Exclusive: Lawmakers Alert on New IRS Scams Nationwide
As Tax Day approaches, taxpayer scams are on the rise. The U.S. Congressional Joint Economic Committee warns of tax scams as the filing deadline nears, with nearly 25% of Americans reporting scams during tax season, according to McAfee’s March 2026 research.
The alert includes alarming findings: over 600 social media impersonators of the IRS reported in 2025, and a 400% rise in fraudulent IRS calls between January and February this year, according to Nomorobo. Additionally, 43 fake tax websites have been identified daily from September 2025 to February 2026.
Joint Economic Committee Chairman Rep. David Schweikert expressed concern over criminal enterprises exploiting tax season, especially targeting older adults. Senior citizens lost more money to fraud than younger adults, according to 2024 FTC data, with 80+ losing $1,650 and 70-79 losing $1,000, compared to $189-$691 for younger groups.
Schweikert, along with committee members Sen. Maggie Hassan, Sen. Eric Schmitt, and Rep. Don Beyer, emphasize the importance of vigilance and identity protection. They advise on recognizing IRS impersonation scams: fake phone calls, emails, and social media messages as the IRS typically contacts via mail. They will never threaten or request payments through unconventional methods.
Verify communications at IRS.gov and use an IRS-issued identity protection PIN instead of your Social Security Number. For non-IRS tax scams, research firms on the Better Business Bureau, ensure they provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), and verify the providers through official websites.
If a scam occurs, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For personal stories about scams or security breaches, contact Mashable.
Topics: Scams