Police Receive Complaints of Tax Time Scam

The Clarkstown Police Department has received numerous complaints of tax returns being fraudulently submitted, preventing the legitimate taxpayer from submitting their return.

It's people stealing someone's identity to get their tax refund.

According to TurboTax, when the IRS receives two different returns with the same Social Security number, the second return filed will be rejected if you e-filed; or, if you paper-filed you’ll get a written notice that explains that a return has already been filed if you paper filed your return.

The IRS says taxpayers should know the warning signs. Be alert to possible tax-related identity theft if you are contacted by the IRS or your tax professional/provider about:

• More than one tax return was filed using your SSN.
• You owe additional tax, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.
• IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer for whom you did not work.

Also, the IRS, if it wants to verify your identity, will send a request by mail. If you receive calls or emails from someone saying they're with the IRS and want to verify your identity, that's a scam.

Even if you don’t get a letter from the IRS, if you suspect a fraudulent return has been filed with your information, you can still take action.

Learn more from the IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.