS website and research firms via the Better Business Bureau.
If you receive outreach from a firm, call the number on that firm’s official website.
IRS data show the average tax refund rose nearly 11% from last year. Congress warns citizens to stay vigilant against tax scams as the filing deadline nears.
The alert was released Thursday by the bipartisan Joint Economic Committee. Committee leaders include Republican Rep. David Schweikert of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire.
Vice chairman Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Senior House Democrat Don Beyer of Virginia joined the warning.
