The Washington Post recently published “Debt collectors harassed consumers with violent threats, FTC says” and here are just a few of the things these debt collectors gone bad have allegedly done:

• “one firm threatening to kill debtors’ pets or desecrate the bodies of their deceased children”
• After being unable to pay the bill for her daughter’s funeral one woman was told that they would “dig up her daughter’s body and hang it from a tree.”
• According to this report by the FTC one company being investigated  made  “bogus threats,” and  ”portrayed themselves to the consumers – and even to the consumers’ employers and neighbors – as process servers trying to deliver legal papers. The company unjustly profited from the deception, making at least $9.4 million, the FTC said.”
• One woman was called a “deadbeat” and “asked how she would feel if her son’s body was dug up and dropped outside her door.”
• Yet another complaint is that the debt collection companies disclosed information to the debtors employers, employees, co-workers and neighbors.

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The FBI recently released this warning,

In light of Hurricane Irene, the public is reminded to beware of fraudulent emails and websites purporting to conduct charitable relief efforts. To learn more about avoiding online fraud, please see “Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes” at:http://www.ic3.gov/media/2011/110311.aspx

This isn’t the first time or the last time.  Identity Theft Secrets has also reported on many other email scams and fraudulent websites in their articles:

10 Most Despicable Scams of 2010 (The number 1 answer was the Gulf Oil Spill Scam)

Identity Theft and Charity Begin at Home

Be sure to read our articles Tips to avoid charitable contribution scams: Japan’s earthquake and tsunami and Avoid spam and scams: Donations to Haiti Relief and Recovery efforts to help you identify, avoid and report those that may be taking advantage of a natural disaster to create one that one that is definitely unnatural and just as devastating.

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2. Top Travel Scams what are the most common travel scams you should be...
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Tax return fraud on the rise

The commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service told Congress that that the IRS has experienced a “significant increase in problems tied to the theft of taxpayer identities.”

In 2008, there were 51,702 incidents of fraud. In 2009 the IRS reported 169,087 cases of fraud, and in 2010, that number jumped to 245,000 cases. This is obviously becoming a major headache for the IRS. In fact the amount of cases has increased five fold in the last 5 years.

Commissioner Douglas Shulman also told the government accountability office that it is incredibly difficult to screen every return for fraud because it would cause massive delays, but Shulman has also said that the IRS obviously needs to do better.

How the fraud is taking place

Scam artists are targeting low income families, the elderly, and church congregations mainly, but they will lure in anyone they can. The unsuspecting victim files their tax return through a 3^rd party after being told they are eligible for tax credits, rebates, and refunds that they are not really eligible for.

After you have left your personal information, the third party then steals your SSN and files a fake return with a different mailing address. After a few days have passed, they will send your real return to the IRS for processing as well.

After a few weeks of waiting, you will receive a letter from the IRS. You open it thinking it is your refund check. The only problem is that it is not a check at all. What you have just received is a letter saying that your tax return was rejected because someone with your taxpayer I.D. has already received the refund. Yes, that friendly, well-spoken person you hired to file your taxes has stolen your identity.

What to lookout for

If you are told that you are eligible to receive money based on withheld Social Security benefits, that a treasury form 1080 can be used to enable a payout from the IRS by transferring funds from Social Security, or you are offered free money without any documentation, you should find another tax service immediately. Many have fallen for the scams listed above.

Unfortunately for some it is already too late and they are now left to pick up the pieces of their now bad name. One unlucky tax payer fell victim to these scams a three years ago and she is still trying to clear her name.

The IRS seems unwilling to help her and are offering very little assistance when it comes to clearing her name. However, testimony from three other victims at a congressional subcommittee prompted the IRS to issue an apology, and an offer to help put things right. You, on the other hand, might not be so lucky.

What to do if you are a victim

If you think you have fallen for one of these scams there are some things that you should do. First of all you should call the IRS’s Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.

Secondly, check all of your credit reports. You can go to annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit reports from all 3 credit reporting agencies. This site was setup by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion so that all U.S citizens can get free access to their credit reports. If you see anything unusual on your credit report, call the reporting agencies immediately.

Last but not least, be really careful who you share your sensitive data with. Only use accredited companies to prepare your tax returns because it can, and will, take years to clear your good name if anything were to happen.

This guest post is by Brett Day,  from Moore, Oklahoma. He is a featured contributor for Y! Contributor Network in Technology. He has a huge interest in the world of technology, home theater, and video games. Brett loves writing and sharing his knowledge on all of these subjects.

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Hackers at large

The attack took place on May 10^th 2011 and it immediately compromised 21 million online accounts. Citigroup said that less than 200,000 accounts were affected but that number has since grown to almost 400,000, and the number could rise even more in the coming weeks.

All of the usual information was stolen from the site including names, addresses, but Citigroup states that social security numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, and card expiration dates were not stolen. Only time will tell if they are correct about that.

Citigroup now joins Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and Epsilon as victims in the hacking wars. The question that needs to be asked is why are all of these major corporations websites so easy to hack? So far in 2011 there have been a staggering 114 million accounts exposed because of websites being hacked.

Lack of security

It seems to me that the likes of Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Epsilon and now Citigroup should be doing everything in their power to make sure that their websites are safe and secure, yet hackers seem to be able to break down their defenses with ease. Only after the initial attacks occur do these companies take measures to make sure it does not happen in the future, Citigroup also falls into this category.

Following the attack on the companies servers, a Citigroup spokesperson said it has put fraud alerts, and enhanced monitoring services on accounts there were deemed to be at risk. Why not have these safety measures in place from the very beginning, and instead of putting these enhanced features on certain accounts, why not put them on every account? Surely the customers deserve this level of protection. Unfortunately it probably boils down to money and extra cost. However, it seems as if the feds are finally stepping in.

Greater security needed

The FDIC has said that in future all banks will have to offer improved security to their customers, and that new regulations surrounding site security will be put into place. The chairman of the FDIC has suggested that banks put extra layers of protection in place so that account authentication is stronger. While this may mean that logging into your account may take a little longer than normal, it will certainly be better than having your personal information stolen.

The good news is that Citigroup seemed to react very quickly to the breach on their servers. Citigroup has notified all of those who were affected, and immediately sent out new credit cards too. Customers were also told to keep an eye on their accounts to make sure that there are no unauthorized purchases.

I am hoping that companies around the globe are taking note at the current trend of website hacking, and that they take measures to secure their servers, and customers personal data now while they still have the chance. Lets hope that there are no more accounts added to the 114 million that have already been affected this year.

This guest post is by Brett Day,  from Moore, Oklahoma. He is a featured contributor for Associated Content in Technology. He has a huge interest in the world of technology, home theater, and video games. Brett loves writing and sharing his knowledge on all of these subjects.

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Did you also know that the FBI works to educate kids and their parents about the Internet—both the wonderfully educational and insidiously opportunistic aspects of it? They offer schools a Safe Online Surfing program to help students recognize, avoid and report  online risks.

The Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program began in Miami six years ago, when Special Agent Jim Lewis approached a co-worker, Community Outreach Specialist Jeff Green, about sharing Internet safety tips with students. FBI Miami turned to nearby Nova Southeastern University for assistance and together they created an Internet safety programs, including tests for students on what they had learned. Feedback from students and teachers was positive. Green said, “Kids are surfing the Internet anyway, so we were just using a vehicle they were comfortable with.”

By October of 2010, the Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters expanded the SOS program into a national one. Today, over 90,000 children in 41 states have completed the online safety program.

Beginning with the third grade and continuing through the eighth, students start by taking pre-quizzes to test their overall awareness. A scavenger hunt then takes them to pre-screened websites which they cull for Internet safety information. Finally, timed post-quizzes are given to the youngsters to ascertain what they have learned.

Additionally, monthly from September through May, schools with the highest scoring students in the nation are awarded an FBI-SOS Trophy.

Students in the program learn pertinent Internet topics such as:

• Password security
• Cyberbullying
• Virus protection
• Copyright issues
• Online predators
• E-mail
• Chat rooms
• Social networking sites
• When to talk to parents or teachers about a threat; and
• Appropriate uses of cell phones and gaming devices.

“The Internet is a powerful resource for our youth, but it also presents opportunities for those who would attempt to do them harm…the Safe Online Surfing program is designed to teach young people what they need to know to avoid falling victim to individuals who want to take advantage of their youth and innocence.”– Cyber Division Assistant Director Gordon Snow

Schools and parents interested in signing up for the Safe Online Surfing program should contact their local FBI community outreach specialist.

Resources:

FBI’s Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge

- Innocent Images National Initiative

Interactive: CBS News Keeping Children Safe Online

SafeKids.com

How to Hide Your Facebook Friend List

Identity theft secrets, guest writer, Sami K. Hartsfield, ACP,  is a paralegal in Houston with experience in commercial litigation and tax law. She holds a degree in paralegal studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. After interning with Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals under Chief Justice Adele Hedges and completing the University of Houston Law Center’s Summer 2008 Prelaw Institute, she is preparing to enter law school this fall. Sami holds a national advanced paralegal certification, and four specialty certifications: Discovery; Trial Practice; Contracts Management; and Social Security Disability Law

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Alabama – Or call (334) 242-4909

Alaska – Or call (888) 342-9291

Arizona – Or call (800) 582-5706

Arkansas – Or call (501) 682-8726

California – Or call (866) 675-6623

Colorado – Or call (866) 432-8435

Connecticut – Or call (800) 842-1132

Delaware – Or call (800) 464-4357

Florida – Or call (850) 488-8466

Georgia – Or call (800) 869-1150

Hawaii – Or call (808) 586-5740

Idaho – Or call (208) 442-9991

Illinois – Or call (877) 411-9276

Indiana – Or call (800) 622-4973

Iowa – Or call (515) 281-4204

Kansas – Or call (800) 432-0043

Kentucky – Or call (502) 564-3440

Louisiana – Or call (888) 454-2001

Maine – Or call (800) 452-4668

Maryland – Or call (800) 352-1446

Masschusettes – Or call (800) 632-8175

Michigan – Or call (800) 292-5650

Minnesota – Or call (800) 657-3805

Mississippi – Or call (800) 421-0762
Missouri – Or call (573) 526-4836

Montana – Or call (800) 332-2272

Nebraska – Or call (800) 430-3244

Nevada – Or call (800) 992-0900

New Hampshire – Or call (603) 271-8317

New Jersey – Or call (800) 510-3102

New Mexico – Or call (800) 648-7167

New York - Or call (800) 342-3009

North Carolina - Or call (800) 662-7030

North Dakota – Or call (701) 328-2065

Ohio – Or call (800) 282-0880

Oklahoma – Or call (866) 411-1877

Oregon – Or call (800) 453-5511

Pennsylvania – Or call (866) 857-7095

Rhode Island – Or call (401) 222-3003

South Carolina – Or call (803) 734-0662

South Dakota – Or call (800) 233-8503

Tennessee – Or call (615) 313-4766

Texas – Or call (877) 399-8939

Utah – Or call (877) 488-3233

Vermont – Or call (800) 479-6151

Virginia – Or call (800) 230-6977

Washington – Or call (360) 725-2855

West Virginia – Or call (800) 642-8589

Wisconsin – Or call (866) 432-8947

Wyoming – Or call (800) 246-4221

Make sure to follow each program’s instructions completely when filling out your application or helping a family member or friend.  Requirements to qualify for assistance may vary.

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That is how the bill known as H.R. 4173 begins. It was introduced into—and passed—the House last year as the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 and, in its latest incarnation in the Senate, is known as the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.

Designed to end predatory lending, close regulatory gaps, and overhaul questionable financial practices that ultimately led to a worldwide financial meltdown, the bill introduces sweeping new changes for both consumers and financial institutions. Passed in the House, and expected to pass in the Senate, what will it all mean to you, the consumer?

For one thing, a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency will be established. Its job will be regulatory, intended to regulate consumer home mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. (Automobile dealerships won a concession in Congress and will be exempt from this oversight agency.)

States will have the ability to promulgate strict state-specific consumer-protection laws on national banks, and state attorneys general will be able to enforce certain rules issued by the above-mentioned Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

Additionally, the Federal Treasury Department will expand its authority to place non-bank financial firms, like insurance companies into receivership, regulate the over-the-counter derivatives market, and more. In the event that a firm’s collapse threatens to destabilize the economy, the federal government will have the power to seize such firms without taxpayer bailout. The Treasury Department will also have a new Federal Insurance Office charged with monitoring the insurance industry within its purview.

Another change includes the establishment of  a new 10-member Financial Stability Oversight Council shall be created and charged with addressing risks to the nation’s financial stability.

The amount of Federal Deposit Insurance will increase to $250,000 and shall be considered retroactive to January 1, 2008. Banks will be required to have more capital, thereby making them less profitable and, as a result, unable to make as many consumer loans.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will have expanded authority to monitor broker dealers who give investment advice, and both hedge and private-equity funds will have to register with the SEC as advisors. They will be required to provide trading information as well in an effort to keep track of system-wide risks.

After passing in both the Senate and House, albeit in different versions, a conference committee will now be created to iron out those. Once each chamber approves those reconciliations, it is expected to be on its way to the President for his signature, thereby becoming official law.

To read a text of all five versions of H.R. 4173  visit The Library of Congress.

Or, individually:

1 . The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 (Introduced in House – IH)[H.R.4173.IH][PDF]
2 . Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 (Engrossed in House [Passed House] – EH)[H.R.4173.EH][PDF]
3 . Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 (Referred in Senate – RFS)[H.R.4173.RFS][PDF]
4 . Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (Engrossed Amendment Senate – EAS)[H.R.4173.EAS][PDF]
5 . Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (Public Print – PP)[H.R.4173.PP][PDF]

You can track the bill’s progress as it makes its expected way into existing law here.

By Identity theft secrets, guest writer, Sami K. Hartsfield, ACP,  who is a paralegal in Houston with experience in commercial litigation and tax law. She holds a degree in paralegal studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. After interning with Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals under Chief Justice Adele Hedges and completing the University of Houston Law Center’s Summer 2008 Prelaw Institute, she is preparing to enter law school this fall. Sami holds a national advanced paralegal certification, and four specialty certifications: Discovery; Trial Practice; Contracts Management; and Social Security Disability Law.  More helpful tax information can be found at her  National Tax Law Examiner page.

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Did you know that some IRS collection practices are categorized as ‘unauthorized,’ that is, prohibited? This means you do have certain rights when it comes to the IRS attempting to collect your federal taxes from you.
For example, Internal Revenue Code § 6321 allows the IRS to place a lien on your property for unpaid taxes, but three prerequisites must be met before this action can take place:
-Assessment must be made on taxpayer;
-Demand for payment must be made; and
-Taxpayer must fail to pay said assessment.
Until 1988, taxpayers who’d been the focus of unauthorized tax collection practices by the IRS had little recourse. They could not, for example, bring suit because such suits were forbidden under the doctrine of sovereign immunity. In 1988, however, § 7433 was enacted, and later amended in 1996, which states:
“If, in connection with any collection of Federal tax with respect to a taxpayer, any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service recklessly or intentionally, or by reason of negligence, disregards any provision of this title, or any regulation promulgated under this title, such taxpayer may bring a civil action for damages against the United States in a district court of the United States. … such civil action shall be the exclusive remedy for recovering damages resulting from such actions.”
Damages are capped at $1 million (negligence at $100,000).
For example, willful violation of the Bankruptcy Code’s automatic stay can result in a damages award for the taxpayer of up to $1 million.
There are certain limitations and prerequisites for bringing suit. § 7433 (d) states that all administrative remedies be exhausted first (ie taxpayers must navigate all internal steps within the IRS as an administrative agency before being allowed to bring suit in federal district court); damages must be mitigated by the plaintiff; and there is a two-year statute of limitations on such an action:
That’s why it’s so critical to move quickly once you receive any type of collection notice from the IRS!
Additionally, the IRS is limited by the Fair Debt Collections Act just like every other creditor attempting to collect a debt from you.
You are encouraged to pay as much as you can now in federal income taxes to avoid late penalties and interest, but if you cannot pay the full amount, following are three alternative payment options you should know about:
1. Additional Time to Pay You may be granted a short additional time to pay taxes in full based on individual circumstances. You may request such an option by filling out an Online Payment Agreement application or by calling 800.829.1040. An additional 30 to 120 days may be granted and taxpayers will pay less in penalties and interest by using this method than if the debt were paid via an installment agreement.
2. Installment Agreement You may apply for an IRS installment agreement using the Web-based Online Payment Agreement application if you owe $25,000 or less.
3. Pay by Credit Card or Debit Card Taxpayers may put taxes on their American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover cards. Additionally, you can pay by using your debit card. There is no IRS fee for credit or debit card payments, but processing companies may charge a convenience fee (service providers may charge a convenience fee based on the amount of taxes being paid and, if paying by debit card, service providers charge a flat fee of $3.89 to $3.95).
For more info:
IRS misconduct (video)
Electronic Payment Options
www.officialpayments.com
www.pay1040.com
www.payUSAtax.com
Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request (PDF 100K)
IRS installment agreement http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=108347,00.htmlPartial Pay Installment Agreements
What is an Offer in Compromise?
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (PDF 2,072K)
Identity theft secrets, guest writer, Sami K. Hartsfield, ACP, is a paralegal in Houston with experience in commercial litigation and tax law. She holds a degree in paralegal studies and a bachelor of science degree in political science. After interning with Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals under Chief Justice Adele Hedges and completed the University of Houston Law Center’s Summer 2008 Prelaw Institute, she is preparing to enter law school this fall. Sami holds a national advanced paralegal certification, and four specialty certifications: Discovery; Trial Practice; Contracts Management; and Social Security Disability Law. More helpful tax information can be found at her National Tax Law Examiner page.

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Many of us that didn’t file for an electronic refund (and even some tax payers that did) are now waiting around for their refund. After all the government has had our money for a quite some time now and I have plans for that income tax refund. What can you do to find out where your refund is?
Income Tax Refund Information
Taxpayers can check the status of their 2009 income tax refunds just 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or an agonizing 3 to 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
Go to IRS.gov, and click on “Where’s My Refund.”
Be sure to have your copy of your 2009 tax return handy because the system will ask for your filing status, social security number, and the exact figure of the refund. Taxpayers will then be informed of their refund’s status.
Keep in mind the IRS processes refunds only on Fridays.
Taxpayers may also call 800.829.4477 for automated refund information 24/7. Or call 800.829.1954 during the hours in your tax form instructions
Other tips the IRS wants you to know:
-Tax records should typically be kept for 3 years, while other documents — for example stock transactions, IRAs and documents related to home sales, business or rental property — should be kept longer.
-Keep copies of filed tax returns and tax forms packages — they will help if an amendment is necessary or as a template for filing future returns.
-Taxpayers should send Form 8822 Change of Address http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf to the IRS If they move after filing. And don’t forget to fill out a change-of-address form at your U.S. Post Office.
-If an error on your return is discovered, correct your return by filing an amended return using Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf
For more info:
Publication 552 – Recordkeeping for Individuals
Please welcome our guest writer, Sami K. Hartsfield, ACP, a paralegal in Houston with experience in commercial litigation and tax law. She holds a degree in paralegal studies and a bachelor of science degree in political science. After interning with Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals under Chief Justice Adele Hedges and completed the University of Houston Law Center’s Summer 2008 Prelaw Institute, she is preparing to enter law school this fall. Sami holds a national advanced paralegal certification, and four specialty certifications: Discovery; Trial Practice; Contracts Management; and Social Security Disability Law. More helpful tax information can be found at her National Tax Law Examiner page.

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We all know it is tax time; guess what, thieves know it, too! The IRS warns taxpayers that they will not send unsolicited emails regarding tax accounts, tax situations, or any personal tax issues. If such an email is received, most likely it’s a scam or some form of phishing.

Be aware that IRS impersonation fraud abounds during filing season. These schemes can take place via phone, fax, Internet, and even social networking sites, but the con favorite is email.

Many fraudulent emails are so-called phishing emails – called such because they “fish” for information – that are actually identity theft scams. The cons try to trick victims into revealing personal and financial information that can then be used to swindle bank accounts. Some e-mail scams contain attachments or links that, when clicked, download a malicious virus. Never click on links or attachments contained in unsolicited emails from any source, but in particular, the IRS will never send such emails.
Several of these fake emails are surprisingly sophisticated. For example, check out this fake email and Web-site modeled after the IRS’.
Some imitations may be actual commercial Internet sites with no connection to the IRS. Consumers unwittingly think they are visiting the IRS site when in fact they have been conned.
If you receive what appears to be a communication from the IRS, go directly to the government Web-site by entering irs.gov in your browser. And remember that the IRS will never ask for personal information in an email!
From the IRS Web-site:
The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through e-mail.
- The IRS does not request detailed personal information through e-mail;
- The IRS does not send e-mail requesting your PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts; and
- Report suspicious e-mails and bogus IRS Web sites to phishing@irs.gov.
- Phony, but very sophisticated, IRS emails are arriving in inboxes warning recipients they must click on certain links to take action to prevent any undue attention from the IRS. The emails even have the domain name (or appendage) IRS.gov, and frequently use the IRS logo as well. The IRS will not contact individual taxpayers in this manner.
- The emails may contain attachments or links. Do NOT open any attachments or click on links. They likely contain malware, or ask for personal information which the scammers can then use in identity theft swindles.
- The IRS has established a dedicated email box for forwarding these phishing emails. If you are the unlucky recipient of such an email, forward to phishing@irs.gov with the subject line intact. Due to the high volume of these emails recently received by the IRS, taxpayers will likely not receive an individual response back, but rest assured the IRS is aware of–and is investigating–these phishing scams.
- If you believe you have already been a victim of said scam, or any other identity-theft type fraud, the IRS encourages you to seek further information on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.
Please welcome our guest writer, Sami K. Hartsfield, ACP, a paralegal in Houston with experience in commercial litigation and tax law. She holds a degree in paralegal studies and a bachelor of science degree in political science. After interning with Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals under Chief Justice Adele Hedges and completing the University of Houston Law Center’s Summer 2008 Prelaw Institute, she is preparing to enter law school this fall. Sami holds a national advanced paralegal certification, and four specialty certifications: Discovery; Trial Practice; Contracts Management; and Social Security Disability Law. More helpful tax information can be found at her National Tax Law Examiner page.

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