Georgia’s Department of Revenue and the IRS are warning seniors about a sharp rise in sophisticated scams as the 2025 tax filing season begins. Officials say criminals are using fraudulent phone calls, emails, and texts to steal personal or financial information, often demanding immediate payment under threats of arrest or penalties.
Criminals are increasingly using caller ID manipulation and neighbor spoofing to make an incoming call appear as though it comes from the IRS, the Georgia Department of Revenue, or even local police. Officials warn that the tactic gives the false impression of authority, making victims more likely to comply.
The caller often claims the person owes taxes and must immediately pay using a specific payment method, such as a wire transfer or prepaid debit card. Scammers sometimes threaten that taxpayers will be arrested if they hang up or refuse to cooperate. These tactics are designed to frighten victims into handing over personal or financial information.
Tax officials warn that tax identity theft often begins when criminals steal a Social Security number. Using that information, they file a fraudulent tax return and redirect the victim’s tax refund to their bank account.
Most victims only realize that identity theft has occurred when they attempt to submit their return and find that someone has already filed it under their name. By then, the money may already be gone, leaving the taxpayer to resolve the issue through the IRS and other law enforcement groups.
Scammers often insist that the victim owes taxes and will be arrested as a taxpayer if they fail to comply. They demand immediate payment through a specific payment method, typically a wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or cryptocurrency. The goal is to make the victim act before verifying the claim.
In other cases, criminals promise a large tax refund or lottery prize if the victim first pays “processing fees.” These schemes are designed to steal money and personal information, exploiting the urgency of tax season. Officials caution taxpayers to be skeptical of incoming calls that create pressure or sound too good to be true.
Georgia officials emphasize that safeguarding taxpayer money is central to the state’s mission of fair tax administration. Interim Revenue Commissioner Frank O’Connell said the agency is committed to giving taxpayers the tools needed to recognize and avoid fraud.
The IRS works closely with the Georgia Department of Revenue and other law enforcement groups to combat these schemes. These partnerships aim to track criminal networks, disrupt operations, and immediately bring cases to federal prosecutors when appropriate. The agency also encourages taxpayers to seek help from a trusted tax preparer to ensure secure filing.
Tax officials stress that the IRS will never demand immediate payment or request personal or financial information through phone calls or text messages. Seniors who receive a suspicious incoming call should immediately hang up and avoid giving out any bank account or address details. Legitimate notices about taxes or bills always arrive by official mail.
Victims should report suspected fraud to the Treasury Inspector General and, if threatened, alert local police or other law enforcement groups. The IRS urges taxpayers to use official phone lines or its secure website for tax return, refund, or filing questions. Free programs like VITA and TCE offer in-person help from trained tax preparers.
Tax officials stress that seniors should stay alert this filing season. Hang up the phone immediately if an incoming call seems suspicious, even if the caller ID shows the IRS or local police. Criminals use neighbor spoofing to appear legitimate. The IRS never demands immediate payment by wire transfer or prepaid debit card or asks for a Social Security number or other personal or financial information over the phone.
Victims should report scams to the Treasury Inspector General, local police, or other law enforcement groups. Filing a tax return early helps block fraud and protect taxpayer money.
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