Minnesota Beware: AI Tax Scams SKYROCKET in New York—Experts Say We’re NEXT!
Minnesotans face growing AI-driven tax scams as fraudsters deploy convincing tactics to steal refunds and identities. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Crime
ST. PAUL, MN – As tax season ramps up, a wave of artificial intelligence-powered scams is crashing down on taxpayers, and experts warn Minnesota could be in the crosshairs. In our interview with Ian Bednowitz, General Manager of LifeLock, we learned that fraudsters are using cutting-edge AI to craft emails, texts, and phone calls so believable they’re tricking even the savviest folks. With New York already reporting a surge in these high-tech cons, the threat feels closer to home than ever.
AI Scams Hit Hard: Voices That Fool Anyone
Recent leaps in AI technology have armed scammers with tools to mimic IRS agents, tax pros, or even your boss with eerie accuracy.
LifeLock, a top name in identity theft protection, found in a new study that 56% of people have already faced AI-generated tax scams featuring lifelike voices.
For Minnesotans—who pride themselves on spotting a fishy deal—this is a wake-up call. These scams don’t just sound real; they feel personal, hitting inboxes and phones across the country.
“We’re in a new era of tax scams, where AI gives fraudsters an unprecedented advantage,” Ian Bednowitz told us.
“The challenge isn’t just that these scams exist — it’s that they’re becoming nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications. Taxpayers can no longer rely on gut instinct alone to spot a scam. This tax season, the best defense isn’t just caution — it’s education, verification, and the right security tools to stay ahead of these threats.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Billions Lost Nationwide
The stakes are high.
Last year, the IRS Criminal Investigation unit tracked $9.1 billion in tax fraud and financial crimes—a massive jump from $5.7 billion in 2022.
LifeLock’s data paints an even grimmer picture: 81% of scam victims suffered real financial losses.
For Minnesotans filing taxes this spring, that’s a chilling stat. Whether it’s a stolen refund or drained bank account, the damage hits hard.
How Scammers Strike: From W-2s to Fake Relief Funds
Today’s tax scams go beyond the old tricks.
Ghost tax services and phony websites are still out there, but AI has supercharged the game.
W-2 phishing scams are spiking, with fraudsters targeting Minnesota companies’ HR and finance teams using AI-crafted emails or voice deepfakes that sound like the CEO. They snag W-2s packed with sensitive info—like Social Security Numbers—then file fake returns to swipe refunds.
Disaster relief scams are another growing headache. Scammers pose as officials, exploiting IRS extensions for disaster victims to grab personal data or cash. Then there’s the Offer in Compromise (OIC) ruse: AI-driven robocalls and deepfake videos promise debt relief, only to vanish after collecting steep fees from desperate taxpayers.
Stay Safe, Minnesota: Expert Tips to Fight Back
LifeLock’s pros shared practical advice for our readers.
Stick to trusted tax prep services—don’t fall for flashy pop-ups or random calls. Verify every message: the IRS won’t text, email, or DM you for personal info, but scammers will. Keep an eye on your accounts, report anything odd, and guard your data like it’s the key to your icehouse.
With AI scams on the rise, Minnesota taxpayers need to stay sharp this season.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Minnesota | Personal Finance | Scams
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