Every year, the IRS publishes a list of the most dangerous tax scams. This year's list came out on March 5, and there are a few that everyone should know about.

AI-powered IRS phone scams. Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to make their calls sound more convincing. They're spoofing caller IDs to look like real IRS numbers. They're using computer-generated voices. And they're leaving urgent, threatening voicemails demanding immediate payment.

Here's the truth: The IRS does not call you out of the blue demanding money. They don't threaten arrest over the phone. And they definitely don't ask for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. If the IRS needs to reach you, they send a letter first.

Fake IRS emails with QR codes. Scammers are sending emails that look like official IRS notices. They include QR codes that link to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Some of these links install malware on your phone or computer.

Rule: The IRS does not send unsolicited emails. If you get one, don't click anything. Don't scan any QR codes. Delete it.

Social media "tax hacks." This one targets younger taxpayers. Viral posts on TikTok and Instagram promise secret tricks to get bigger refunds. But these "hacks" often involve filing false information or claiming credits you don't qualify for. The result? Audits, penalties, and in some cases, criminal charges.

Rule: If someone on social media is promising you thousands of extra dollars with one weird trick, they're setting you up for trouble. Take a look at the full list here.

This scam is spreading fast. People in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and other states have reported getting text messages that look like official court notices.

The text claims to be from the "Traffic Division" of a local court. It says you have an unpaid toll violation and must either appear in person for a hearing or pay immediately by scanning a QR code.

The Pennsylvania courts issued a statewide fraud alert about this on Sunday. The Michigan Attorney General put out a similar warning.

Here's what you need to know:

Courts do not send text messages about toll violations. They do not ask you to pay fines by scanning QR codes. And they will never ask for your Social Security number or bank information over the phone.

If you get one of these texts, delete it. Don't scan the code. Don't call the number. And definitely don't give anyone your payment information.

If you're genuinely concerned about an unpaid toll, go directly to your state's official toll website or call them using a number you look up yourself.

A Consumer Reports investigation this week highlighted a growing problem: scam ads on Facebook and Instagram.

According to a Reuters investigation, Meta showed users an estimated 15 billion "higher risk" ads per day in late 2024. Many of these ads promoted fake products, fraudulent investment schemes, illegal online casinos, and banned medical products.

The worst part? If you click on one scam ad, the algorithm is more likely to show you more of them.

Some real examples:

One person in Utah had their credit card stolen after buying a product advertised on Instagram that never arrived. Another person in Nebraska received items that looked nothing like the photos in the ad.

How to protect yourself:

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don't trust ads for miracle weight loss products, easy money schemes, or massive discounts on luxury items.

If you see a suspicious ad on Facebook or Instagram, report it. Click the three dots in the top right corner of the ad and select "Report ad."

And before you buy anything from an unfamiliar site, do a quick search for reviews. A company with no online presence or only negative reviews is a major red flag.

The FTC put out a warning last week about a surge in fake government grant scams.

Here's how it works: You get an email, text, or social media message saying you've been selected to receive free government money. Maybe it's a grant for home repairs, education, or small business expenses. All you have to do is provide your personal information or pay a small "processing fee" to claim it.

It's all fake.

Five signs it's a government grant scam:

The truth: Real government grants don't work this way. You have to apply for them through official channels. The government will never contact you randomly to give you money. And you'll never have to pay a fee to receive a legitimate grant.