Tax chaos could be a goldmine—for the wrong people. Taxpayers at risk amidst as IRS uncertainty
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As the calendar flips to the tax season, a period often marked by a flurry of paperwork and calculations, there's an added layer of concern this year that could impact your financial safety.
The GrayVine is here to guide you through the maze of potential scams that could threaten your hard-earned money, especially in light of recent IRS changes.
Tax season is traditionally a hunting ground for scammers, and this year, the stakes are even higher.
Fraudsters commonly attempt to steal personal and financial information through fake emails, texts, phone calls, and social media messages—many disguised as legitimate IRS communications.
With the tax deadline approaching on April 15, cybersecurity professionals are urging Americans to stay alert and cautious.
New concerns are rising this year due to staff reductions at the IRS, which could hinder the agency’s ability to respond swiftly to fraud reports.
The uncertainty surrounding these cuts could also create new openings for scammers to manipulate current events and pose as government representatives.
“Uncertainty is probably one of the biggest motivating emotions that social engineers take advantage of,” said Dave Chronister, CEO of Parameter Security.
Scammers rely heavily on emotion—especially fear and urgency—to get people to act quickly. Common red flags include threats of arrest, false promises of big refunds, suspicious links, or isolation tactics that discourage victims from seeking advice.
Others, like so-called “ghost preparers,” may offer to file your return for a fee but never sign it, later submitting a false return to claim your refund themselves.
The IRS emphasizes that it will never contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media, and urges the public to work only with verified, professional tax preparers.
Those who suspect they’ve been scammed are encouraged to report incidents directly through the agency’s website.
Cybersecurity experts also warn that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, especially with the use of AI-generated phishing content, including deepfakes.
The fallout from recent data breaches—such as the National Public Data leak—has left millions of personal records exposed, making it easier for scammers to launch believable “confidence scams.”
Read also: Tax nightmare: Shocking IRS bill leaves victim in “deep pit”
To protect yourself:
File your taxes early to avoid someone else filing in your name.
Nobody is excited to do their taxes, but doing it early before scammers try to file something in your name makes a major difference. By sticking to what you know, Chronister explains, you can play it safe.
Stick with familiar, trusted tools like TurboTax or your usual accountant.
“If you’ve always been using TurboTax, use TurboTax. If you always use an accountant, use your accountant," Chronister said.
Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi and password-protect old tax files stored on your devices.
The IRS also recommends securing an Identity Protection PIN and freezing your credit to prevent fraud.
Also, by freezing your credit, you can prevent new accounts from being made in your name. You can also temporarily unfreeze if you need a check for renting an apartment or applying for a loan.
These freezes can be set up through the three nationwide credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You might be interested: Filing frustrations? Here’s 4 reasons why your tax refund might be delayed–and what you can do about it!
When something feels off, pause and assess. “Take a breath, count to 10,” said Chronister. “Is this too good to be true? Is your gut telling you something is off?”
Source: WHAS11 / Youtube.
Above all, don’t panic, but do stay vigilant. “It’s human to fall for these scams,” Chronister said. “They’ve been around forever. Just keep your gut check going—and stay one step ahead.”
Also read: This "IRS $1,400 rebate" text could be a trap—here’s how to spot and avoid the latest scam!
Have you ever experienced a scam? What are your tips to stay vigilant and safe? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below!
The GrayVine is here to guide you through the maze of potential scams that could threaten your hard-earned money, especially in light of recent IRS changes.
Tax season is traditionally a hunting ground for scammers, and this year, the stakes are even higher.
Fraudsters commonly attempt to steal personal and financial information through fake emails, texts, phone calls, and social media messages—many disguised as legitimate IRS communications.
With the tax deadline approaching on April 15, cybersecurity professionals are urging Americans to stay alert and cautious.
New concerns are rising this year due to staff reductions at the IRS, which could hinder the agency’s ability to respond swiftly to fraud reports.
Tax season is a peak time for scams, and IRS uncertainties due to workforce cuts could enhance these issues. Image source: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash.
The uncertainty surrounding these cuts could also create new openings for scammers to manipulate current events and pose as government representatives.
“Uncertainty is probably one of the biggest motivating emotions that social engineers take advantage of,” said Dave Chronister, CEO of Parameter Security.
Scammers rely heavily on emotion—especially fear and urgency—to get people to act quickly. Common red flags include threats of arrest, false promises of big refunds, suspicious links, or isolation tactics that discourage victims from seeking advice.
Others, like so-called “ghost preparers,” may offer to file your return for a fee but never sign it, later submitting a false return to claim your refund themselves.
The IRS emphasizes that it will never contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media, and urges the public to work only with verified, professional tax preparers.
Those who suspect they’ve been scammed are encouraged to report incidents directly through the agency’s website.
Cybersecurity experts also warn that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, especially with the use of AI-generated phishing content, including deepfakes.
The fallout from recent data breaches—such as the National Public Data leak—has left millions of personal records exposed, making it easier for scammers to launch believable “confidence scams.”
Read also: Tax nightmare: Shocking IRS bill leaves victim in “deep pit”
To protect yourself:
File your taxes early to avoid someone else filing in your name.
Nobody is excited to do their taxes, but doing it early before scammers try to file something in your name makes a major difference. By sticking to what you know, Chronister explains, you can play it safe.
Stick with familiar, trusted tools like TurboTax or your usual accountant.
“If you’ve always been using TurboTax, use TurboTax. If you always use an accountant, use your accountant," Chronister said.
Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi and password-protect old tax files stored on your devices.
The IRS also recommends securing an Identity Protection PIN and freezing your credit to prevent fraud.
Also, by freezing your credit, you can prevent new accounts from being made in your name. You can also temporarily unfreeze if you need a check for renting an apartment or applying for a loan.
These freezes can be set up through the three nationwide credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You might be interested: Filing frustrations? Here’s 4 reasons why your tax refund might be delayed–and what you can do about it!
When something feels off, pause and assess. “Take a breath, count to 10,” said Chronister. “Is this too good to be true? Is your gut telling you something is off?”
Source: WHAS11 / Youtube.
Above all, don’t panic, but do stay vigilant. “It’s human to fall for these scams,” Chronister said. “They’ve been around forever. Just keep your gut check going—and stay one step ahead.”
Also read: This "IRS $1,400 rebate" text could be a trap—here’s how to spot and avoid the latest scam!
Have you ever experienced a scam? What are your tips to stay vigilant and safe? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below!
