AI-Generated “IRS” Phone Calls Are Back and Smarter Than Ever

By Greg Collier

Scammers are once again exploiting fear around taxes, but this time they’re using artificial intelligence to sound more convincing than ever.

A recent consumer report describes a new wave of AI-generated phone calls impersonating tax officials, designed to scare people into handing over sensitive personal information.

This is not a robocall problem. It’s a credibility problem.

What’s Going On

One example of the scam involves a voicemail that begins:

“Hello, this is George from the tax resolution unit…”

The caller claims the recipient’s tax file has been flagged due to either an unpaid balance or missing returns following the 2025 extension deadline, then urges the recipient to press one to speak with a “tax officer.”

Nothing about this call is legitimate.

Scam Breakdown

This scam relies on three core tactics:

Authority by implication
The caller strongly implies a connection to the Internal Revenue Service without ever explicitly stating it. This is deliberate. It creates fear while avoiding clear claims that could be easily disproven.

Fear and urgency
Phrases like “flagged file,” “missing returns,” and “deadline” are carefully chosen to provoke panic and push recipients into acting before thinking.

AI voice generation
The call is likely created or enhanced using AI, allowing scammers to produce natural-sounding voices at scale and deploy the same message nationwide with minimal effort.

This identical message has been reported by consumers across the country to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker.

Red Flags

Several warning signs stand out immediately:

  • The caller never addresses the recipient by name
  • A nonexistent “tax resolution unit” is referenced
  • The caller never explicitly claims to be from the IRS
  • Immediate action is demanded through keypad prompts
  • Consequences or refunds are implied without documentation

Most importantly:

The IRS does not contact individuals by phone about missing returns, balances, or refunds. Initial contact is always made by official mail.

Why This Scam Works

AI has lowered the barrier for impersonation.

Scammers no longer need obvious robocalls or poorly written scripts. AI-generated voices can sound calm, professional, and authoritative—exactly what people expect from a government agency.

Once someone responds, the goal is simple: obtain Social Security numbers, banking details, or direct payments under the threat of legal action or the promise of a refund that does not exist.

What to Do If You Receive This Call

  • Do not press any buttons
  • Hang up immediately
  • Do not return the call
  • Report the incident to consumer protection agencies and the IRS impersonation reporting page

If you are genuinely concerned about your tax status, check your account directly through official IRS channels or consult a licensed tax professional. Never rely on a phone number left in a voicemail.

Final Thoughts

AI has not just made scams more efficient; it has made them more believable.

If a tax-related call:

  • Comes out of the blue
  • Creates urgency
  • Demands immediate action

It is almost certainly a scam.

The IRS does not operate this way. Scammers do.

Further Reading

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