As tax season progresses, cybersecurity experts are warning of a surge in scams, including phishing emails, smishing, and AI-generated fake websites. These scams are designed to steal sensitive information by impersonating legitimate entities such as the IRS, with some using advanced technologies like deepfakes and voice cloning. One prominent scam involves fake emails and texts claiming to be from Coinbase, urging users to set up wallets or call fake support numbers. Another phishing campaign involves fraudulent messages purportedly signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, asking recipients to contact a number on Signal. The Élysée has issued warnings about these scams, emphasizing the importance of verifying sender information and avoiding suspicious links. In a related incident, French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was targeted by a similar scam. AI technologies are being leveraged by scammers to create highly convincing fake IRS websites and phishing emails, contributing to a 77% increase in tax-related phishing scams in 2025. Other scams include economic impact payment fraud and ghost preparers who exploit taxpayers through fake tax preparation services. Victims of these scams risk losing significant sums, with last year's average loss reported at $8,199. Experts advise taxpayers to remain vigilant and use official channels for communication.
💡 Beware: Scammers are using AI to clone fake IRS websites, upping their game with realistic scams. With a 77% increase in tax-related phishing reported, these scams appear more legitimate, tricking taxpayers into sharing sensitive info. Remember: The IRS will never threaten…
As the deadline to file gets closer, cybersecurity experts warn, you're even more likely to be targeted by scammers. You could still be at risk even if you've already filed. https://t.co/FaLtzLoK0A
⚠ L’Élysée alerte lui-même sur une grosse arnaque par SMS : un message improbable de phishing signé d'«Emmanuel Macron» vous inviterait à le rejoindre sur Signal ➡️ https://t.co/tBSUOO3QEk https://t.co/fqpVTUHlyH