As tax season approaches, authorities are warning the public about an increase in scams targeting taxpayers. The New York Police Department (NYPD) highlighted that scammers often use deceptive methods to extract money, emphasizing that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never request payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Legal experts are also advising taxpayers to be vigilant against phishing attempts, which can be exacerbated by advancements in artificial intelligence. Resources are available to help individuals recognize and avoid these scams during this critical time of year.