While not widespread, we definitely see cases of income tax identity theft each year.
The way the scam typically works is that criminals steal someone's social security number via a data breach, carelessness with personal information, or a phone scam. They then submit false information on income tax returns to generate a large income tax refund.
Eventually, enough people report the issue, hopefully the government tracks them down, and the criminals get arrested. The government is also implementing preventive measures, such as trying to do timely and better data matching with information reported on income tax returns. As long as it's an easy fraud that takes a long time to track down, criminals will continue to pursue this scam.
Downtown Agency Announces Business-led Safety Initiative For Central Business District
Staff Reports
-
Jul 18, 2025
|
|
Officials Approve 4 New Leases For City-owned Office Spaces
Emma Dill
-
Jul 18, 2025
|
Delaney Radiology began construction on a new fixed MRI suite to house a wide-bore 3T unit in 2024....
Homebuyers and sellers are facing headwinds, even in the busy selling season of summer, and those watching the market have been taking note...
Live.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group was founded 32 years ago by Josh Vach when he opened his first restaurant and K38 Baja Grill location on Olea...
The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.