AI-powered tax scams surge in US during 2026 filing season
Automated calls, text messages and phishing emails impersonating the US Internal Revenue Service increased significantly during the 2026 tax filing season, reportedly aided by artificial intelligence. The Federal Trade Commission warned that AI is likely facilitating these scam attempts, while the IRS reported over 600 social media impersonators in fiscal year 2025.
What happened
Automated calls, text messages and phishing emails impersonating the Internal Revenue Service increased significantly in the United States during the 2026 tax filing season compared to previous years.
Scammers use alarming language and QR codes to direct people to fake websites where they request verification of accounts or entry of personal information, or install malware such as ransomware that can block access to files and private data.
Reported impact
Identity theft is among the most common forms of fraud during tax season, involving misuse of social security numbers or other personal information often to claim a fraudulent tax refund.
Consumers are at risk of financial loss and unauthorized use of their personal information when they interact with malicious messages.
Index analysis
The Federal Trade Commission consumer protection office stated that artificial intelligence is likely facilitating an increase in these scam attempts.
AI-powered tactics include automated calls, voice imitation and falsified caller identification to create the appearance of legitimacy.
Governance controls
The IRS published its annual list of the twelve most common tax scams and reported more than 600 impersonators on social media during fiscal year 2025.
Government officials and consumer advocates urged the public to remain cautious and avoid clicking links or opening attachments from unexpected messages, noting that the IRS does not communicate by text message or telephone.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.