A few weeks ago, I reported that I may have been a victim of identity fraud.
Earlier this year, out-of-the-blue, I received a notice from the IRS informing me that they were reviewing the paperwork for my 2011 tax refund.
Say what?
Because I wasn’t expecting a check from the IRS, I immediately fired off a letter to the U.S. Treasury to get to the bottom of the intriguing communication.
At first, the IRS did not respond, so I was inclined to call the agency on the telephone.
Although the operator was tight-lipped, she was inclined to inform me that they received two tax returns on my social for the calendar year of 2011.
“Are you saying that someone else filed a return on my social,” I probed further, somewhat flabbergasted at that juncture.
“Yes,” she politely responded.
At this point, the IRS employee arranged to mail out an affidavit so that a formal investigation could commence.
Once I filled in all the necessary documents, and affixed my “John Henry”, I returned them promptly to the IRS investigative unit in Washington, D.C.
For months, there was no word until this past week.
On Monday, December 24th, I received a formal notice from the IRS confirming that I was a victim of Identity Theft.
Apparently, a third party – unknown to me – filed a tax return declaring earnings of about $9800.00 on my social security number.
Around March, the individual proceeded to also file a request for a refund of approximately $3600.00.
“We’re glad you contacted us,” the supervisor informed me when I checked back for instructions a few weeks later.
In view of the fraudulent activity on my social – and at the IRS – the government issued me a “secret pin” which I am required to use in the future when I file my 2012 tax return (or call in for queries on my tax returns past, present, or future).
Imagine that!
I wouldn’t have thought anyone would be so ballsy – or have the audacity – to try to rip-off the IRS and the U.S. Government.
“It’s a growing problem,” a clerk noted for the record.
For those of you anxious to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, here are some of tips the IRS offers up in a brochure they provide to the taxpayers free of charge:
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Don’t carry your social security card or any document with your social on it in your car, wallet, or elsewhere on your person.
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Don’t give a business your social security number just because they ask for it (only when it is absolutely necessary for the transaction).
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Protect your financial information.
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Check your credit report every 12 months at the three major credit bureaus.
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Secure password information in your home.
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Protect your personal computers by using firewalls, anti-virus software, and update security patches regularly.
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Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who you are dealing with.
NOTICE
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by e-mail and the IRS does not requested detailed personal information by e-mail either.
WHAT IF YOU'RE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT?
Report incidents of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Report incidents of identity theft to the fraud departments of all 3 credit bureaus.
Equifax www.equifax.com
1-800-5256285
Experian
www.experian.com
1-888-397-3742
TransUnion
www.transunion.com
1-800-680-7289
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