The goal of this e-newsletter is to provide you critical, inside information that will help you prevail when defending an IRS criminal case. We will do this by sharing the knowledge we have from our 25+ years of experience as an IRS Special Agent. We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide you this valuable information via our monthly e-newsletter and our unparalleled forensic accounting and investigative services. We take special care to ensure the information we provide you in "The Beacon" is the latest and most current information available. In this edition, we have addressed how local and state law enforcement join the fight against identity theft and the identity theft of a retired special agent. We want to write about topics that will assist you in prevailing with criminal IRS cases. Please e-mail us your topics of interest to [email protected]. We encourage you to share our e-newsletter with others in your sphere of influence. Sincerely, Edmond J. Martin Principal, Chief Investigator Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)Texas Certified Investigator (TCI) |
Local and State Law Enforcement Join the Fight Against Identity Theft
The Law Enforcement Assistance Program instituted March 29, 2013, is having an impact of Identity theft and the theft of Federal income tax refunds. ( IR-2013-34, March 28, 2013)
Under the leadership of IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller, this program has enlisted the efforts of state and local law enforcement in prosecuting identity thieves and protecting taxpayers. As part of this initiative, to help protect taxpayers, the IRS started issuing IP PINs to victims of identity theft at the start of tax season to reduce repeated use of stolen identity information.
The program allows state and local law enforcement officials with evidence of identity theft involving fraudulently filed federal tax returns to ask identity theft victims to complete a special IRS disclosure form, so the IRS can provide the fraudulently filed tax return to law enforcement. The IRS will assist law enforcement in locating identity theft victims and securing their consent to pursue the matter.
Law enforcement representatives can then submit a disclosure authorization form, which the IRS created solely for use by victims of identity theft for this program, to the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS, along with a copy of the police report and the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, if available. It is important that identity theft victims still
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Identity Theft of a Retired IRS Special Agent
What is "Identity Theft?" Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information - such as your name, Social Security number or other personally identifying information - without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years, and a lot of their hard earned money, repairing the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. The financial fallout is broad. Victims may lose job opportunities; be refused loans, education, housing or transportation; and even be arrested for crimes they did not commit. (www.IRS.gov)
If you believe someone may have used your SSN fraudulently, notify the IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter you received. You will need to fill out the Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Please write legibly and follow the directions on the back of the form that relate to your specific circumstances. For victims of identity theft who have previously been in contact with the IRS and have not achieved a resolution, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free, at 1-800-908-4490.
If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft, but you believe you may be at risk (due to a lost/stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc.), contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. You will need to provide a copy of a police report or you will need to submit a completed IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, (www.IRS.gov) following the instructions on the back of the form.
Identity theft can happen to anyone, including a former IRS Special Agent.
Case Scenario: Two years ago, someone obtained personally identifying information of a retired Special Agent. It is unknown how the thief gained the information... Read More
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