While the IRS is receiving criticism that’s well justified for the current scandal, IRS criminal investigation and the Department of Justice are slowly increasing their efforts on identity theft. Glenn Powell, Jr. of Alabama found that out.
Mr. Powell opened two bank accounts, and at least 49 false tax refund checks totaling over $95,000 were deposited into his accounts. Mr. Powell withdrew over $46,000 before the IRS put an end to his part in the scheme (overall, the scheme resulted in half a million dollars of false refunds). Mr. Powell pleaded guilty; he’s looking at a maximum of 10 years at ClubFed.
Meanwhile, Raquel Hogan and Yolanda Blount (both from Macon, Georgia) have been indicted for allegedly using nursing home records in a tax fraud scheme that involved identity theft. Ms. Hogan allegedly provided the records to Ms. Blount; she allegedly then prepared the tax refunds. Both are looking at a stay in ClubFed if found guilty.