January Sees Surge in Scams Targeting Tax and Personal Data Amid Financial Season
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Americans prepare their tax returns and manage year-end financial matters, cybercriminals are ramping up efforts to exploit the season. January has become a prime month for fraudsters who capitalize on the influx of personal data refreshed by data brokers, targeting consumers with deceptive messages that mimic official tax and government communications.
According to recent analyses, the start of the year sees a notable spike in scam attempts, with criminals sending fraudulent emails and texts that claim recipients must verify their Social Security, Medicare, or tax accounts. These messages often warn that benefits are at risk or that tax information is incomplete, pushing recipients to act hastily without verifying the legitimacy of the requests.
Data brokers, who collect and update consumer profiles throughout the year, provide scammers with detailed and current personal information by January. This makes it easier for fraudsters to craft convincing messages that appear legitimate. The Federal Trade Commission has long warned about the dangers of such schemes, emphasizing that official agencies rarely request sensitive information via email or text.
Robocalls also surge during this period. The Federal Communications Commission reports that U.S. consumers received over 4.7 billion robocalls in January 2025 alone, marking a 9% increase from the previous month. Many of these calls are designed to intimidate or confuse recipients into divulging personal data or making payments.
The timing of these scams is strategic. January is when many Americans focus on taxes, benefits renewals, and subscription payments, often under financial stress following holiday expenses. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by sending urgent messages that mimic government notices, including fake tax refund alerts or requests for account verification.
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) remind taxpayers to be vigilant. They advise that the IRS will never initiate contact via email, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information. Instead, official communications typically arrive through postal mail.
Experts recommend that consumers take several precautions to protect themselves. These include verifying any suspicious messages by contacting agencies directly through official websites or phone numbers, avoiding clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, and regularly monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
Cybersecurity specialists also suggest signing up for identity theft protection services and using multi-factor authentication on important accounts. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides resources and alerts to help consumers recognize and respond to phishing and other cyber threats.
As the tax season progresses, vigilance remains crucial. Scammers adapt quickly, and staying informed is one of the best defenses against falling victim to fraud. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the FTC and local law enforcement to aid ongoing efforts to combat these pervasive scams.
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