Scams 2026 — New Scam Alerts, Reports & Active Fraud Trends

IRS Dirty Dozen 2026 — AI voice clones and QR codes

IRS Dirty Dozen 2026 #1: scammers now use AI-generated voice messages and QR codes in IRS impersonation emails. Clicking links may install ransomware. IRS reported 600+ social media impersonators in fiscal 2025.

Source: irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2026

FBI IC3 PSA March 2026 — Permit fee fraud

New scam documented by FBI IC3 in March 2026: criminals access public permit databases to identify active permit applicants and send fake fee invoices with real permit numbers and property addresses.

Source: ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA260309

FTC January 2026 — Tax refund phishing surge

FTC issued a specific January 2026 consumer alert about 'Tax Refund Payment' email scams claiming the IRS has processed refunds. The IRS never initiates contact by email.

Source: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01

FCC August 2025 — Tariff scam variant (still active)

New delivery phishing variant exploiting consumer confusion about new de minimis tariff rules (effective August 2025). Emails claim packages are stuck in customs and require tariff payment.

Source: fcc.gov/how-identify-and-avoid-package-delivery-scams