Gen Z Overtakes Older Adults as Top Target for Tax Season Scams — F-Secure Oyj

Event summary

F-Secure research reveals Gen Z (18-25) now faces highest tax scam victimization rates, surpassing older adults.
100 million Americans expected to file taxes in the next six weeks, heightening scam risks.
Scammers exploit emotional stress from first-time gig income filers and side hustles.
AI-driven phishing emails and spoofed phone numbers enhance scam credibility.
F-Secure's Scam Kill Chain framework outlines predictable tax scam sequences.

The big picture

F-Secure's findings challenge conventional wisdom that older adults are most vulnerable to tax scams, highlighting a strategic shift in fraudster tactics. The rise in Gen Z victimization reflects broader trends in digital-native financial behavior and the growing sophistication of AI-powered social engineering attacks. As younger generations manage more complex tax situations—such as gig income—they become prime targets for emotionally charged scams.

What we're watching

Emotional Manipulation: How scammers' exploitation of heightened emotional states will evolve beyond tax season.
AI-Driven Scams: The pace at which AI tools enhance the realism and effectiveness of phishing attacks.
Regulatory Response: Whether increased scam targeting of younger demographics will prompt new consumer protection measures.