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IRS sweep targets identity theft and tax fraud

Posted on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at 7:04 pm    

The Internal Revenue Service conducted a nation-wide sweep on identity theft and tax fraud last week, targeting 105 individuals in 23 states. A total of 58 arrests were made, along with 10 guilty pleas, 69 indictments, and four sentencings.

The IRS purposefully conducted the sweep at the beginning of tax season in hopes to thwart others who are considering filing fraudulent tax returns. Last year, the IRS uncovered 260,000 instances of fraudulent income tax returns amounting in $1.4 billion in would-be refunds.

Identity theft is an increasing problem. 2011 saw a 20 percent increase in identity theft from 2010. The IRS also investigated 150 money services businesses to ensure they are not aiding in theft or tax fraud.

If you have been a victim of identity theft, contact the Houston identity theft lawyers of the Law Offices of Russell Van Beustring, P.C. today at 713-973-6650.


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