EN
Tax season has always been stressful, but 2026 feels different. With the IRS discontinuing the Direct File pilot and scammers now using AI-powered cloning technology, the scams this year don’t look or sound fake at all. They feel completely legitimate, and that’s what makes them so dangerous.
If you want to protect your refund and your identity, it’s important to understand how scammers are adapting this year and to know exactly what to do if you’ve already been targeted.
Scammers have always relied on confusion during tax season, but this year, they have new tools. AI allows them to clone voices and create websites that look exactly like IRS portals. Combined with leaked personal data, this technology lets scammers call you, text you, or send emails that feel official.
It’s no longer easy to spot a scam just by looking for typos or strange formatting. Instead, scammers are creating digital illusions that feel completely ordinary — the kind of call or message that makes you pause and think, “Maybe this is real.”
One of the most common scams this year starts with a phone call from a 202 area code. The person on the line sounds calm, professional, and well-informed. They tell you there’s a problem with your Form 1099-DA, the new crypto reporting form, and that it needs immediate attention.
This works because 2026 is the first year crypto reporting is mandatory. Scammers have learned that many people are unsure about the form and will panic when they hear there’s a “discrepancy.” To make it even more convincing, they use AI to clone voices and reference specific details pulled from data leaks, making them sound like insiders.
The important thing to remember is that the IRS will never call you to demand payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. They always send official notices through the mail first. If someone is pressuring you on the phone, it’s a scam.
Another scam involves tax preparers who promise unusually high refunds based on “new 2026 credits.” On paper, it sounds great — but here’s the catch: they refuse to sign your return or provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
These “ghost preparers” take a portion of your refund and disappear, leaving your name as the only signature on the return. If the IRS audits it, you are the one held responsible for any fraud.
The red flag is anyone who bases their fee on a percentage of your refund or refuses to provide their PTIN. Even if they seem friendly or have glowing reviews, don’t trust someone who isn’t transparent.
Smishing, or scam text messages, is another method scammers are using this year. You might receive a text like:
“IRS Notice: Your 2026 refund is on hold due to a filing error. Click here to verify your information.”
The link leads to a site that is an exact copy of the IRS login page. Because the IRS no longer has the Direct File app, scammers are taking advantage of the gap to push fake “alternative” apps that steal banking information.
If you receive a text claiming to be from the IRS, the safest assumption is that it is a scam. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts, so clicking that link or providing personal information puts you at serious risk.
You may have seen viral videos promising massive refunds through Fuel Tax Credits or Self-Employment Credits. It’s tempting to follow along, but the IRS has updated its audit tools for 2026, and they flag these exact claims immediately.
Filing a return based on this kind of advice can now result in an automatic $5,000 penalty for a frivolous return — even if you honestly thought the advice was legitimate.
The rule of thumb is simple: if someone is telling you to “estimate” losses or claim credits that don’t match your actual work or business, it’s a red flag. Ignore it.
Finally, there are companies promising to wipe out tax debt or help you claim ERC credits for a fee. They advertise heavily on radio, TV, and social media, often charging $2,500 or more upfront.
The problem is that many of the programs they claim to file for are already closed. These companies rely on confusion and the assumption that you haven’t kept up with the latest 2026 changes. If a company guarantees eligibility without seeing your finances, it’s almost certainly a scam.
If you’ve clicked a suspicious link, shared your Social Security number, or sent money, it’s crucial to act fast:
Scammers are moving faster than ever, but there are tools to help you stay ahead. The ScamAdviser app lets you check links, websites, and portals before you enter sensitive information. It’s like having a second pair of eyes to catch scams before they catch you.
In 2026, you can either let scammers have a field day or protect your refund and your identity.
