Identity Thieves Have A New Target: Your Tax Return Money
CHICAGO (CBS) -- If you've already filed your return, but haven't received your refund you're not alone.
Returns are taking days or even weeks longer to process this year. The delay is because the IRS is trying to put the brakes on fraudulent returns.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker talked with two Chicagoans who say they are the victims of tax fraud.
Cassius Williams is owed a refund of roughly $5,200. He should have gotten it by now but he hasn't because he's the victim of tax fraud.
"They used my daughter's Social Security number," Williams says.
"They" are tax thieves who somehow stole the 14-year-old girl's Social Security number. So when Williams tried to claim his daughter, his return rejected because her number had been used on another return.
"Normally this money is utilized at this time of year to catch up on things like school fees," Williams says.
He is part of a growing number of taxpayers ripped off by identity thieves. In 2008, the IRS had 52,000 complaints. By 2010, there were 248,000.
Just last week, Chicagoan Zorana Charleston Black was charged with using 293 stolen identities and claiming more than $1.3 million in refunds.
In Dorothy Lucas' case, her own number was stolen.
Lucas says she filed a paper return and actually paid taxes. But it looks like someone used her Social Security number and got money back. So now she's being audited.
"I really climbed a wall. I really got upset because I thought I took care of my business," Lucas says.
Veteran tax preparer Raed Sweiss said the problem is happening more because thieves are getting resourceful by digging through garbage for sensitive records.
When your identity is stolen, you're forced to wait for your refund.
"A huge inconvenience," Williams says.
If you're a victim of tax fraud you'll have to file a paper return. The IRS will need proof of your identity: a driver's license, passport or Social Security card. The agency has set up a hotline just for victims. Click here to learn more.
