Beware of Rising Tax Season Scams: Fake IRS Messages and Identity Theft Threaten 2026 Filers

As the 2026 tax season kicks off, a surge in sophisticated scams targeting taxpayers is underway. Cybercriminals are leveraging fake IRS messages, "refund problem" alerts, and identity verification schemes to steal personal and financial information. These scams, which begin as early as January, are becoming increasingly realistic, preying on taxpayer confusion and urgency.

Key Takeaways

• Tax scams now start in January, not April, with criminals exploiting personal data from breaches and data brokers.

• Common tactics include fake IRS emails and texts, "refund issue" alerts, and benefit/identity verification scams.

• Scammers personalize messages using data from data brokers, making them appear legitimate.

• The ultimate goal is identity theft, leading to fake tax returns, credit fraud, and more.

• Protect yourself by never clicking suspicious links, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and considering data removal services.

The Evolving Landscape of Tax Scams

Scammers are refining their methods annually, making their communications appear more official. Common tactics include fake IRS emails and texts that mimic legitimate government correspondence, often threatening penalties or demanding immediate action. These messages frequently contain links that lead to fake IRS portals designed to harvest Social Security numbers, bank details, and login credentials.

Another prevalent scam involves "refund issue" alerts, which exploit taxpayers' anticipation of their refunds. These messages claim a delay due to verification problems, prompting users to click a link that leads to a fraudulent site designed to capture sensitive information. Benefit and identity verification scams impersonate various government agencies, claiming accounts are suspended and requiring immediate verification.

Why Scammers Are So Effective

The realism of these scams stems from the extensive personal data available through data brokers. Scammers purchase profiles containing names, addresses, phone numbers, family details, and even estimated income, allowing them to craft highly personalized and convincing messages. This data, often sourced from previous data breaches, makes victims feel targeted specifically, increasing the likelihood they will fall for the ruse.

The primary objective for scammers is not just to steal a tax refund but to commit long-term identity theft. Once they obtain essential personal information, they can file fraudulent returns, open new credit lines, redirect benefits, and sell the victim's identity on the dark web.

Protecting Yourself This Tax Season

Experts advise a multi-layered approach to safeguard against these threats. It is crucial to never click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS or other tax agencies. Always navigate directly to official government websites by typing the URL into your browser.

Using strong, unique passwords for all online accounts, especially tax-related services and email, is essential. A password manager can help generate and store these complex credentials. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible adds an extra layer of security.

For those concerned about their personal data being exploited, services that help remove information from data broker sites can reduce the attack surface. Freezing credit is also a recommended step to prevent unauthorized account openings. By taking these proactive measures, taxpayers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of tax season scams and identity theft.

By staying vigilant and adopting safe browsing practices, users can significantly reduce their exposure to these evolving threats. As cyber threats continue to evolve, your security strategy needs to evolve with them. BetterWorld Technology delivers adaptive cybersecurity solutions designed to keep your business secure while supporting innovation. Connect with us today to schedule a personalized consultation.

Sources

• Tax scams start in January with fake IRS messages targeting Americans, Fox News.

• Tax season scams 2026: Fake IRS messages stealing identities, AOL.com.

• IRS impersonation scams surge targeting 2026 taxpayers during filing season, Fox News.

• Minnesota Department of Revenue Warns Taxpayers About Tax Season Scams and Identity Theft, KNSI.

• NYC, NJ tax scam warning: How to spot fake IRS contacts and protect yourself, AOL.com.