- Experts are warning of a surge in robocalls, texts, and phishing emails this tax season, with artificial intelligence contributing to the increased sophistication of tax return scams.
- Scammers use alarming language, QR codes, and AI-powered voice mimicry to trick individuals into visiting fake websites, installing malware, or revealing personal information for identity theft.
- “‘Deluge’ is the best word I can think of, because it’s relentless," Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, said.
- Velasquez explained that the best practice when receiving any tax season messages is, “Type, don’t tap.” Rather than tapping on any link sent, type in the URL of the official website for the IRS (IRS.gov), or whichever agency is supposedly contacting you.
- “Go to the source. Don’t click any of those links,” she said. “If you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t engage.”
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Taxpayers warned over ‘deluge’ of tax return thefts - the warning sign that you’ve been targeted
