We have been hearing in the news recently of identity theft and tax returns. This actually just happened to one of my team members.
Holli and her husband, Mike, went to have their taxes done at the end of February. He is a Lt. Colonel in the Army and she is my marketing person on the Rochelle Allison Real Estate Team. They own two investment properties in addition to their residence. They used the same tax accountant they have in the past. They were not aware of any identity theft issues since they had just refinanced their personal residence a few months earlier and nothing came up on the credit reports.
Holli and Mike received the documents that just needed a signature on it so they could then have their return e-filed. When their accountant went to e-file they found out at that Mike had been a victim of identity theft! Apparently there was already a tax return filed in his name! Neither Mike or Holli have had any reason to think that their information had been breached. No purse or wallet stolen, they shred their bills/statements and no on-line issues that they could pin point.
Mike is now dealing with filing a police report, contacting each credit card company, credit bureau and what seems like an endless amount of tasks to make sure it is all recorded.
Please read this information from the Federal Trade Commision regarding identity theft! Copy and paste this link if you like and forward on!
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.pdf
Identity theft can cause numerous headaches for many years. Rochelle Allison Real Estate Team feels it is important that you have this knowledge of what to do and how to prevent something like this from happening to you or someone you know.
And of course, if you know of anyone who is looking to buy, invest or sell their home... give the Rochelle Allison Real Estate Team a call!
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