Wisconsin BBB Warns of Rising Tax Impostor Scams

Fraudsters claim consumers owe back taxes and must act immediately to avoid penalties

Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:47am

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The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau (BBB) is alerting consumers about a surge in tax company impostor scams during tax season. These scams often involve phishing phone calls from fraudsters claiming the recipient owes back taxes and must make an immediate payment to avoid legal action or penalties.

Why it matters

Tax impostor scams can be costly for victims, who may end up paying money to fraudsters or having their personal information compromised. The BBB is warning consumers to be vigilant about unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from tax authorities to avoid falling prey to these scams.

The details

The scammers often leave voicemail messages or make calls claiming the recipient's tax file has been flagged, a filing deadline was missed, or they qualify for a limited-time IRS relief program. The messages typically urge immediate action and payment to avoid further consequences. The callers may also reference fake agent names, phone numbers, case IDs, or "resolution departments" to sound more official.

  • The Wisconsin BBB is reporting a rise in these tax impostor scams during the current tax season.

The players

Wisconsin Better Business Bureau (BBB)

A nonprofit organization that sets standards for ethical business behavior and shares consumer reviews and scam alerts.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The U.S. federal government agency responsible for tax collection and tax law enforcement.

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What’s next

The BBB urges consumers to verify the legitimacy of any business contacting them unexpectedly by checking their BBB.org profile before responding. Taxpayers working with a trusted tax professional should also consult them before taking any action.

The takeaway

This scam alert highlights the importance of being vigilant about unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from tax authorities, as fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics and false claims to trick consumers into paying money or providing personal information.