Summary
Younger adults, especially those aged 18-24, are increasingly becoming victims of tax scams, according to a 2026 McAfee survey. This generation's confidence in their tech-savvy skills and trust in AI tools may make them more vulnerable. Scammers exploit this confidence and younger adults often take fewer protective measures against fraud.
Key Facts
- 42% of 18-24-year-olds reported falling for tax scams, the highest rate among age groups.
- 23% of young adults experienced tax-related identity theft, compared to 5% of seniors.
- Only 56% of young adults avoid unknown links, versus 81% of older adults.
- A smaller percentage of younger adults use anti-malware protection compared to older adults.
- The increase in tax scam vulnerability is linked to overconfidence and less caution among young adults.
- Many younger people trust AI tools for tax preparation, which scammers exploit.
- 32% of Gen Z plan to use AI for taxes, higher than older generations.
- Scammers now use more polished, professional-looking schemes to deceive victims.
