.png)
5 Ways the IRS Scammers Could Have Stolen All Those Tax Returns
By Adam Levin, Jun. 7, 2015, ABC News
Last week, the Internal Revenue Service revealed that a group of organized criminals effectively walked through their front door and used an application on its “Get Transcript” site to pore over the past tax returns of more than 100,000 Americans. According to several news reports, the stolen information was deployed to commit tax fraud, with an estimated take of up to $50 million in bogus tax refunds before the IRS discovered the ploy.
We’re confident that these are not amateurs,” John Koskinen, the IRS commissioner, told the New York Times. “These actually are organized crime syndicates that not only we but everybody in the financial industry are dealing with.”
But if I may be so bold, isn’t the IRS supposed to be better at this? It is, after all, the chief tax collector for the U.S. government, for Heaven’s sake. It’s frustrating that the government isn’t better, but it’s not terribly shocking that scammers got through, considering the well-practiced foe the agency is facing.
Last week, the Internal Revenue Service revealed that a group of organized criminals effectively walked through their front door and used an application on its “Get Transcript” site to pore over the past tax returns of more than 100,000 Americans. According to several news reports, the stolen information was deployed to commit tax fraud, with an estimated take of up to $50 million in bogus tax refunds before the IRS discovered the ploy.
We’re confident that these are not amateurs,” John Koskinen, the IRS commissioner, told the New York Times. “These actually are organized crime syndicates that not only we but everybody in the financial industry are dealing with.”
But if I may be so bold, isn’t the IRS supposed to be better at this? It is, after all, the chief tax collector for the U.S. government, for Heaven’s sake. It’s frustrating that the government isn’t better, but it’s not terribly shocking that scammers got through, considering the well-practiced foe the agency is facing.
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter
"Like" Larry Elder on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The Elder Statement blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The Elder Statement blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The Elder Statement blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
The Elder Statement