Tax season is one of the busiest times of the year financially—and unfortunately, scammers know it.
Just like the holidays, a surge in financial activity creates more opportunities for bad actors to blend in. And in 2026, those scams are not only more frequent… they are more convincing than ever.
Why Scams Are Getting Harder to Spot
Not long ago, most scams were fairly easy to identify—misspelled emails, unusual sender addresses, or messages that just didn’t “feel right.”
That has changed.
With the use of artificial intelligence, scammers are now able to create:
- Polished, professional emails
- Convincing phone calls with realistic voices
- Personalized messages that reference real institutions and current events
In many cases, these communications look exactly like something you would expect to receive from a trusted source.
What We Are Seeing This Tax Season
A few of the more common tactics right now include:
“Refund on Hold” Messages
You may receive a text or email saying your tax refund is delayed until you verify your information. The link provided often leads to a very realistic—but fraudulent—website designed to capture your personal data.
Impersonation Phone Calls
Scammers may call claiming to be from the IRS, your tax preparer, or even a financial institution. These calls often sound professional and calm, referencing real names or firms to build credibility—while creating urgency to act.
Personalized “Action Required” Emails
These emails may reference a refund, account update, or tax notice and often include your name and relevant details. The goal is to get you to act quickly without verifying the source.
A Simple but Important Reminder
The IRS does not initiate contact by:
- Text message
- Phone calls requesting sensitive information
Most official IRS communication still begins through regular mail. They will not demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone.
How to Protect Yourself
The best defense is simple—but important:
- Pause before acting. Urgency is the most common tactic used in scams.
- Do not click links or open attachments in unexpected messages.
- Verify directly through trusted sources.
If something feels even slightly off, take an extra moment to confirm before responding.
Use Trusted Resources
If you need to verify something related to your accounts, you can contact me or go directly to Schwab’s official sites rather than using links in emails or texts:
- https://www.schwaballiance.com
- https://www.schwab.com/fraud-prevention
- Schwab Alliance: 800-515-2157
We’re Here to Help
Scams will continue to evolve as technology advances. The goal is not to eliminate every risk—that is not realistic—but to reduce the likelihood of a costly mistake.
If you ever receive a message, call, or email that you are unsure about, please feel free to reach out. I would much rather take a quick look than have you deal with a bigger issue later.
Staying alert, slowing down, and verifying first can make all the difference.