Two weeks after the start of the new tax filing season, local law enforcement say they're busy with new investigations and the old pattern of tax refund fraud.
"We're seeing the same things we've been seeing over the past couple years, the folks who have ledgers, cards the names, social security numbers, date of births," said Sgt. Pat Kennedy, who heads up a fraud unit at the Tampa Police Dept.
Kennedy says it appears fraudsters are again able to get refund money from fake tax returns loaded onto debit cards.
There have been some surprises in the season so far – including an investigation sparked in Riverview on Monday after a first grader showed up at school with a plastic bag containing 52 debit cards in other people's names. School officials contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which conducted a search warrant at the girl's home about five hours later, removing computers and high-end items suspected of being purchased with stolen money.
The quick response is indicative of how investigators will operate this year, said Corp. Bruce Crumpler, who leads the tax fraud investigations at the sheriff's office.
"No longer are those days (of) four and five and six days or a week or two months down the road and we're going to knock on your door," Crumpler said. "This was five hours later and we were in someone's house saying, ‘That stuff, what you have is unlawful items' and we'll take it."
No one has been charged in connection with the Riverview search but authorities are continuing their investigation.
Just weeks into the new season, the tax refund fraud crime is again frustrating victims whose identities were used to file fake tax returns.
St. Petersburg resident Carlida Wright said she and her husband filed early this year to avoid the identity theft problem, but were informed by their tax preparer that their filing didn't go through.
"Someone beat us," Wright said. "The same day we file, someone went earlier that day to file the same day."
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:55:07 GMT
In preparation for hurricane season beginning on June 1, Polk County organizations produce and distribute the "Polk County Public Shelters" map for 2013.
In preparation for hurricane season beginning on June 1, Polk County organizations produce and distribute the "Polk County Public Shelters" map for 2013.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:15 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:15:51 GMT
Cork Elementary School guidance counselor kissed a cow Tuesday morning as a reward to his students. They won the first place in a food drive for schools in Plant City area.
Cork Elementary School guidance counselor kissed a cow Tuesday morning as a reward to his students. They won the first place in a food drive for schools in Plant City area.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:19:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:05 AM EDT2013-05-21 09:05:01 GMT
Hearing on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, Lindsay Carter took advantage of the advanced warning, gathered her belongings and fled.
Hearing on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, Lindsay Carter took advantage of the advanced warning, gathered her belongings and fled.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:59:20 GMT
An 18-year-old woman charged with lewd and lascivious battery of a child 12 to 16 years old has to decide whether or not to take the plea deal on the charge. Kaitlyn Hunt faces charges for a relationship
An 18-year-old woman charged with lewd and lascivious battery of a child 12 to 16 years old has to decide whether or not to take the plea deal on the charge. Kaitlyn Hunt faces charges for a relationship
Monday, May 20 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:59:30 GMT
Officials with the Polk County Sheriff's Office report that deputies arrested 41-year-old Jerry Matthew Monroe of Lakeland today charging him with Misdemeanor Battery.
Officials with the Polk County Sheriff's Office report that deputies arrested 41-year-old Jerry Matthew Monroe of Lakeland today charging him with Misdemeanor Battery.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:32 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:32:24 GMT
Rescue crews are working through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Rescue crews are working through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:13:03 GMT
A homeless man whose face was mostly chewed off in a bizarre attack last year in Miami has learned to play guitar as he continues treatment for his injuries.
A homeless man whose face was mostly chewed off in a bizarre attack last year in Miami has learned to play guitar as he continues treatment for his injuries.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:19:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:59 GMT
Search-and-rescue crews worked through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Search-and-rescue crews worked through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
