IDENTITY THEFT IN THE NEWS – WEEKLY UPDATE

Some US banks awash in ID theft tax-fraud proceeds as IRS cracks down
Reuters Blogs (blog)
Identity-theft tax fraud schemes typically involve using an unwitting victim’s name, social security number and date of birth to file an online tax return in his or her name and routing the resulting IRS refund payment to an untraceable bank account.

CONSUMER REPORTS: Needless ID-theft protection
WSBT-TV
That fear has helped drive sales of identify-theft protection services. Americans are spending an estimated $3.5 billion a year on these services. But Consumer Reports says save your money! Consumer Reports Money Adviser says the rate of ID theft is …

Identity Theft Crackdown Sweeps the Nation
K2 Radio
The sweep by the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department ahead of tax time is part of stepped-up efforts against refund fraud and identity theft. Karen Connelly with the IRS offices in Denver describes the crackdown as massive.

McLemore: Identity theft on the rise
The Commercial Dispatch
These days, he is the face victims see when they go to the Columbus Police Department to report a burglary, identity theft or other crime. A trend he has noticed lately is an increase in reports of identity theft. “What I’m seeing mostly is people …

Police ID Two Men Involved in String of Thefts in Montco and Bucks
Patch.com
Flego was subsequently arrested and charged with access device fraud, criminal conspiracy, theft, identity theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, criminal attempt, possession of an access device knowing it to be counterfeit or altered, …

RI Congressman warns of ID theft during tax season
Boston.com
PROVIDENCE, RI—A Rhode Island congressman is warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for identity theft during tax season. US Rep. Jim Langevin (LAN’-jih-vin) said Thursday that consumers need to know the risks of identity theft and know ways to avoid …

Lee detectives: I-75 traffic stop reveals identity theft tax scheme
Naples Daily News
During the interviews, both Ford and Moses admitted to the identity theft fraud. Reports say Moses explained the intricate details of the operation to detectives. Moses and Ford, both of Bradenton, are facing charges of 51 counts of fraud, …

Column by Joseph Novick: Take steps to guard your identity
MyCentralJersey.com
Is your identity a function of your wants and desires? Maybe it’s something more surreal. Anyway you look at it, your identity is yours and unique to you. Until of course, someone tries to steal it. The federal government reports that identity theft is …

St. Paul Woman Jailed For Identity Theft at Oakdale Best Buy
Patch.com
By Jeff Roberts A 37-year-old St. Paul woman was sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of felony identity theft on Jan. 25. According to a warrant complaint filed last August, Julia Lynn Hobbs forged a check in the name of …

Have you been a victim of identity theft?  Do you have a story to share with us about identity theft or consumer fraud?  Contact us 24/7 at 1-800-263-9091 and ask attorney Micah Adkins and tell us about your story.  

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