Tax Season Is Identity Theft Season

Posted by Victor Dela Casa

Each year, around April, Americans are engaged in the annual tax rage. With tax season in its final month, Americans are hurrying to prepare their 1040 tax returns.

At the same time, several media outlets, including the government, are warning filers of identity thieves and scam artists on the prowl for their next victims. These individuals could face federal theft charges and serious penalties if proven and convicted of such crimes.

As theft activity rises, the Internal Revenue Service or IRS released their annual top 12 or “dirty dozen” list of tax-time frauds and scams for 2013. In it, identity theft and refund fraud once again led all other 11 listed crimes remaining as the most prevalent and common form of criminal activity this time of the year in the last few years.

There is big money involved and desperate criminals are known to dip their hands into that cookie jar risking getting caught. With the emergence of new technology, criminal minds have taken their business into cyberspace as well. They’ve invaded social media and cellular technology making it a global operation.

The list also includes other top criminal activities such as phishing, return preparer fraud, income hiding, false reporting, and social security scams just to name a few.

Identity theft, of course, remains to be a major problem. The IRS reportedly investigated more than 1,460 cases since October 2011. Last year alone, 12.6 million Americans were hit by identity fraudsters and over $21 billion were stolen including tax refund monies.

Because of this, the IRS warns tax-filers to be cautious and careful of their identities this time of the year. Their website offers tools and other tips that might help individuals from falling prey to scam artists.

Keywords: tax season, identity thieves, federal theft charges

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.