The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers to stay alert during filing season which is when scams and misleading tax advice tend to spike. As part of its annual “Dirty Dozen” campaign, the IRS highlighted common schemes designed to lure taxpayers into sharing personal information or claiming improper tax benefits.

These scams often take the form of emails, text messages, phone calls or social media posts that appear credible but are intended to steal sensitive data or pressure taxpayers into making costly mistakes on their returns. Some threats include more sophisticated tactics, such as IRS impersonation using artificial intelligence, false claims about tax credits or advice that encourage taxpayers to inflate deductions or manipulate income reporting.

Many schemes employ tactics to sound appealing or urgent, but they can lead to serious consequences including delayed refunds, IRS audits, penalties or identity theft. The IRS emphasizes that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

To protect yourself, the IRS encourages a simple but effective approach of remaining cautious of unsolicited messages, avoiding sharing personal or financial information and relying on trusted tax professionals when making decisions about your tax return. The IRS typically contacts taxpayers by mail, not through unexpected emails or texts, and the IRS will not demand immediate payment or sensitive information through those channels. Taxpayers should stay informed of common scams and take a moment to verify any suspicious communications. These steps can go a long way in preventing identity theft.