Evolving Scams

Every year the IRS releases its Dirty Dozen of tax scams to highlight the latest ways that scammers are out to obtain taxpayers’ information and/or money. Many of these are similar year after year, but the tactics are ever evolving so that there are always new things to be aware of. As with much of the world, a lot of what is currently new involves AI.

The problem with AI can be that it actually can “think” around how you interact with it. So with a voice-mimicked call, it possibly can answer any questions you have for it. And where AI is drawing information from much of what is available in the world, it could give answers that may appear legitimate if you try to look things up after a call.

Another tactic that plays well with this is becoming more and more prevalent is spoofing caller IDs. A big fight-back tactic against telephone scams used to be to look up where the number where the call is coming from to see if it is legitimate. Some scammers are now able to spoof caller IDs so that searching it will return information that appears to be kosher. Searching these numbers is still a good idea, but it should no longer be the only step taken to determine authenticity when a suspicious call is received.

When fighting back against these scams, many tried and true things remain atop the list of how to keep yourself safe. First, the IRS will essentially always contact you by mail first. If the first time you hear about a tax issue is by any means other than a mailed notice, you should immediately be wary. Next, don’t be afraid to take your time. If you have any concept of how the IRS operates, it is not the quickest of institutions. You are never going to hear about something for the first time where you must make an immediate payment or risk terrible consequences. Taking some time to contact the IRS yourself and determine whether something you’re hearing is legitimate is worth it.

​Finally, a reminder that scams don’t always start in trying to get a payment from you. Especially during this time of year, you may hear from groups or individuals that promise they can help you take advantage of a tax provision or credit that you were not aware of. And of course, you aren’t aware of all tax rules (that’s our job!) but that doesn’t mean every one you hear of is legitimate. As always, stick with those you trust for guidance. Ask a tax professional you have worked with before about any claims you have heard, and hey, maybe there is something more that you could be using to get a larger return, but get it done the right way.

Warmly,

Josh Bousquet
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