Taxpayers Urged to Beware of Tax-Related Identity Theft

Posted on February 7, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Indiana’s attorney general is urging Hoosiers to be on the lookout for tax fraud. Identity thieves can use other people’s social security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and keep refunds for themselves.

Attorney General Curtis Hill says most victims won’t know right away that their identity has been stolen, but there are a few warning signs. Those who use e-filing may find out that a tax return has already been filed. Victims may also find that they owe additional taxes or that they’ve had collection actions taken against them for a year they didn’t file. Another sign of a scam is if IRS records show income from an employer you never worked for.

If you think someone may have stolen your identity, you can make a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office at IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516. More tips can be found on the Identity Theft Resource Center website.