Tax-related identity theft potentially impacting local teens, young adults

Local reports by multiple Breckenridge parents and guardians are circulating regarding potentially fraudulent tax returns filed with the IRS using their children’s personal information.

Many of those affected have received a letter addressed to their child from the IRS requesting verification of their child’s identity, due to a tax return being filed in their name. The IRS states that some impacted may be unaware of the situation until they try to file their tax return. When filing, they may discover a return has already been filed using their dependents’ name and social security number.

Breckenridge Police Chief, Bacel Cantrell, said that parents who have received correspondence from the IRS regarding possible tax-related identity theft, and who did not file a tax return with their child’s information, should contact BPD to file a report.

“What we'll do is we'll make a record of (the incident). We won’t actually assign a report number to it right away, but we'll make a record of it. We'll scan in the documents they give us, we'll have it all here,” Cantrell said. “And then say we find out, you know, what the issue is, what's going on with it, (and) where we can go from it, we already have that information instead of having to go track it all down and do it all.”

The police chief said it may be easier to gain the attention of the IRS, and other agencies who may be able to assist, if more parents file a report.

“So if there's 30 kids out there, that got (a letter), then that's gonna get us, and get them possibly, get some more help, federal help on this. That's why it's important, I think, even if it's just coming down here, bringing the paperwork, it takes about 10 minutes, fill out a quick statement for us, and we'll scan it and then we have it,” Cantrell said.

According to the IRS website, parents or guardians who receive documentation regarding possible identity theft, should follow the instructions on the letter within 30 days. A complaint can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.

No immediate connection could be established between those impacted by the potential fraudulent activity.

According to an IRS spokesman, the agency’s Criminal Investigation unit detects and investigates tax and other financial fraud, including fraud related to identity theft.

“Criminal Investigations can be initiated from information obtained from within the IRS when a revenue agent (auditor) or revenue officer (collection) detects possible fraud. Information is also routinely received from the public as well as from ongoing investigations underway by other law enforcement agencies or by United States Attorneys' offices across the country,” the IRS website states.

The spokesman also stated that the IRS recommends reducing your digital footprint by using security software with firewall and anti-virus protections; using two-factor authentication where available; learning to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card company, or the IRS; and protecting your personal data, such as not carrying your social security card and making sure your tax records are secure.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.