Top IRS Dirty Dozen Scams to Avoid in 2025

It's crucial to stay vigilant: scammers are accelerating their efforts.

They're becoming more sophisticated, leveraging technology like AI to convincingly impersonate trusted sources, including your tax professional, through emails, phone calls, and social media.

The IRS recognizes this ongoing threat and annually issues a cautionary list of the most prevalent and perilous tax scams aimed at individuals across the nation.

Known as the Dirty Dozen, this roundup serves as your annual alert.

Here’s your guide to avoiding these scams in 2025 and protecting yourself and your loved ones from falling prey.

Why Should You Care?

Don’t assume you’re immune because you “never click suspicious links.”

The latest scams are increasingly sophisticated, designed to bypass your natural defenses. With AI and tech tools, their tactics are becoming harder to spot. Remember, the IRS never initiates contact through email, text, or phone calls.

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So yes—this article matters. Share it with your family, especially those who might not be tech-savvy.

The 2025 Dirty Dozen: Beware of These Top Scams

1. AI-Generated Phishing

This emerging threat sees scammers utilizing AI to craft ultra-realistic messages that appear to come from the IRS, trusted software, or even your tax preparer.

They forge logos, include personal information, and prompt urgent actions.

What to do: Avoid clicking links in emails or texts from the IRS. Visit IRS.gov directly or consult your tax professional.

2. Fraudulent Social Media Ads

Scrolling through Instagram might lead you to see ads claiming, “Get a $10K refund—no filing needed!”

These too-good-to-be-true offers often involve scams where fake returns are filed with your information, leaving you liable for IRS penalties.

What to do: Only engage with verified tax experts and question unusually high refunds.

3. Offer in Compromise Scams

While legitimate offers exist, unscrupulous companies exploit these for profit, charging upfront fees and offering false promises.

What to do: Consult a trusted tax advisor who can assess your specific situation rather than relying on unsolicited calls.

4. Fabricated Charities

In times of crisis, fake charities appeal for donations via digital channels.

What to do: Verify charity legitimacy via IRS Tax-Exempt Org Search. Legitimate charities won't insist on gift card or cryptocurrency donations.

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5. Employee Retention Credit Abuse

Scammers promoting false ERC claims continue to trap business owners in financial distress.

What to do: Walk away if a seller guarantees qualification without examining your records.

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6. Tax Pro Spear Phishing

This scam targets accountants, using fake emails to access clients' personal data files.

What to do: Inquire about the security measures your tax preparer uses to protect your information.

7. Bogus Advice on Online Platforms

Online platforms abound with misleading financial advice.

What to do: Confirm the credibility of financial advice before acting on it, especially when it comes from informal sources like TikTok.

8. Ghost Tax Preparers

Some tax preparers refuse to sign returns to avoid liability for illegal activity.

What to do: Ensure that any tax preparer signs your return and includes their PTIN.

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9. Automated Fake IRS Calls

Fake IRS agents threaten legal action unless payment is made immediately through dubious methods.

What to do: End such calls immediately, report to TIGTA, and remember the IRS doesn’t call or demand payments this way.

10. Counterfeit Tax Benefit Claims

Misleading tax tips can lead to fraudulent deductions and increased IRS scrutiny.

What to do: Only document legitimate deductions and question unclear strategies.

11. Social Security Number Swindles

Criminals exploit or guess SSNs to hijack tax returns.

What to do: File taxes early and request an IP PIN for added security.

12. Spurious Fuel Tax Credit Claims

False claims on fuel tax credits target unsuspecting commuters and businesses.

What to do: Be cautious; if it seems suspect, it likely is.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Skeptical

Knowledge is your best weapon. Discuss these threats with your family and safeguard digital access points.

Protect Yourself + Your Family:

  • Distribute this information to those you care about.

  • Enable multi-factor authentication across all financial accounts.

  • Enquire with your tax professional about their data protection measures.

  • Report any suspicious activity to the IRS and FTC.

  • Above all, pause and verify any unsolicited requests for vital information.

Need Expert Help? Consult with Us

Our team is ready to review, file, and safeguard you against tax fraud. Schedule your strategy session today and fortify your defenses before scammers reach you first.

Contact Haley Claypool & Associates in Newport Beach, CA, for personalized advice and security measures. Call us at 818-338-8700 or email wendy.claypool@ipersyst.com.

Have Questions?
Let's talk. We are here to help!
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