IRS, Social Security Agency Release List of Common Scams

The IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued warnings on March 5 about various scams targeting Americans and how to identify such fraud.

The IRS released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2026 that pose a threat to the tax and personal information of individuals, businesses, and tax professionals, the agency said in a March 5 statement. The list details 12 key scams to watch out for, including impersonation fraud, identity theft, and malware campaigns.

The SSA specifically warned about impersonation scams targeting U.S. citizens in another statement on Thursday.

The agencies released their warnings as part of the seventh annual “Slam the Scam” day on March 5.

Impersonation Scams

The IRS listed two types of impersonation scams that target taxpayers. The first involves fraudsters impersonating the IRS via email and text.

“Scammers send emails, direct messages (DMs), and texts that appear to be from the IRS, often using alarming language and QR codes that direct taxpayers to fake IRS websites to ‘verify’ accounts, enter personal information, or claim refunds,” the agency said.

“The IRS urges taxpayers not to click links or open attachments from unexpected messages and to report suspicious IRS-related emails, DMs, and texts. The IRS reported over 600 social media impersonators during fiscal year 2025.”

The second fraud involves scammers using artificial intelligence to impersonate the IRS via phone through robocalls, voice mimicry, and spoofed caller IDs.

The agency reminded taxpayers that it typically contacts them by mail first. Moreover, the IRS does not leave any “urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest,” it said.

In its statement, the SSA said that Social Security impersonation scams cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In government impostor scams, fraudsters falsely claim to represent the SSA or other federal agencies to steal personal information.

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received 330,000 complaints of government impersonation, up by 25 percent from the previous year. The SSA remains one of the “most frequently targeted agencies” by impersonation scammers, the agency said.

In these types of fraud, criminals pretend to be from the SSA in phone calls, emails, texts, and direct messages on social media, claiming an issue with a person’s Social Security Number or benefits.

Fraudsters may spoof their caller IDs to make it appear they are a legitimate government number. They can also send fake documents to dupe and pressure people into handing over information or money.

“Scammers who impersonate the Social Security Administration prey on fear and a false sense of urgency to steal from hardworking Americans, causing real financial harm to individuals and families,” said Michelle L. Anderson, assistant inspector general for audit.

“Awareness is one of the strongest tools we have—we encourage consumers to take an intentional pause when they get a message they weren’t expecting, guard their wallet, verify, and report suspected scams—knowing the red flags can prevent devastating financial losses.”

Fake Charities

Taxpayers may be targeted by fake charities that seek to collect donations or personal information by exploiting tragedies or disasters. The IRS clarified that taxpayers can claim deductions for donations only if the money goes to a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the agency.

Misleading Tax Advice

Some taxpayers may be influenced by viral “tax hacks” on social media and end up filing returns with false information or claiming unqualified credits.

This can lead to “refund delays, audits, penalties, or worse,” the agency said.

“The IRS and the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats warn taxpayers not to fall for these scams, and urge them to follow trusted advice from the IRS, tax professionals, and other reputable sources,” it said.

Identify Theft

Criminals may target taxpayers’ personal information to gain access to their IRS online account. Scammers may also offer help to set up such accounts. The IRS advised people not to rely on third parties to create their online account.

Long-Term Capital Gains Claims

According to the IRS, there has been an increase in taxpayers abusing Form 2439, which is used by filers who have shares in certain investment funds or real estate trusts to claim refundable credits for taxes paid on undistributed capital gains. There are schemes involving fabricating or overstating Form 2439 claims. Engaging in such activities can result in penalties and enforcement action, the IRS said.

Self-Employment Scam

Scammers also peddle misleading claims about self-employment tax credits to entice taxpayers to file inaccurate returns and obtain improper refunds.

“Many taxpayers do not qualify for these credits, and the IRS is closely reviewing claims coming in under this provision, so taxpayers filing claims do so at their own risk,” the agency said.

Ghost Preparers

Fraudsters may present themselves as a “ghost preparer” to taxpayers. These ghost preparers promise to prepare the taxpayer’s returns but refuse to sign them and/or include a Preparer Tax Identification Number. The IRS warned people to avoid such services.

Charitable Contribution Schemes

“Some schemes involve inflated appraisals of donated property using syndicated conservation easements or art. Promoters often promise to eliminate or substantially reduce tax liability,” the agency said.

Conservation easements are agreements that allow landowners to donate a portion of their land to charity.

“The IRS warns taxpayers not to file returns with made-up information and reminds taxpayers that it can hold refunds while verifying claims,” it said.

Fabricated Wage/Withholding Data

Some scammers may encourage taxpayers to increase their tax withholding to get a larger refund. Inaccurate claims can result in fines.

Hacking Campaigns

Fraudsters target tax professionals and businesses by posing as potential clients, and then using spear-phishing and malware campaigns to access their systems and steal client data.

Offer in Compromise

An Offer in Compromise is a program that helps certain eligible taxpayers resolve tax debts when they are not in a financial position to pay the full amount. However, scammers can present an offer in compromise to taxpayers who do not qualify for the program, and overpromise results and charge higher fees.

To protect themselves from these scams, taxpayers should avoid clicking unexpected links or opening unexpected attachments, the agency advised.

“If you get a suspicious IRS-related call, hang up,” the IRS said. “If you think your tax identity has been compromised, visit IRS.gov/idtheft for steps to protect your account and recover.”

“To report suspected IRS-related phishing emails or messages, send them to phishing@irs.gov and follow IRS reporting instructions.”

Romance Scams

In a Feb. 3 statement, advocacy group AARP warned about romance scams targeting older adults.

Almost one in 10 American adults aged 50 and above, amounting to 11 million individuals, have been made to believe they are in a romantic relationship online, only to be duped out of their money.

The advocacy advised people in such relationships who realize it is fake to immediately stop contact. They must save everything related to the crime, such as messages and receipts, and report the scam to local law enforcement or the FBI.

“Romance scams can affect anyone. Smart, financially stable, socially active adults are all targets,” said Amy Nofziger, senior director of victim support for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

“Being informed, knowing the warning signs, and reporting suspicious activity are the best ways to protect yourself and your money.”

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2024, published in April 2025, there were a total of 859,532 complaints filed with the agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2024, with losses amounting to $16.6 billion, up 33 percent from the previous year.