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McAfee's 2024 Tax Scam Study Reveals a National Average of $8,199 Per Person** Lost to Tax-Related Phishing and Smishing ScamsMcAfee, a global leader in online protection, today unveiled the results of its 2024 Tax Scams Study. The survey, conducted by research firm 3Gem, surveyed 2,500 adults in the United States, including 50 or more participants in each state, to understand how tax-related online scams, including AI-powered messages and deepfake video or AI-generated audio, affect Americans in all 50 states. The results highlight, among other things, differences in peoples' likelihood to click on fraudulent messages from senders claiming to offer information about refunds, or posing as tax prep services or tax authorities, state by state. This trend is likely to be especially evident as the tax filing deadline approaches, with early filers anticipating refunds and tax procrastinators actively seeking tax preparation services to expedite their filing process. While residents of some states are not quick to click on messages that could be from scammers, others are more susceptible to clicking on tempting, fraudulent links. The regional disparities shed light on where temptation may lead to financial or identity theft peril. McAfee's study also reveals that 1 in 4 Americans (25%) have lost money to online tax scams, with the average loss to email or text message scams coming in at a staggering $8,199, proving the stakes are high this tax season. The Top 5 Refund Clicking Capitals - the states where the highest percentage of people who received a fraudulent email or text message about "your tax refund" or "tax refund e-statement" also clicked on a scam link to a fake refund or statement - are:
Additionally, the Top 5 Tax Preparation Clicking Capitals - states where the highest percentage of people have clicked on a scam link in a fraudulent message from someone purporting to be a tax preparation software company - are:
"As we get closer to Tax Day, some taxpayers are likely feeling the pressure and stress of looming deadlines. Scammrs are actively capitalizing on these heightened emotions, luring victims with the promise of an easier way to file, a faster refund, or an urgent need to provide information," said Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer at McAfee. "On top of this, AI-generated fake tax websites and robocalls are increasingly realistic, even including features like regionally appropriate accents and speech patterns, leading consumers to trust scammers and in many cases provide them with personal information or fall for their scam." Some states are magnets for tax scam tries. From coast to coast, there are substantial differences in the number of attempts by scammers to trick people into giving up sensitive personal and financial information. The lists below spotlight the nuanced challenges that residents of different states face in safeguarding themselves against tax season cybercrooks.
Top 5 Tax Refund Swindle Centers
Top 5 IRS Impersonation Epicenters
In certain states, Deepfake Detective residents are overly confident in their ability to detect scams. People in some states have high levels of confidence in their ability to spot online tax scams, while others struggle to discern what's real and what's fake in a time of increasingly realistic trickery. However, confidence doesn't guarantee immunity to scams; sometimes, it's misplaced. These lists provide insight into states where residents excel in spotting tax scams effectively, as well as those facing challenges in this area - all of whom may benefit from additional awareness and education.
Top 5 Most Confident Deepfake Spotters
Top 5 Deepfake Spotting Doubters
About McAfee McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee's consumer solutions adapt to users' needs in an always online world, empowering them to live securely through integrated, intuitive solutions that protect their families, communities, and businesses with the right security at the right moment. For more information, please visit https://www.mcafee.com About the Survey
* Between February 1 and March 11, 2024 ** This number represents the average self-reported monetary loss per person due to phishing and smishing scams. Some people may be reluctant to disclose their scam-related losses, even anonymously, so this number may vary.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410083228/en/ |
