ID Theft - Fradulent IRS Returns

[Robert_Nashville]

Hello folks,

I just found out last night (after two hours on the phone with the IRS) that some dirt bag/son of a bitch filed a fraudulent federal return for the 2010 tax year using my SSN.

I'm taking all the "normal" steps (police report, fraud alerts on my bureau reports, FTC report, etc) but I'm wondering if anyone here has has any personal experience with this particular kind of ID theft and if so, if you have any words of wisdom to pass along?

Thanks in advance for any info!!!

[debtorshusband]

Hello Robert,
Any chance it's not something deeply sinister? Maybe just a typo or transpostion in the SSN?

Regards,
DH

[Robert_Nashville]

I don't know of anyway to know for sure...the IRS is not releasing much info so until they do, I have to assume the use of mt SSN was purposeful.

[cmajaski]

I would think it's more likely an error because why on earth would a person file a tax return with someone else's social security number? What is the point in that? (Unless I'm missing something).

[Robert_Nashville]

Considering that this person, whoever he/she is has had a $2K+ refund due from the IRS since April 2011 and apparently isn't responding to the IRS trying to verify his data (through CMRRR) I'm guessing this person didn't use my SSN simply by accident. It also looks as if I have an "employer" on my TransUnion report that I've never heard of much less worked for so I'm proceeding by assuming the worst (but still hoping for the best).

[robert0803]

Happened to myself as well. Someone filed a my 2011 Return in my name and used my SSN. Big hassle to fix and delays your return my 3 months. My resolution was to file taxes with my CPA, can only send US Mail now, and have the IRS fix the mess. Sucks big time...

[georgesmith]

Identity theft takes place 365 days per year, but it is a specific annoyance during spring break. Well, these identity theft cases are extremely difficult to investigate. College students are at much greater risk than average adults, according to a newly released survey. Wallets and drivers licenses will be flying openly about as alcohol is liberally consumed. As the 2011 Identity Fraud Survey Report by Javelin Research notes, this means that identity theft will rear its ugly head. It is possible to guard against such intrusions, notes the Federal Trade Commission. Here's how to stay away from it.

[Flyingifr]

Originally Posted by debtorshusband

Hello Robert,
Any chance it's not something deeply sinister? Maybe just a typo or transpostion in the SSN?

Regards,
DH

Typo? Probably not since part of the IRS verification process is to verify with Social Security the SSN with the first 4 letters of the taxpayer's last name, so unless they filed the return using your SSN and their legal name is "Nashbille" it was probably legitimately Identity Theft.

[Robert_Nashville]

Originally Posted by cmajaski

I would think it's more likely an error because why on earth would a person file a tax return with someone else's social security number? What is the point in that? (Unless I'm missing something).

The point might be to 1) get their refund and/or avoid the IRS coming after them for not filing.

I can see it happening of if someone is working under a false ID (say because they are an illegal alien or because they are hiding from their real identity.

Whatever the reason, ID thieves are dirty, rotten scum that deserve to be thrown in the pits of hell along with all the lying, cheating, debt collectors and junk debt buyers and attorneys that represent same; and don't get me started on politicians.

[rambler]

Actually I have read several articles about this type of ID theft. It is becoming more and more popular among thieves.

Income Tax Identity Theft: All That's Needed Is Your Name, Social Security Number, Date of Brith - ABC News

ID Thieves Stealing Tax Refunds | wusa9.com

Tax return identity theft on rise | Call 12 For Action | WPRI.com

[idtheft.guide]

Originally Posted by Robert_Nashville

Hello folks,

I just found out last night (after two hours on the phone with the IRS) that some dirt bag/son of a bitch filed a fraudulent federal return for the 2010 tax year using my SSN.

I'm taking all the "normal" steps (police report, fraud alerts on my bureau reports, FTC report, etc) but I'm wondering if anyone here has has any personal experience with this particular kind of ID theft and if so, if you have any words of wisdom to pass along?

Thanks in advance for any info!!!

Sorry to hear you're caught up in this one. I've covered the subject pretty heavily on About.com (idtheft.about.com/od/Taxes/a/IDT2012.htm) - there was a 600% increase from 2010 to 2011, so I anticipate when this years numbers come in, people are going to be extremely touchy.

The article I linked should have information about the proper forms you'll need to submit. Hope it helps.