IRS warns the public about identity theft - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

IRS warns the public about identity theft

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By Andrew Bautista - email
© CBS 5 © CBS 5
PHOENIX (CBS5) -

The IRS is warning taxpayers of an increase in false tax returns. The false tax returns are filed using stolen Social Security numbers.

The IRS has 26 Criminal Investigation field offices across the country that investigate identity theft, tax fraud and return fraud. Identity theft has been a priority for the IRS and they have increased the numbers of tax fraud investigators in recent years.

"IRS Criminal Investigation is serious about investigating identity theft," said Gabriel Grchan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Office of IRS Criminal Investigation. "Filing fraudulent tax returns is the same thing as stealing from the U.S. Treasury. It also harms those individuals whose identities were stolen."

"The IRS has taken numerous steps to combat identity theft and protect taxpayers. I encourage you to go to www.IRS.gov and read the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft, call 1-800-908-4490 or visit your local IRS office for information about identity theft and what to do if you become a victim," said Grchan.

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