I survived! Yes, I survived another tax season. I have been in the bookkeeping and accounting business for nearly 20 years and I am proud to say I survived another very busy year!
I hope you survived and are done with the tax filing process too. But there are a lot of people who are still in the middle of a tax mess because of a rash of thieves who are targeting innocent victims and their tax refunds.
The problem is happening across the country in states such as Ohio, Texas and Michigan. But the state with the worst problem is Florida, where 42 South Floridians are accused of committing identity theft and fraud.
Here’s how the scam works: police say the thieves steal your identification and personal information, then they use it to file for false unemployment and social security benefits or they use your information to file fake tax returns to collect tax refunds.
The problem is so bad a special task force called the South Florida Identity Theft Tax Fraud Strike Force was formed in August to combat the problem. So far, more than 350 identity thieves have been arrested and charged. They are accused of stealing $314 million dollars. In order to avoid becoming a victim, here are four key things to remember:
- Do not share your personal information with anyone.
- Never answer a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS. The IRS will send you a letter.
- File your taxes early.
- Have your refund sent to you electronically.
Since I know everyone filed their taxes already, keep this advice in mind for next year. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Wifredo Ferrer, calls the tax fraud theft problem “a virus that unfortunately continues to plague our community.” But with awareness and law enforcement working to stop identity theft, hopefully less people will become victims in the future.
