Rockford BBB: Tax Scams Are Spiking As Tax Day Approaches

Most would agree that this whole "pay your taxes" thing we do every April pretty much sucks. What sucks worse is doing the right thing, playing by the rules, paying what you owe, and then finding out you've been taken by a scammer.

And it happens all the time.

That’s exactly what the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning about as the April 15th tax deadline gets ever closer. According to the BBB, tax scams tend to spike in the final stretch of filing season, when people are rushed, stressed, and more likely to overlook red flags.

And this year, scammers are getting an unsettling upgrade.

AI Is Being Used For Nearly Everything Today, So Why Wouldn't Scammers Use It Too?

Scammers are probably among the first people to recognize that AI can be a great help to them when it comes to tricking potential victims.

Dennis Horton, Senior Director of the Rockford BBB:

Tax scammers are using AI to be even more convincing, realistic and effective. In just a few minutes, a phony website or scam email can wipe out your bank account. Fraudsters are hoping people will be so rushed to file their taxes on time that they will disregard key red flags of a scam. Ignoring these is dangerous to you and your family.

And here’s the kicker: filing your taxes doesn’t make you immune to scam attempts.

Seeing Tax Day Come And Go Doesn't Mean Scam Attempts Are Going To Stop

Scammers may follow up weeks later, claiming there’s a problem with your return or that you owe additional money. Others might promise a refund, but only if you “verify” sensitive information.

The reality is that the Internal Revenue Service doesn’t operate that way. It won’t demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers.

The BBB is also warning about so-called “ghost” tax preparers, which are fly-by-night operators who promise huge refunds or lightning-fast turnaround times, only to disappear if something goes wrong.

The bottom line, according to the Rockford BBB, is that if something feels rushed, aggressive, or just a little too good to be true, it probably is. Yes, paying taxes is painful. But losing your identity or your bank account because of a scam is a whole lot worse.