WEST HARTFORD--Police are warning residents of an ongoing string identity thefts that have occurred in the neighborhood.
The West Hartford Police Department says it has received more than 60 separate reports of identity theft related to fraudulent tax refund filings.
The fraudulent filings utilized personal identifying information from the IRS from the 2014 tax year.
If you think your identity was stolen to file fraudulent tax returns, you can contact the following resources:
- The state department of revenue sources has a refund protection group, which can be reached at 855-842-1441. However, don't forget to file a paper return for your taxes if this happened to you.
- The federal IRS can be contacted by phone at 1-800-829-1040 or on their website, which you can find here.
According to the Dept. of Revenue Services for the state of Connecticut every year the agency blocks millions in fraudulent refunds.
To make sure this doesn't happen to you there are some tips to follow:
- File Early -- The longer you wait, the loner identify thieves have the opportunity to steal your information and your refund.
- Protect Your Information -- The IRS has information on its website that can help people prevent identity theft.
- Avoid Bad Tax Preparers-- There are several resources out there to help people find a reputable CPA including the Connecticut Society of CPSs as well as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
If you are a West Hartford resident and you believe you may have been a victim you are asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department.
