The filing of fraudulent tax returns continues to be a serious problem in this country. Last year alone, the IRS has admitted that up to 720,000 taxpayers were victims.
Last week, a Georgia couple pled guilty to filing fraudulent tax returns by using the IRS’ “Get Transcript” site. The couple used the personal information (including Social Security numbers) of five individuals that they obtained from another source to file fraudulent tax returns in those individuals’ names and obtain a refund from the IRS on prepaid debit cards. They then bought money orders with the debit cards.
The husband admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and the wife admitted to one count of withdrawing money to evade bank reporting requirements, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The case was investigated by the IRS and is being prosecuted by the Department of Justice in the federal district court of Northern Georgia.
Although this case only represents fraud against 5 individuals, prosecuting these cases will hopefully be a deterrent against future fraudulent schemes.