{"id":166244,"date":"2026-03-25T12:00:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T19:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=166244"},"modified":"2026-03-27T12:29:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:29:57","slug":"how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Yourself Against Tax Scams in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tax season is prime time for scammers. And in 2026, the scams are more convincing, more targeted, and increasingly powered by AI.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this guide, we break down this year\u2019s biggest tax scams from the IRS Dirty Dozen and show how tools like\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">McAfee\u2019s Scam Detector<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0help flag malicious links, scan suspicious QR codes, and\u00a0analyze\u00a0risky messages across text, email, and social media to help you stay ahead of fraud.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The need for that kind of protection is clear. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/security-news\/tax-season-scams-2026-red-flags-irs-impersonation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New McAfee research shows:<\/a><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">82% of Americans are concerned about tax fraud\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">67% are seeing the same or more\u00a0scam\u00a0messages than last year\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">40% say\u00a0scams\u00a0are more sophisticated\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Only 29% feel\u00a0very confident\u00a0they can spot a deepfake\u00a0scam\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nearly 1\u00a0in 4 Americans say\u00a0they\u2019ve\u00a0lost money to a tax\u00a0scam\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tax\u00a0scams\u00a0are not just increasing. They are getting harder to recognize in the moment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is the IRS Dirty Dozen?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2026-irs-reminds-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">IRS Dirty Dozen<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is the agency\u2019s annual list of the most common and dangerous tax\u00a0scams\u00a0targeting individuals and businesses.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2026 list highlights a clear shift toward:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI-driven impersonation\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">QR code and link-based phishing\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social media misinformation\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Refund and credit manipulation schemes\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These\u00a0scams\u00a0are designed to create urgency, confusion, and quick decisions. That combination is what makes them effective.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The IRS Dirty Dozen for\u00a02026\u00a0and how to spot each\u00a0scam<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Below is a full breakdown of all 12\u00a0scams\u00a0identified\u00a0by the IRS, along with what to look for and how protection tools can help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoNormalTable\" data-tablelook=\"1696\" aria-rowcount=\"13\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">#<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scam Type<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How It Works<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Red Flags<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How McAfee Helps<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>1\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>IRS impersonation (email, text, DM)\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Messages claim to be from the IRS asking you to verify info or claim a refund<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Urgent tone, links, QR codes, unexpected outreach<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"670\">Scam Detector<\/strong> flags suspicious messages and links across text, email, and social. <strong data-start=\"739\" data-end=\"756\">Safe browsing<\/strong> blocks fake IRS sites if you click<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>2\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>AI voice\u00a0scams\u00a0and robocalls\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI-generated calls mimic IRS agents or officials<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Threats, payment pressure, spoofed caller ID<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"946\">Scam Detector<\/strong> helps validate follow-up messages or links tied to the call. <strong data-start=\"1008\" data-end=\"1031\">Identity monitoring<\/strong> helps detect if your info is being used in impersonation attempts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>3\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Fake charities\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scammers pose as charities to collect donations or data<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Emotional appeals, vague organization details<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1246\">Scam Detector<\/strong> flags suspicious donation links. <strong data-start=\"1280\" data-end=\"1297\">Safe browsing<\/strong> blocks fraudulent charity sites. <strong data-start=\"1331\" data-end=\"1356\">Personal Data Cleanup<\/strong> reduces exposure to targeting lists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>4\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Social media tax misinformation\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Viral posts push fake deductions or \u201ctax hacks\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Promises of large refunds or loopholes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1573\">Scam Detector&#8217;s<\/strong> screenshot analysis lets you check social posts and DMs before acting, helping identify misleading or risky claims<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"6\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>5\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>IRS account takeover\u00a0scams\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Criminals use stolen data to access IRS accounts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alerts about account changes you\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0initiate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1836\">Identity monitoring and alerts<\/strong> notify you if your data is exposed. <strong data-start=\"1873\" data-end=\"1892\">Device security<\/strong> helps prevent malware used to steal credentials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"7\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>6\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Abusive capital gains schemes (Form 2439)\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fake or inflated claims tied to investment credits<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Complicated filings tied to unfamiliar organizations<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"2092\" data-end=\"2109\">Scam Detector<\/strong> flags suspicious messages and links. <strong data-start=\"2151\" data-end=\"2168\">Safe browsing<\/strong> blocks fraudulent filing sites tied to these schemes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"8\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>7\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Fake self-employment tax credit\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Misleading claims about eligibility for large credits<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cYou qualify\u201d messaging without verification<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"2416\" data-end=\"2433\">Safe browsing<\/strong> blocks scam sites attempting to capture personal or tax info<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"9\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>8\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Ghost tax preparers\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Preparers refuse to sign returns or provide credentials<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No PTIN, vague business identity<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"2630\" data-end=\"2647\">Scam Detector<\/strong> helps assess suspicious messages or outreach. <strong data-start=\"2694\" data-end=\"2717\">Identity monitoring<\/strong> adds protection if your data is shared with a bad actor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"10\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>9\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Non-cash donation schemes\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inflated valuations used to reduce tax liability<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unrealistic deductions, aggressive promoters<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2917\">Scam Detector<\/strong> flags suspicious offers and links. <strong data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"2970\">Safe browsing<\/strong> blocks sites attempting to collect sensitive financial data<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"11\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>10\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Overstated withholding\u00a0scams\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">False income or withholding reported to inflate refunds<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encouragement to \u201cboost\u201d refund numbers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3194\">Scam Detector<\/strong> flags misleading content. <strong data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3240\">Device security<\/strong> helps protect against malware tied to fake filing tools<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"12\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>11\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Spear phishing targeting tax pros\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Emails designed to steal client or business data<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unexpected document requests, attachments<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3452\">Scam Detector<\/strong> detects phishing attempts. <strong data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3497\">Safe browsing<\/strong> blocks malicious links. <strong data-start=\"3522\" data-end=\"3541\">Device security<\/strong> helps prevent malware installs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"13\">\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>12\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>Offer in Compromise\u00a0scams\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Companies overpromise tax debt relief and charge high fees<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">High-pressure sales tactics, guaranteed outcomes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"3722\" data-end=\"3739\">Scam Detector<\/strong> flags suspicious outreach. <strong data-start=\"3767\" data-end=\"3792\">Personal Data Cleanup<\/strong> reduces targeting. <strong data-start=\"3812\" data-end=\"3835\">Identity monitoring<\/strong> helps catch misuse of your data<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">How McAfee helps protect you from tax\u00a0scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tax\u00a0scams\u00a0rarely rely on just one tactic. A message leads to a link. A link leads to a fake site. A fake site leads to stolen data or payment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That is why protection needs to work across the full chain, not just one moment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">McAfee goes beyond traditional antivirus by combining multiple layers of digital protection into one app, helping you stay safer before, during, and after a\u00a0scam\u00a0attempt.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here is how each layer helps:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/scam-detector\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Scam Detector<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps flag suspicious messages, links, and AI-driven\u00a0scams\u00a0across text, email, and social media. It can also scan QR codes and\u00a0analyze\u00a0screenshots of messages that feel off.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/web-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Safe browsing tools<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0help block risky websites, including fake IRS portals and lookalike domains designed to steal personal and financial information.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/vpn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Secure VPN<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps keep your connection private, especially on public Wi-Fi where sensitive activity like filing taxes or accessing financial accounts can be exposed.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/identity-monitoring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Identity monitoring and alerts<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0notify you\u00a0if your personal information, like your Social Security number or email, appears in places it should not, helping you act quickly if identity theft is\u00a0attempted.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/personal-data-cleanup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Personal Data Cleanup<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps reduce your exposure by removing your information from high-risk data broker sites that scammers use to target you.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/antivirus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Device and account security<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps protect the devices and accounts you rely on every day, adding another layer of\u00a0defense\u00a0against malware, phishing, and unauthorized access.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Together, <strong>these protections help you do more than react to\u00a0scams<\/strong>. They help you spot them earlier, avoid risky situations, and recover faster if something goes wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tax season is prime time for scammers. And in 2026, the scams are more convincing, more targeted, and increasingly powered&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1440,"featured_media":185263,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10670,13],"tags":[7114,7096,15778],"coauthors":[16632],"class_list":["post-166244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-tricks","category-privacy-identity-protection","tag-tax-scam","tag-tax-season","tag-taxes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Protect Yourself Against Tax Scams in 2026 | McAfee Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tax season is prime time for scammers. And in 2026, the scams are more convincing, more targeted, and increasingly powered by AI.\u00a0 In this guide, we break\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Protect Yourself Against Tax Scams in 2026 | McAfee Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tax season is prime time for scammers. And in 2026, the scams are more convincing, more targeted, and increasingly powered by AI.\u00a0 In this guide, we break\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"McAfee Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/McAfee\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-25T19:00:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-27T19:29:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/300x200_Blog_Protect-Tax-Scams.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brooke Seipel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@McAfee\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@McAfee\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Brooke Seipel\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Brooke Seipel\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/#\/schema\/person\/e0177129df164a74082f47397af3e729\"},\"headline\":\"How to Protect Yourself Against Tax Scams in 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-25T19:00:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-27T19:29:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/\"},\"wordCount\":972,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/300x200_Blog_030424.png\",\"keywords\":[\"tax scam\",\"tax season\",\"taxes\"],\"articleSection\":[\"How To Guides and Tutorials\",\"Privacy &amp; Identity Protection\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/\",\"name\":\"How to Protect Yourself Against Tax Scams in 2026 | McAfee Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-protect-yourself-against-tax-scams\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/300x200_Blog_030424.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-25T19:00:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-27T19:29:57+00:00\",\"description\":\"Tax season is prime time for scammers. 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