Tax fraud identity theft
Reported by: Jecoliah Ellis/Photographed By Jay Gardner
Friday, Feb 1, 2008 @05:20pm EST
It's one of the most bizarre identity theft crimes you'll ever hear. LaTasha Fisher is a certified nurse assistant. She went to Jackson Hewitt on South Avenue in Rochester last week to file her taxes. But much to her surprise, "It wouldn't go through the computer and I said something's wrong. He said "No your number, your social security number went through the computer and somebody filed the taxes in your name," said Fisher.
LaTasha was a Jackson Hewitt customer for years. And her information was in the computer system there. Turns out a woman used LaTasha’s social security card to file in her name at another Jackson Hewitt office on Thurston. But the woman had no W-2. LaTasha says the woman claimed she was self employed as a hair dresser and babysitter. We're told she made off with a $1900 refund. "I couldn't say anything because I was in shock. I was like how could this have happened. I had my W-2's so I don't understand how they knew what she was going to make off no papers. I didn't get that one," aid Fisher.
LaTasha says she lost her wallet outside Classic's bar in Rochester a year ago. Inside the wallet, her social security and benefit cards. LaTasha immediately filed a report with Rochester Police. "They'll do as much as they can to try to follow it up, to try to determine what happened and if they can identify the person who actually did file her taxes for her," said Deidre Taccone, Rochester Police Spokeswoman.
Tim Shanahan is a special agent for the IRS. He says criminals who do this know there's some level of risk. If caught, the woman could face federal charges. "That's sometimes what these people are willing to do for financial gain," said Shanahan.
LaTasha was expecting a $4,000 to $5,000 return from the government. And she says she needs the money. "I have RG&E to pay. I have rent to pay. I only work 20 hours a week. I take care of three kids on my own and I'm a single parent. I was expecting my money."
LaTasha will be able to file her taxes. But she'll have to wait six weeks for the money because she can't e-file. Jackson Hewitt has offered to do her taxes for free.
Jackson Hewitt’s General Manager of the Rochester offices spoke to us over the phone. She wouldn't discuss the case because customer confidentiality. But she tells us they do ask all customers for photo identification and in most cases a W-2. However if someone is self employed, like this woman claimed, they don't have a W-2.
As far as the investigation is concerned, authorities are following leads, but they haven't made an arrest.
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Posted By: Esther Pinkston
Monday, August 25th 2008 at 3:41PM
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