While I had a great Thanksgiving, the individuals I’m highlighting below had a bit less to be thankful for. The first story highlights an indirect result of a traffic ticket while the second spotlights recurrent attempts at defrauding the IRS through identity theft.
First, let’s head to Hartford where Willie McKay was apparently speeding along or, in some other manner, violating Connecticut’s traffic laws. He was pulled over for a routine traffic stop. Well, it was routine until the officers checked to see if Mr. McKay had any warrants outstanding. He had thirty: 21 for filing false state tax returns, seven for failing to file state withholding returns for his church (Mr. McKay is a pastor), one for larceny, and one for computer crimes. Mr. McKay is accused of attempting to bilk Connecticut out of $150,000 in phony income tax returns. Clearly, if you’re wanted on thirty felony counts it pays to obey the traffic laws.
Next, from New Jersey comes word of four Nigerians who succeeded in obtaining $3.2 million in tax refunds they allegedly shouldn’t have. Adeyemisi Toyusini, Adebowale Sheba, Taiwo Daisi, and Adedeni Adenni were arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The defendants allegedly used names garnered from identity theft to file tax returns claiming $11.5 million in refunds. They allegedly used 41 addresses they controlled, and had received $3.2 million in refunds (of which, $2.7 million were deposited). Two of the defendants are allegedly in the United States illegally. All of the defendants are being held without bail and are looking at lengthy terms at ClubFed and large fines if found guilty.
If you are a victim of identity theft you should contact the IRS. The IRS has an information page on identity theft, a form (Form 14039), and a telephone hotline (1-800-908-4490; Note: This number is solely for identity theft). Notifying the IRS may not be on top of your list if this happens to you, but it’s important.
Tags: IdentityTheft