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Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

ALERT: The IRS does not send unsolicited email, text messages or use social media to discuss your personal tax issues. If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be an IRS employee and demanding money, you should consult the IRS Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts webpage: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-Consumer-Alerts. If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1.800.366.4484 or at www.tigta.gov.

Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) Enforcement

One of the Tax Division’s highest priorities is prosecuting people who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States Treasury by filing fake tax returns that claim tax refunds. Working to stop Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, or SIRF, is vital because these schemes threaten to disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for hundreds of thousands of law abiding taxpayers and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars.

SIRF crimes are often perpetrated by large criminal enterprises with individuals at all stages of the scheme: those who steal the Social Security Numbers (SSN) and other personal identifying information, those who file false returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), those who facilitate obtaining the refunds, and the masterminds who promote the schemes. These criminal enterprises are able to exploit the speed and relative anonymity of highly automated systems for storing personal information, preparing and filing tax returns electronically, and generating income tax refunds quickly—often in the form of electronic payments.

Identities used in SIRF crimes may be stolen from anywhere.  For example, SIRF criminals have used Social Security Numbers stolen from hospitals, nursing homes, and public death lists, thereby exploiting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including the elderly, the infirm, and grieving families.  However, everyone with a Social Security Number is potentially vulnerable to having his or her identity stolen.  The IRS estimated that during the 2013 filing season alone, over 5 million tax returns were filed using stolen identities, claiming approximately $30 billion in refunds.  The IRS was able to stop or recover over $24 billion of that total, or approximately 81% of the fraudulent claims.

Typically SIRF perpetrators file the false returns electronically, early in the tax filing season so that the IRS receives the false SIRF return before legitimate taxpayers have time to file their returns. The SIRF perpetrators arrange to have the refunds electronically transferred to debit cards or delivered to addresses where they can steal the refund out of the mail.

SIRF crimes cross state borders, and increasingly, national borders. Successfully prosecuting the wrongdoers involves a national strategy of information sharing and coordinated prosecution. The nationwide reach of the Tax Division’s centralized criminal tax enforcement and its ability to coordinate closely with every United States Attorney’s Office, and through them with local law enforcement and police, makes it possible for the Government to respond efficiently and forcefully to the explosion of SIRF crimes. As part of this effort, the Division has established an Advisory Board of experienced prosecutors to develop and implement uniform national policies for fighting SIRF crimes.  The Tax Division also implemented expedited procedures for working with the United States Attorneys’ Offices on SIRF crimes to ensure the quickest possible investigation and prosecution of these cases and has worked with United States Attorneys’ Offices, the IRS, and other law enforcement agencies, to establish task forces in areas with a high concentration of SIRF crime.  Additionally, the Division works closely with the IRS to quickly share information obtained from SIRF investigations and prosecutions, which the IRS can use to make it more difficult for the schemes to be successful by blocking the false claims for refunds from being paid.

The Tax Division has had considerable success in SIRF prosecutions, which have generated long sentences for those convicted of SIRF crimes. This page contains links to articles, websites, and press releases with information on how the Justice Department and IRS are dealing with SIRF crimes, guidance for citizens whose identities have been stolen and used to file false tax returns, and efforts by the Justice Department to prosecute these crimes.

Press Release Announcing SIRF Enforcement Initiative

Directive 144

April 10, 2013
AAG Memo Announcing Expedited Review of SIRF Cases (Sept. 18, 2012)

April 10, 2013
Statement of Assistant Attorney General Keneally before Senate Special Committee on Aging

November 4, 2011
Statement of Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Criminal Matters Ron Cimino before the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management

Press Releases

December 19, 2017
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scheme

December 11, 2017
Louisiana Resident Indicted in Stolen ID Refund Fraud Scheme

October 27, 2017
Two New York Residents Plead Guilty in Separate Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Schemes

October 20, 2017
Nigerian Citizen Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Prison for $12 Million Tax Refund Fraud, Voter Fraud, and Illegal Reentry

October 10, 2017
Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

October 10, 2017
Tennessee Woman Convicted of Stolen ID Refund Fraud

September 27, 2017
Benin Man Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

September 18, 2017
Man Sentenced to Prison in Maryland for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

September 11, 2017
California Internet Sales Company President Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement and False Tax Returns

September 11, 2017
Four Members of Philadelphia Identity Theft Ring Plead Guilty to Conspiring to File Fraudulent Tax Refund Claims

September 11, 2017
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Convicted in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scheme

September 6, 2017
Federal Court Shuts Down Louisiana Tax Return Preparers

August 31, 2017
Three Individuals Indicted in Nevada for Allegedly Stealing More Than $1 Million in Tax Refunds

August 14, 2017
Florida Resident Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

August 11, 2017
Pennsylvania Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

August 9, 2017
New York Tax Return Preparer Indicted for Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns

August 2, 2017
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Conspiring to File Fraudulent Tax Refund Claims

August 2, 2017
California Resident Sentenced to Prison in Fraudulent Refund and Stolen Treasury Check Scheme

July 28, 2017
Florida Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Using Stolen IDs to File Fraudulent Tax Returns

July 27, 2017
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scheme

July 19, 2017
Alabama Man Indicted in Alleged $19 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

July 14, 2017
Florida Return Preparers Plead Guilty to Using Stolen IDs to File Fraudulent Tax Returns

July 14, 2017
Nigerian Citizen Pleads Guilty in Missouri to $12 Million Tax Refund Fraud, Voter Fraud and Illegal Reentry 

July 13, 2017
Massachusetts Man Pleaded Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS Using Stolen IDs of Puerto Rico Residents to Claim Tax Refunds

July 12, 2017
California Tax Preparer Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Prison for Using Stolen IDs to File Fraudulent Returns Seeking More Than $2 Million in Refunds

July 6, 2017
Former Teller at Maryland Check Cashing Business Indicted for Conspiring to Defraud the United States and Stealing Government Funds 

June 27, 2017
California Resident Pleads Guilty to Stealing Homeless Individuals’ IDs and Using Them to Seek Fraudulent Tax Refunds

June 16, 2017
Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to File Tax Returns Using Stolen IDs

June 15, 2017
Former California Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to File Fraudulent Tax Returns and Cashing Stolen Refund and Social Security Checks

June 14, 2017
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the United States and Steal Government Funds

May 31, 2017
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns Using Stolen IDs

May 25, 2017
Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiring to File Fraudulent Tax Returns

May 24, 2017
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Prisoner Identities and Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns

May 23, 2017
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing IDs and U.S. Treasury Checks

May 3, 2017
Georgia Woman Sentenced to Prison for Her Role in a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

May 2, 2017
Illinois Woman Sentenced to Prison for Filing Tax Returns Using Stolen IDs

April 25, 2017
IRS Employee Indicted for Stealing Taxpayers' IDs and Filing Fraudulent Returns

April 25, 2017
Oregon Woman Sentenced to Prison for ID Theft

April 19, 2017
Florida Return Preparers Indicted for Using Stolen IDs to File Fraudulent Tax Returns

April 18, 2017
Three Indicted in Florida for Using Stolen IDs to File Tax Returns Claiming More Than $6.8 Million in Fraudulent Refunds

March 30, 2017
California Resident Convicted of Supplying Fake IDs to Cash Stolen and Fraudulently Obtained U.S. Treasury Checks

March 29, 2017
Missouri Man Indicted for $12 Million Tax Refund Fraud, Voter Fraud, Illegal Reentry, and Felon in Possession of Firearm

March 24, 2017
Former Resident of Nevada and Montana Sentenced to Prison for Obstructing the IRS

March 6, 2017
Pennsylvania Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to File Tax Returns Using IDs of Puerto Rico Residents

March 2, 2017
Former Social Security Administration Employee and Two Others Indicted for Stealing IDs

February 21, 2017
Louisiana Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns

February 17, 2017
Three People Found Guilty of Taking Part in Scheme That Used Stolen Identifying Information to Fraudulently Seek Millions in Tax Refunds

February 14, 2017
Check Casher Sentenced to Prison for Cashing Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund Checks

January 31, 2017
Over 100 Defendants Charged in Government Impersonation, Fraud, and Theft Schemes Involving Tens of Thousands of Stolen Personal Identities

January 24, 2017
Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

January 17, 2017
Illinois Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Identities to File False Tax Returns

December 20, 2016
Oregon Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft

December 20, 2016
Maryland Man Sentenced to Prison for Scheme that Used Stolen Identifying Information to Fraudulently Seek More Than $20 Million in Tax Refunds

December 19, 2016
North Carolina Woman Indicted for Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS, Assisting in the Preparation of False Tax Returns, Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

December 2, 2016
Former Rhode Island Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Tax Preparation Fraud Scheme and Aggravated Identity Theft

November 30, 2016
Check Casher Indicted for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

November 29, 2016
Kansas Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Stealing Government Funds

November 28, 2016
Former Health Care Employee Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

November 16, 2016
Georgia Postal Employee Indicted for His Role in a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

November 9, 2016
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Participation in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

November 3, 2016
Alabama Resident Sentenced to Prison for Operating Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

November 1, 2016
California Resident Convicted of Conspiracy, Theft of Public Money and Aggravated Identity Theft

October 31, 2016
Virginia Woman Indicted for Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft and Filing False Tax Returns

October 27, 2016
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Public Money and Aggravated Identity Theft

October 14, 2016
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Stealing Identities from His Employer

September 15, 2016
Louisiana Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Public Money and Aggravated Identity Theft

September 9, 2016
Rhode Island Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing Fraudulent Returns and Aggravated Identity Theft

August 12, 2016
Two Kentucky Men Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

August 8, 2016
Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme Involving IRS “Get Transcript” Database

July 27, 2016
Georgia Couple Sentenced to Prison in a Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme Involving IRS “Get Transcript” Database

July 21, 2016
Loan Company Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Identities Used to File False Tax Returns

July 20, 2016
Former Health Care Employee Pleads Guilty to Participating in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Conspiracy Using Patient Information

July 7, 2016
Four Conspirators Indicted in Chicago-Based Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

July 6, 2016
Virginia Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

June 30, 2016
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Using Stolen Identities to File False Tax Returns

June 29, 2016
Resident of Montana and Nevada Charged in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

June 22, 2016
Georgia Resident Sentenced for Laundering Proceeds from a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

June 16, 2016
Florida Couple Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

May 25, 2016
Former NBA Player Indicted on Charity Fraud Scheme

May 9, 2016
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Public Money for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme Involving IRS “Get Transcript” Database

May 3, 2016
Maryland Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

April 28, 2016
Alabama and Georgia Residents Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

April 22, 2016
Georgia Husband and Wife Plead Guilty In Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme Involving IRS “Get Transcript” Database

April 15, 2016
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

April 1, 2016
Alabama Resident Pleads Guilty for Role in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

March 25, 2016
Georgia Resident Pleads Guilty to Laundering Proceeds from a Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

March 24, 2016
Alabama Loan Company Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Identities Used to File False Income Tax Returns

March 10, 2016
Former Health Care Employee Indicted for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme and Unauthorized Disclosure of Patient Information

March 7, 2016
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

March 3, 2016
Chicago-Area Resident Indicted in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme Involving Victims from the U.S. Air Force

February 24, 2016
Alabama Resident and Former U.S. Postal Worker Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Ring

February 24, 2016
Alabama Resident Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

February 16, 2016
Illinois Woman Charged in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

February 5, 2016
Two Louisiana Residents Indicted for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

January 28, 2016
Alabama Woman Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

January 26, 2016
Florida Residents Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

January 22, 2016
Florida Couple Plead Guilty in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

January 20, 2016
Two Maryland Men Plead Guilty to Federal Charges for Roles in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

January 15, 2016
District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

January 12, 2016
Three Georgia Residents Indicted for Laundering Proceeds from a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

January 5, 2016
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

December 15, 2015
Alabama Resident Indicted for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

December 4, 2015
Two Massachusetts Men Indicted in Massive Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

November 23, 2015
Alabama Woman Sentenced for Role in $20 Million Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Ring

November 17, 2015
Houston Man Charged in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

November 12, 2015
Alabama Resident and U.S. Postal Worker Pleads Guilty for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

November 10, 2015
D.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

November 10, 2015
Two Miami Residents Plead Guilty for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

October 27, 2015
Louisiana Man Sentenced for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

October 23, 2015
Louisiana Man Sentenced for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

October 22, 2015
Alabama Man Sentenced for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

October 15, 2015
Alabama Woman Sentenced for Involvement in $2.5 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

October 13, 2015
Louisiana Residents Sentenced for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

October 7, 2015
Maryland Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

October 6, 2015
Louisiana Resident Sentenced for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

October 2, 2015
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

September 30, 2015
Two North Carolina Men Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy and Identity Theft

September 29, 2015
Louisiana Resident Sentenced for Involvement in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

September 25, 2015
Ringleader of $24 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

September 15, 2015
Louisiana Resident Sentenced for Role in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

September 1, 2015
Alabama Woman Sentenced for Involvement in $2.5 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

September 1, 2015
Two Minnesota-Based Tax Return Preparers Convicted of Conspiracy, Preparing False Returns and Aggravated Identity Theft

August 28, 2015
Alabama Resident and U.S. Postal Worker Indicted in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme Claiming More than $1.5 Million in Refunds

August 25, 2015
Alabama Resident Indicted in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme Claiming More than $1 Million in Fraudulent Refunds

August 19, 2015
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Multimillion-Dollar Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

August 7, 2015
Eight Defendants Sentenced in $24 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

August 3, 2015
Former Alabama Jail Employee Sentenced for Stealing Identities as Part of Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

July 13, 2015
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

July 8, 2015
Owner of Louisiana Automotive Businesses Pleads Guilty for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

July 2, 2015
Two Louisiana Residents Plead Guilty in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

June 25, 2015
Alabama Woman Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Leading $4 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

June 23, 2015
Two Louisiana Residents Plead Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme

June 17, 2015
Chicago Resident Indicted for Using Stolen Identities to File False Tax Returns

June 1, 2015
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty for Involvement in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

May 19, 2015
Former Alabama State Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Identities Used to Request Over $7 Million in Tax Refunds

May 13, 2015
District of Columbia Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

May 12, 2015
Alabama Woman Charged with Conspiracy in $7.5 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Ring

May 11, 2015
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Claims for Tax Refunds and Identity Theft

April 21, 2015
Convicted Bank Robber, Drug Dealer and Two Others Sentenced to Prison for $1 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

April 16, 2015
Former Alabama Nightclub Owner and Ringleader of Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Prison

April 15, 2015
Two Detroit Women Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns Using Identities of Dead People

April 14, 2015
Two Georgia Men Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud

April 9, 2015
Three Alabama Men Sentenced for Participation in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

April 1, 2015
Nine Defendants Plead Guilty in $20 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

March 16, 2015
North Carolina Man Indicted for Filing False Claims for Tax Refunds and Identity Theft

March 13, 2015
Alabama and Georgia Women Plead Guilty to Involvement in $4 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

March 6, 2015
Alabama and Georgia Residents Sentenced to Prison for Their Participation in $3 Million Identity Theft Scheme

February 19, 2015
Washington, D.C., Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

January 14, 2015
Ringleader of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme Involving Stolen Medicaid Names Found Guilty

January 13, 2015
Maryland Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Massive Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

December 18, 2014
Alabama Man Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

December 18, 2014
Alabama Medical Clerk Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme that Involved Corrupt U.S. Postal Service Employee

December 18, 2014
Alabama Man Sentenced for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Using Names Stolen from Nursing Homes

December 12, 2014
Former Alabama Hospital Employee Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft

November 19, 2014
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty for Involvement in Identity Theft Tax Scheme

November 19, 2014
Employee of Check-Cashing Company Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Identity Theft Scheme

October 30, 2014
Three Indicted in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

October 29, 2014
Alabama Bail Bondsman Sentenced for Stealing Identities that were Used to File Fraudulent Tax Returns

October 28, 2014
Man Sentenced in Alabama for His Role in Identity Theft Scheme

October 28, 2014
Man Pleads Guilty in Alabama for Involvement in Identity Theft Scheme

October 28, 2014
Alabama Tax Preparers Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

October 24, 2014
Alabama Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

October 23, 2014
Louisiana Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Income Tax Returns and Identity Theft

October 2, 2014
Former Alabama State Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Identities from State Databases Used to Request Over $7 Million in Tax Refunds

September 2, 2014
Three Alabama Men Plead Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

July 31, 2014
North Carolina Woman Sentenced for Role in Widespread Tax Return and Identity Fraud Conspiracy

July 29, 2014
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Identity Theft Scheme Using Prisoner Names and Corrupt U.S. Postal Service Employee

July 16, 2014
Alabama Woman Convicted of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

July 8, 2014
Alabama Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft

July 8, 2014
Two Alabama Men Sentenced for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Crimes in Separate Cases

July 2, 2014
Alabama Tax Preparer Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

July 1, 2014
Three Indicted in a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring

June 27, 2014
Former Bail Bondsman Indicted in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

June 3, 2014
Former Alabama Corrections Officers Sentenced for Identity Theft and Tax Fraud

May 22, 2014
$20 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring Indicted

May 12, 2014
Former Virginia Department of Social Services Employee Sentenced for Preparing False Tax Returns and Stealing Identities

April 29, 2014
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Million-Dollar Scheme Using Prisoner Identities to Obtain False Tax Refunds

April 25, 2014
Alabama Man Sentenced for Tax Fraud and Identity Theft

April 24, 2014
Alabama Woman Sentenced for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

April 17, 2014
Former Certified Nursing Assistant and Co-Conspirators Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft Tax Scheme

April 1, 2014
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud and Firearms Offenses

March 13, 2014
Leader of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring Sentenced to Jail

February 27, 2014
Fort Benning Employee Allegedly Steals Military Identities to Commit Multi-Million-Dollar Tax Refund Fraud

February 24, 2014
Justice Department Highlights Efforts to Combat Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud

February 20, 2014
Alabama Family Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft Scheme

January 27, 2014
Alabama Man Indicted in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

January 27, 2014
Alabama Jury Convicts Current and Former Corrections Officers of Identity Theft and Tax Fraud

January 16, 2014
Alabama Medical Clerk and Another Indicted in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Schemes

January 15, 2014
Jury Convicts Georgia Woman for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud

January 13, 2014
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Identity Theft

January 13, 2014
Social Workers Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft, Tax Crimes

December 23, 2013
Four Minneapolis-Based Return Preparers Indicted for Conspiracy, Aggravated Identity Theft, Preparing False Returns

December 2, 2013
Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

November 14, 2013
Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Identity Theft and Tax Refund Scheme

November 5, 2013
Alabama Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Identity Theft Scheme

November 4, 2013
Debt Collection Employee and Son-In-Law Sent to Prison for Identity Theft Tax Scheme

October 31, 2013
California Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Aggravated Identity Theft

October 31, 2013
Former U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

September 25, 2013
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to His Involvement in an Identity Theft Scheme Using Stolen Prisoner Names and a Corrupt Postal Employee

September 24, 2013
Former Alabama Tax Return Preparer Sentenced for Tax Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

September 23, 2013
Alabama State Employee Sentenced for Providing Names in Identity Theft Scheme

September 16, 2013
Alabama Man Indicted for Multi-Year Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

September 13, 2013
North Carolina Woman Sentenced for Preparing False Tax Returns and Identity Fraud

September 3, 2013
Alabama Woman Sentenced to Jail for Role in Identity Theft Tax Scheme

August 20, 2013
Alabama Tax Return Preparers and 19 Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Defraud the United States, Identity Theft and Money Laundering

August 14, 2013
Alabama State Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

July 18, 2013
Louisiana Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison

July 5, 2013
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Convicted for Involvement with Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

June 21, 2013
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy in Tax Refund Identity Theft Scheme

June 13, 2013
California Woman Charged with Aiding and Assisting the Preparation of False Tax Returns and Identity Fraud

June 12, 2013
Alabama Man Indicted for Multi-State Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

May 30, 2013
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

May 29, 2013
Alabama Resident Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

May 23, 2013
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty for Involvement in a Large-Scale Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

May 17, 2013
Alabama Women Receives Four Years in Prison in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

May 16, 2013
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty for Involvement in a Large-Scale Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

May 7, 2013
Internet Installer Sentenced for Hijacking Customer's Internet to Perpetrate Identity Theft Tax Scheme

April 30, 2013
Alabama Resident Indicted in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

April 30, 2013
New York Man Pleads Guilty in Massachusetts to Theft of Government Property and Money Laundering in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

April 26, 2013
Alabama Man Indicted Multi-Million-Dollar Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme Using Prisoner Identities

April 26, 2013
Alabama Residents Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

April 25, 2013
California CPA Sentenced to Two Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution for Role in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scheme

April 24, 2013
Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

March 28, 2013
Three Sentenced in Alabama Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

March 8, 2013
Alabama Corrections Officer and Former Corrections Officer Indicted for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud

March 7, 2013
Louisiana Tax Return Preparer Convicted of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

March 7, 2013
Alabama Defendants Sentenced for Their Role in a Million-Dollar Identity Theft Tax Scheme

February 8, 2013
Alabama Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Running Sophisticated Million-Dollar Identity Theft Tax Scheme

February 4, 2013
Family Members Sentenced in Alabama in $1.9 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

February 4, 2013
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty in a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

January 31, 2013
Oregon Man Indicted for Tax Fraud and Identity Theft

January 30, 2013
Georgia Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Jail for Identity Theft

January 29, 2013
Alabama State Employee Indicted for Identity Theft

January 29, 2013
Alabama Employee Indicted for Providing Names to a Million-Dollar Identity Theft Scheme

January 29, 2013
Alabama Woman Indicted for Her Role in a Million-Dollar Identity Theft Scheme

January 29, 2013
Alabama Woman Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

January 17, 2013
Cordele, Georgia, Resident Indicted for Using Stolen Identities on False Tax Returns

January 17, 2013
Alabama Residents Indicted Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

January 11, 2013
Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Florida Tax Preparer

January 10, 2013
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

January 7, 2013
Georgia Woman Indicted for Stealing Identities to Obtain Tax Refunds

November 19, 2012
New Mexico Man Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

November 7, 2012
Barbados National Sentenced to Prison for Using Stolen Identities to Obtain Tax Refunds

October 31, 2012
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty to a Sophisticated Million-Dollar Identity Theft Scheme

October 24, 2012
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Indicted for Involvement with Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy

October 24, 2012
Alabama Man Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

October 23, 2012
Alabama Woman Sentenced to Prison for Using Stolen Identities to Obtain Tax Refunds

October 18, 2012
Family Members in Alabama Plead Guilty in Million-Dollar Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

September 19, 2012
Alabama Defendants Sentenced in a Multi-Million-Dollar Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

September 13, 2012
Alabama Woman Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

September 11, 2012
State of Alabama Employee Pleads Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

August 21, 2012
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

August 17, 2012
Georgia Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Crimes

August 8, 2012
Alabama Return Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Conspiracy Involving Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

July 23, 2012
Florida Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

July 5, 2012
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Case

June 1, 2012
Five Sentenced for Their Roles in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

May 17, 2012
Defendants in Alabama Plead Guilty in Two Separate Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Schemes

May 16, 2012
Alabama Sisters Sent to Prison for Their Roles in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

May 14, 2012
New Mexico Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Crimes

May 8, 2012
Leaders of Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud Ring that Used Stolen Information of Medicaid Recipients Each Sentenced to Over 25 Years in Prison

May 8, 2012
Alabama Return Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Conspiracy Involving Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

April 24, 2012
Florida Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Wire Fraud

March 13, 2012
Six Plead Guilty in Ohio to Tax and Mail Fraud Conspiracies Involving ID Theft of Deceased

March 13, 2012
Alabama Woman Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

February 10, 2012
Former IRS Employee from Texas Sentenced to Nearly Nine Years in Prison on Theft of Government Property and Aggravated Identity Theft Convictions

January 24, 2012
Alabama Return Preparers Plead Guilty to Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

January 24, 2012
Owner of Alabama Tax Business Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Scheme

 

Links to Identity Theft Information and Resources

Updated January 23, 2024