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NY AG Warns of Tax Season Scams, New York 2026
New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning consumers about tax preparation frauds and providing tips to avoid common scams during tax season.
With two weeks until Tax Day, Attorney General James is encouraging New Yorkers to stay vigilant to protect their personal and financial information and report suspected scams to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
“Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated technologies to create more deceptive schemes this tax season,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers file their taxes, I encourage everyone to be on the lookout for scammers who try to steal their money and personal information. I encourage everyone to follow the tips from my office and contact us immediately if you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam.”
Attorney General James is warning New Yorkers about AI-powered tax scams, including fake videos of government officials or celebrities providing false tax information. Tax-related phishing emails are also a concern, as AI technology allows attackers to send highly convincing, personalized emails disguised as tax notices or tax preparation offers to steal users’ personal information.
Clone phone calls are another tactic scammers are using, pretending to be an IRS official or a tax preparer. New Yorkers should be wary of surprise calls from people claiming to be affiliated with the tax return or refund process who demand money or sensitive information.
Other common tax season scams that New Yorkers should be on the lookout for include fraudsters who claim you owe past tax debts and insist that you pay using a prepaid credit card, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Be cautious of being told that your legitimate tax refund from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was a mistake and therefore you must return it. If you owe money, you will receive a legitimate notice in writing that identifies the agency and the reason you owe money, not a phone call, email, or text message.
Attorney General James is urging consumers to be aware of these scams and to report any suspicious activity to her office. “If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam, contact us immediately,” she said. “We will do everything in our power to help you recover and bring the scammers to justice.”
In addition to reporting scams, Attorney General James is offering the following tips to protect consumers from tax season scams:
Do not give out personal or financial information over the phone or via email unless you are certain you are speaking with a legitimate tax professional or government official.
Be wary of surprise calls or emails from people claiming to be affiliated with the tax return or refund process who demand money or sensitive information.
Verify the authenticity of any communication you receive regarding your tax refund or debt.
Do not pay taxes using a prepaid credit card, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Never give out your Social Security number or other sensitive information online or over the phone unless you are certain you are speaking with a legitimate tax professional or government official.
Report any suspicious activity to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) immediately.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source â†â€â€ÂÂÂ
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