10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Tax Scams – Safeguard Your Finances This Tax Season

As tax season approaches, it’s not just about filing your returns—it’s also time to be vigilant about the growing threat of tax-related scams. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technology like deepfake audios and AI-generated phishing emails to trick unsuspecting individuals. McAfee’s latest survey highlights the top tax scams targeting taxpayers in 2025 and offers crucial tips to help you protect yourself. Here’s a breakdown of the risks and ways you can avoid falling victim to these scams.

Tax Scams in 2025

Tax season isn’t just about filing your taxes; it’s a prime time for scammers to target vulnerable citizens. According to a recent McAfee survey, nearly 48% of people have been contacted by individuals claiming to represent the IRS or a state tax agency. The tactics vary, with scammers using social media, phone calls, emails, and even text messages to trick victims. Younger people, particularly those aged 18-24, reported the highest number of successful scams, while older adults, especially those aged 65-74, suffered the most significant financial losses. The sophistication of these scams is growing—AI and deepfake technology are now being used to make scams more realistic and harder to spot.

Scammers often impersonate the IRS or popular tax preparation services like TurboTax and H&R Block. They bait victims with fake refund promises or demand urgent payments, frequently asking for sensitive personal details such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts, or credit card information. To stay protected, it’s essential to be aware of these common scams and take proactive steps to safeguard your personal and financial information.

What Undercode Says:

In today’s world, the landscape of cybercrime is evolving at an alarming rate, and tax scams are no exception. The 2025 McAfee survey paints a concerning picture: nearly half of respondents have been targeted by scam messages posing as tax agencies. With advancements in AI and deepfake technology, scammers can now mimic the voice of legitimate IRS agents, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between a real and fake communication. Furthermore, phishing attempts have become more refined, with malicious emails appearing almost identical to those from legitimate tax preparation services.

One of the key findings of the survey is the significant financial impact these scams have on older adults. Adults between 65-74 years old reported the highest financial losses, with many victims losing between $751 and $1,000. Meanwhile, the most substantial losses were seen in the 45-54 age group, where 10% of respondents reported losing over $10,000. This highlights the wide-reaching effects of these scams across different age demographics.

With these tactics becoming increasingly sophisticated, there is a heightened sense of urgency to protect oneself from falling victim to these schemes. The rise of “vishing” (voice phishing) is one example of how scammers are using technology to further deceive their victims. The use of AI in scam detection, for example, can help prevent fraudulent activities before they occur. However, as the scammers’ tactics become more advanced, it is essential for both individuals and organizations to stay one step ahead.

Key Strategies to Protect Yourself

File Early: Filing your tax returns early reduces the window of opportunity for cybercriminals to file fraudulent returns in your name. The earlier you file, the safer you are.
Monitor Credit Reports: Constantly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activities, such as unfamiliar accounts or changes to your credit score. Employing a credit monitoring service can provide early warnings for potential identity theft.
Beware of Phishing Attempts: Emails and text messages requesting personal or financial information are common in scams. Always verify the authenticity of such communications by contacting the IRS or relevant authorities directly.
Avoid Spoofed Websites: Scammers often create fake websites that resemble legitimate tax preparation sites. Always manually type the website’s URL into your browser instead of clicking on suspicious links from emails or ads.
Don’t Respond to Urgent Payment Demands: The IRS will never contact you via email, text, or social media to demand payment. If you receive such a request, it’s undoubtedly a scam.
Consider Identity Theft Protection: Identity theft protection services can offer peace of mind by providing real-time alerts if any suspicious activity occurs regarding your personal information.
Use AI Security Tools: Incorporating AI-enabled security tools can help detect scam calls and texts before they trick you into revealing sensitive information.

By staying aware of these scams and implementing protective measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim this tax season.

Fact Checker Results:

Accuracy of Findings: McAfee’s survey results align with the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics, particularly through the use of AI and deepfake technology.
Financial Impact: The reported financial losses among older adults are consistent with findings from other sources regarding scams targeting seniors.
Effectiveness of Tips: The preventive measures outlined are widely recommended by cybersecurity experts as effective ways to mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams.

By following these expert-backed strategies, you can safeguard your financial information and avoid falling prey to increasingly deceptive tax-related scams.

References:

Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/tax-scams-are-getting-sneakier-10-ways-to-protect-yourself-before-its-too-late/
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