Crime & Safety

Police Investigating Fraudulent Tax Returns in Fairfax County

More than 75 Fairfax County residents have had false tax returns filed in their names — here are some tips to protect your identity.

While some are under the stress of a looming tax deadline less than a week away, some Fairfax County taxpayers are dealing with a different problem.

More than 75 people have called Fairfax County Police complaining their identities have been stolen and false tax returns filed in their names.

Lucy Caldwell, a county police spokeswoman, said taxpayers don’t realize they’re victims until they go to file their tax returns and are told that the IRS has already received and documented their returns. Victims are being told by the IRS to call their local police department, Caldwell said.

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“Here in Fairfax County, they file an online report and will receive their number electronically from our system,” Caldwell said. “Supervisors in the Financial Crimes Unit mentioned they feel this is a growing problem. It has happened in recent years but seems to really be increasing every year and is on the rise.”

Caldwell said detectives could do little to track suspects in the cases but have offered these precautionary tips to taxpayers:

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  • Limit the occasions you share your social security number with others.
  • Do not voluntarily give your social security to others.
  • Closely monitor your credit reports to catch potential fraud early.
  • As odd as it sounds, closely monitor your children’s credit reports as well; thieves are known to steal children’s social security numbers as well.
  • Virginia residents CAN have a customer identifier on their driver’s license in lieu of their social security number.
  • Shred all personal information at home prior to trash disposal.
  • Opt out of pre-approved credit applications by calling 888-567-8688.
  • For more information on financial crimes, click here.


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