The deadline for U.S. taxpayers to submit their 2024 tax returns is fast approaching, with Tuesday marking the final day. As this date draws near, so do the numerous scams and fraudsters that target millions of Americans annually, aiming to steal your money—and, alarmingly, your identity.
Victor Wieczorek, senior vice president at GuidePoint Security, a security consulting firm, noted that scammers are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence to carry out their schemes.
“In contrast to the poorly crafted scams of the past, today’s phishing emails, texts, and counterfeit IRS letters are often flawlessly written, and they frequently incorporate genuine personal information,” he explained. “We are currently observing instances where fake IRS notices are being dispatched to actual addresses, employing real refund history, all generated by AI.”
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Nevertheless, there are still identifiable signs to help you recognize a scam.
“Often, there’s a sense of urgency conveyed in these messages, which can be a primary indicator,” Wieczorek remarked. “Scammers utilize these tools to send communications that seem to originate from the IRS. They understand they have a limited timeframe to ensnare you, so they work to extract money or information—or whatever their goal may be—from you as quickly as they can. Impersonation phone calls persist, but now AI voice technologies and scripts are being integrated to enhance their believability.”
Wieczorek emphasized that the IRS will only reach out to individuals via postal mail, not through text messages or phone calls. If you receive a letter from the IRS, it’s advisable to verify its legitimacy through the IRS website or with a certified tax preparer.
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He reassured individuals that, given the sophistication of scams today, no one should feel ashamed if they fall victim to one.
“There is no reason for anyone to feel guilty,” Wieczorek stated. “While we all have an obligation to avoid engaging with scammers and sharing the information they seek, it’s crucial to acknowledge if a mistake has occurred and to take corrective action promptly.”
