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Beware of Tax Fraud
Topping the 2012 IRS Tax Fraud list is identity theft. In response to growing identity theft concerns, the IRS has embarked on a comprehensive strategy that is focused on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft cases as soon as possible. In addition to the law-enforcement crackdown, the IRS has stepped up its internal reviews to spot false tax returns before tax refunds are issued as well as working to help victims of the identity theft refund schemes. The IRS is increasingly seeing identity thieves looking for ways to use the taxpayer identity and personal information to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund. In January, the IRS announced the results of a massive, national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft. Working with the Justice Department Tax Division and local U.S. Attorney offices, the nationwide effort targeted 105 people in 23 states. Anyone who believes his or her personal information has been stolen and used for tax purposes should immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit.