IRS Warns of AI-Enabled Tax Scams as Refund Season Peaks

Criminals are using sophisticated tactics to steal personal information and refunds from taxpayers.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The IRS is warning taxpayers about a rise in AI-enabled tax scams as refund season approaches. Criminals are using advanced techniques like impersonating tax preparers and creating fake websites to steal personal information and refunds. The IRS is urging taxpayers to be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls demanding payment or personal data.

Why it matters

Tax season is a prime time for scammers, as millions of Americans are expecting refunds. The use of AI and other sophisticated technology makes these scams harder to detect, putting more taxpayers at risk of identity theft and financial loss.

The details

According to Thomas Demeo, IRS Special Agent in Charge for the Boston Field Office, tax fraud can involve filing false deductions, credits, dependents, or unreported income. Identity theft is also a major problem, where scammers steal personal information and file returns in someone else's name to claim the refund. Demeo says these scams often start with phishing emails or websites that appear legitimate but are designed to steal data.

  • Tax season is currently underway, with refunds being issued to millions of Americans.

The players

Thomas Demeo

IRS Special Agent in Charge for the Boston Field Office.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws.

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What they’re saying

“With the internet and spoofing and false emails, impersonating — there's different websites that have you click on certain things that create a very large problem.”

— Thomas Demeo, IRS Special Agent in Charge for the Boston Field Office (WCVB)

“Unfortunately, with AI and the power of it now, impersonating not only the IRS, impersonating return preparers, and other websites, they create problems for regular taxpayers to have the sense of urgency to get their refund, they fall through these traps and click on various links that eventually steals their personal information.”

— Thomas Demeo, IRS Special Agent in Charge for the Boston Field Office (WCVB)

What’s next

The IRS is urging taxpayers to be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any communication or website before providing personal information or making payments. Taxpayers can check the IRS website to verify the status of their refund and confirm the identity of any tax preparers they work with.

The takeaway

The rise of AI-enabled tax scams highlights the need for taxpayers to be extremely cautious during tax season. By being aware of common tactics used by scammers and verifying the legitimacy of any communication, taxpayers can protect themselves from identity theft and financial loss.