Tax Ramifications for Scam Victims

Navigating the tax implications of scams and theft losses can be complex, especially considering legislative changes that generally limit casualty and theft losses to those associated with a disaster. However, if you’ve fallen victim to a scam, there is still an important tax avenue available for you.

Traditionally, under tax law, you could deduct theft losses if they weren’t covered by insurance. But while the law changed a few years ago, tightening restrictions and limiting deductions primarily to disaster-related losses, there’s still hope. The tax code recognizes that if you were scammed while engaging in a transaction with a profit motive, you might still be eligible to claim a deduction.

Internal Revenue Code Section 165(c)(2) caters specifically to losses incurred from profit-driven activities. This means if your financial losses from a scam were tied to an endeavor intended to generate profit, you might deduct these losses, without needing a disaster declaration. Understanding this exception can be a crucial lifeline, allowing you to reclaim some financial relief from the losses you’ve endured due to deceitful scams.

Eligibility Criteria for Profit-Driven Casualty Losses: For a theft loss to qualify under the profit-motivated exception, several stringent criteria must be met:

1. Profit Motive: The primary intention of the transaction must be to achieve economic advantage. The IRS requires clear evidence that the transaction had a bona fide profit expectation. Case law and IRS rulings substantiate the necessity of this objective, often requiring substantial documentation to support the profit intent.
2. Type of Transaction: Eligible transactions commonly include traditional investment vehicles such as securities, real estate, or other income-generating activities. The lack of a profit motive typically disqualifies social or personal activities from this deduction space.
3. Nature of Loss: The loss must stem directly from the transaction aimed at profit. This correlation should be clear and demonstrable through financial records and legal documentation. For instance, investment scams or fraudulent financial schemes targeting taxpayer investments often qualify if they meet the profit criteria.

Application of IRS Guidance: The application of the deduction frequently necessitates analyzing IRS memoranda and rulings for clarity on what constitutes a deductible loss. A recent IRS Chief Counsel Memorandum (CCM 202511015)has further elucidated scenarios where such losses are deemed deductible:

• Investment Scams: These are classic examples where losses, though fraudulent in nature, can be deemed deductible if the initial investment was made with a credible expectation of profit. Taxpayers must validate the transaction’s legitimacy and profit intent using documentation such as communications with the scammer, investment contracts, and proof of monetary transfer.
• Theft Losses: Profit-driven theft is uniquely scrutinized. The IRS insists that these losses must manifest in a transaction inviting profit, not merely in personal engagements like casual lending between acquaintances.

Some Not So Good Tax Ramifications: Being scammed out of your IRA or tax-deferred pension funds can have significant tax implications, depending on whether the account was a traditional or Roth type.

In the case of a traditional IRA or tax deferred retirement plan, funds withdrawn prematurely due to a scam are generally considered taxable income. This means the entire amount withdrawn is added to your taxable income for the year, potentially bumping you into a higher tax bracket and increasing your tax liability. Additionally, if you are under 59½, these withdrawals might also be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty, further compounding the financial stress.

Conversely, a Roth IRA or Roth qualified plan withdrawal is less punitive in terms of immediate tax consequences, as contributions were made with after-tax dollars. Generally, provided your account has met the five-year holding rule, contributions can be withdrawn tax-free and penalty-free. However, if earnings are withdrawn prematurely and not for a qualifying reason, they may be subject to taxes and penalties.

The following examples illustrate when a scam or theft will or will not qualify for a casually loss and the tax consequences. Generally, the stolen funds are transferred overseas and are irretrievable without a reasonable prospect of recovery, one of the qualifications for a personal casually loss.

Example 1: Impersonator Scam – Qualifies as Personal Casualty Loss

Taxpayer 1 fell victim to a sophisticated scam involving an impersonator claiming to be a “fraud specialist.” The scammer falsely informed Taxpayer 1 that their accounts were compromised, inducing Taxpayer 1 to transfer funds from both IRA and non-IRA accounts into what were purportedly new, secure investment accounts. However, these were controlled by the scammer, who funneled the money into an overseas account.

The key to this scenario being deductible lies in the taxpayer’s intent. Taxpayer 1’s motive was to safeguard and reinvest funds, clearly manifesting a profit-oriented intention. Consequently, the scam losses qualify as a theft loss since they were incurred in a transaction entered for financial gain.

Tax Implications: 

a.   If the taxpayer can itemize deductions, the loss is deductible on Schedule A.

b.   However, the taxpayer is taxed on the traditional IRA distributions, and must recognize the gain or loss on the non-IRA account. In addition, if the taxpayer is under age 59.5 the 10% early distribution penalty for traditional IRAs applies, for which there is no specific exception.

c.   If the taxpayer has sufficient resources, other funds can be rolled back into the IRA within 60 days from the date withdrawn, and b. and c. would not apply to the extent of funds rolled into the IRA. 

Example 2: Romance Scam – Non-Qualifying Personal Casualty Loss

Taxpayer 2 became ensnared in a romance scam, believing they were in a genuine relationship with an impersonator. Persuaded by a fabricated story about a relative needing medical help, Taxpayer 2 transferred funds from IRA and non-IRA accounts, into an overseas account controlled by the scammer. The funds were meant to assist another person, rather than seek profit.

The critical distinction here is the absence of a profit motive. The transactions were embarked upon out of personal sentiment and misled compassion, lacking any financial investment intent. Consequently, these losses are classified as personal casualty losses under Section 165(c)(3), which are non-deductible absent a federally declared disaster or qualifying personal casualty gains.

Because the losses do not meet the criteria for profit-driven transactions, the taxpayer’s losses are not deductible.

Tax Implications: 

a.   No casualty loss deduction allowed.                        

b.   However, the taxpayer is taxed on the traditional IRA distributions, and must recognize the gain or loss on the non-IRA account. In addition, if the taxpayer is under age 59.5 there is a 10% early distribution penalty for traditional IRAs for which there is no specific exception.

c.   If the taxpayer has sufficient resources, other funds can be rolled back into the IRA within 60 days, and b. and c. would not apply to the extent of funds rolled into the IRA. 

Example 3: Kidnapping Scam – Non-Qualifying Personal Casualty Loss

Taxpayer 3 was the victim of a kidnapping scam involving an impersonator. The scammer contacted the taxpayer by text and phone and claimed to have kidnapped the taxpayer’s grandson for ransom. The taxpayer demanded to speak to the taxpayer’s grandson and heard his voice over the phone begging for help.

Scammer directed Taxpayer 3 to transfer money to an overseas account and not to contact law enforcement. The taxpayer did not realize that the scammer had used artificial intelligence to clone the grandson’s voice and that no kidnapping had taken place.

Under immense duress, Taxpayer 3 authorized distributions from an IRA account and a non-IRA account, then directed those funds to be deposited in the overseas account provided by the scammer, hoping to ensure the safety of the grandson.

Later Taxpayer 3 was able to contact the grandson and learned that no kidnapping had taken place and immediately contacted law enforcement and their financial institution, but was informed that the distribution to the overseas account could not be undone and there was little to no prospect of recovery.

The taxpayer’s motive was not to invest any of the funds distributed from the IRA and non-IRA accounts but, rather, to voluntarily transfer the funds to the scammer, albeit under false pretenses and duress. Notwithstanding the fraudulent inducement and duress, Taxpayer 3 did not have a profit motive; therefore, the losses were NOT incurred in a transaction entered for profit and therefore not tax deductible.

Tax Implications: Same as example #2.

Implications: These examples emphasize the importance of critical assessment of the intent and transaction nature when determining if a scam-related event is a deductible casualty loss.

• Documentation and Intent: Individuals should maintain clear intent documentation, prominently in investment contexts, to support future claims of profit motive.
• Scrutiny and Compliance: Enhanced IRS scrutiny of non-disaster casualty losses necessitates meticulous compliance, with auditors keenly differentiating between qualifying and non-qualifying losses.

It is crucial to consult with De Boer, Baumann & Company if you receive questionable or unsolicited texts, emails, or calls, especially before authorizing any fund transfers or account withdrawals. Our team can provide practical guidance on fraud detection, documentation, and next-step decision-making if you suspect a scam.

It is also important to educate family members, particularly older adults who are frequently targeted, about these risks and common tactics. Encouraging them to reach out early can help prevent losses and provide support if a situation escalates. A proactive approach can protect assets, reduce disruption, and provide peace of mind.