Tax scams are on the rise in 2026 with increased fraud attempts via robocalls, texts, and phishing emails. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a likely contributor is artificial intelligence (AI). As scams become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant.

In this week’s Money Wisdom Question Series, join Heath Grossman, CFP® as he shares what to watch out for this tax season.

1. Unexpected Contact or Requests for Information

The IRS will primarily contact you through an official letter delivered by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). They will not contact you by text, email, or social media to ask for personal or financial information.

If you receive such communication, it is not from the IRS. Refrain from clicking on links, responding, or pursuing these requests. Simply ignore or flag any suspicious messages as spam.

2. Demands or Threats

Scammers often use a threatening tone to intimidate you into acting quickly. The IRS will not leave urgent, pre-recorded messages demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. These are hallmark signs of a tax scam. If you encounter any demand of payment via gift cards or wire transfers, it is not legitimate.

3. Suspicious Links

Identity thieves may send texts or emails with links designed to steal your personal information or gain access to your devices. Be aware of odd or misspelled website links as they are often malicious. Instead of clicking on it, manually type the official website address, such as IRS.gov, into your browser. This will ensure you are visiting the correct site.

4. “Too Good to Be True” Promises

Scammers may offer unusually large refunds or special tax credits to trick you into sharing your information. While it may sound promising, do not fall for these attempts. Again, you would only receive this communication through official correspondence sent via the USPS.

If you suspect someone filed a tax return in your name, contact the IRS directly and report the theft. Filing a police report may also be necessary.

To learn more ways to stay safe from identity theft and cybercrime, get your free copy of Simple Safeguards, presented by retired FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza.