Investigators announce 42 charged in South Florida identity theft and fraud cases – Sun Sentinel
South Florida identity thieves are still using stolen identities to file fraudulent federal income tax returns and obtain lines of credit, but they’re also getting more creative, federal and state authorities said Thursday.
Offenders are now using victims’ stolen personal information to rip off unemployment and Social Security benefits and even claim state tax refunds from Ohio, Texas and Michigan, investigators said.
Fighting the crafty thieves is like an elaborate game of whack-a-mole, investigators said. As soon as authorities identify and shut down one type of scam, the criminals pop up with a new one.
With just days to go before the April 15 tax-filing deadline, authorities announced Thursday that they recently filed criminal charges against 42 South Floridians accused of committing identity theft and related frauds.
Investigators said the defendants, mostly from Miami-Dade and Broward counties, tried to obtain about $21.7 million in fraudulent tax returns and other benefits.
“We are fighting a virus that unfortunately continues to plague our community,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer.
Dozens of federal, state and local agencies formed the South Florida Identity Theft Tax Fraud Strike Force in August to coordinate their efforts. To date, the task force has charged 359 identity thieves, accused of trying to steal about $314 million, they said.
Many of the suspects purchased lists of private identifying information from people who worked for hospitals, medical offices, schools, restaurants, government and human resource departments and used their jobs to steal identities, authorities said.
Florida reported the highest rate of identity theft in the U.S. for the past two years and the problem is significantly worse in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, Ferrer said.
Residents should protect their personal information like it’s a trade secret, Ferrer said.
Investigators said they recommend that consumers not share their Social Security number with anyone or any business unless it is absolutely necessary.
Kelly Jackson, the special agent in charge of IRS criminal investigations in South Florida, said the agency sends letters to taxpayers who are believed to be victims of identity theft and fraud but never makes such notifications by phone.
“Anyone who calls you and says they’re from the IRS, it’s a scam,” she said.
Investigators urge anyone with information about identity theft and related fraud to contact the IRS tips hotline at 305-982-5151.
How We Can Help
If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed criminal law attorney who has been practicing law since 1987. He is available whenever you need him to defend your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.
Republished by the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A.