IRS Warning: Holiday Tax Scams are Surging in Michigan

If you live in Michigan, you are probably thinking more about Christmas lists than tax forms right now. Unfortunately, scammers love this time of year as much as we do.

How Holiday and Tax Season Scams Work

With holiday shopping in full swing and tax season right around the corner, the IRS says crooks are cranking up their tricks and aiming them straight at your wallet and personal information.

The big warning from the IRS is simple: scam activity is climbing fast, and the cons are getting harder to spot. They're going after regular taxpayers, small businesses, and even tax pros while everyone is distracted and spending money.

Common Scam Tactics to Watch For

A lot of these scams show up on your phone or in your inbox. Phishing emails and text messages can look official, urgent, and terrifying. They might claim you owe money right now, threaten legal trouble, or push you to click a link or open an attachment. If you do, you could be handing over account details, tax information, or control of your device.

Then there's the social media side of it all. Scammers are hiding behind “tax hacks,” secret credits, or too-good-to-be-true refund promises. Some even pose as experts or influencers. The goal is the same: get you into a private conversation and then get your money.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Older Michiganders are hit especially hard. People over 65 or closer to retirement are often pressured into sharing personal or financial details, and once the scammers get paid, they rarely stop asking.

The real IRS isn't going to text you out of nowhere, threaten to arrest you, or demand payment with gift cards or wire transfers.

If something feels off, don't reply, don't click, and don't share anything until you've double-checked it with a trusted source.