Recent research from McAfee shows a worrying surge in tax scams as tax season unfolds. Many cybercriminals are using clever tactics to take advantage of taxpayers. The study found that nearly one in four Americans (23%) have either been scammed themselves or know someone who has.
How Widespread and Costly Are These Scams?
The research highlights that 48% of people have received fake messages claiming to be from the IRS through texts, emails, social media, or phone calls. Most of these messages (79%) try to get personal details, make threats, or demand money. Unfortunately, the financial impact is significant, with 51% of victims losing over $1,000.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Young adults aged 18 to 24 are especially vulnerable to these scams. About 12% have reported losing money, and 27% know someone who has been scammed. On the other hand, only 1% of seniors aged 65 to 74 reported similar losses.
How Are Scammers Getting Smarter?
These cybercriminals are now using artificial intelligence to make their scams more believable. They are employing tactics like AI-generated robocalls with local accents and well-crafted phishing emails. More than half (55%) of people think scam messages are more convincing than in past years, and 87% are worried that AI is making it tougher to spot these scams.
Common Scam Tricks
The research outlines some common scam strategies:
Pretending to Be From Tax Authorities: Scammers act like IRS agents, sending fake messages to steal personal information or money.
Fake Tax Preparers: About 33% of participants have received misleading messages from entities pretending to be reputable tax preparation services, urging them to click on harmful links.
False Tax Refund Offers: Roughly 35% have received scam messages claiming to offer tax refunds or e-statements that include dangerous links.
Tips for Taxpayers to Avoid Scams
To help protect against tax scams, McAfee recommends:
Be Cautious with Unsolicited Messages: The IRS usually contacts people by mail, not by email or phone.
Keep Your Personal Info Safe: Don’t share sensitive information over the phone or through unsecure methods.
Confirm Authenticity: Instead of clicking on unknown links, go directly to official websites by typing in the URL yourself.
Use Security Software: Consider using AI-driven security tools to help identify and block scams.
Check Your Financial Accounts Regularly: Keep an eye on your credit reports and bank statements for any unusual activity.
By staying alert and following these tips, taxpayers can better shield themselves from the growing threat of tax scams.
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