IRS Warns of Tax Scams
The IRS reports that average tax refunds are up 10% compared to last year IRS Says 2026 Tax Refunds Are up 10 Percent - Newsweek. However, the IRS warns of a new wave of viral “tax hack” scams circulating online and highlights its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of prevalent tax scams for 2026 Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2026: IRS reminds taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats, IRS warns taxpayers about viral ‘tax hacks’ and new 2026 refund scams.
The IRS "Dirty Dozen" list for 2026 spotlights scams ranging from fake charities to offers of inflated refunds. These schemes often surge during tax season as fraudsters seek to exploit the increased volume of filings and taxpayer vulnerability. The IRS has observed a rise in scams promoted through social media, where users share misleading "tax hacks" that promise substantial refunds. These often involve claiming ineligible credits or deductions. One common tactic involves scammers posing as IRS representatives to demand immediate payment via threats of arrest or lawsuits. The IRS emphasizes that it typically communicates via mail and never demands payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. In 2025, tax scams cost Americans millions of dollars, with the median loss around \$500 per victim. The IRS Criminal Investigation division works to prosecute scammers, but preventing fraud requires vigilance from taxpayers. Taxpayers can report suspected scams to the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Awareness and caution remain the best defenses against evolving tax fraud tactics.
