Bedford Police Remind Residents to be Mindful of their Private Information During Tax Season

For Immediate Release

Monday, March 17, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Bedford Police Remind Residents to be Mindful of their Private Information During Tax Season

Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno would like to remind residents to be careful with their private and financial information during this tax season. Bedford Police have received multiple reports over the past month of residents having either fraudulent information on their tax returns or that people have had fraudulent tax returns filed under their social security numbers.

In reports from March 13, 2014 and February 15, 2014, residents have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that fraudulent activity had occurred.

Residents are advised not to give out their social security numbers, dates of birth, or any other private or financial information to someone whose identity is in question. When in doubt, call the IRS official hotline at 800-829-1040 or 800-829-4059 (TDD for the hearing impaired).

“I urge everyone to take simple steps to protect their identify and personal security,” said Lieutenant James Graham, who oversees the Bedford Police Department Community Services Unit. “Never assume that someone calling you out of the blue is who they say they are. When in doubt, don’t give it out.”

“When in doubt, don’t give it out.”

Agents of the Internal Revenue Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the fraudulent activity. Any residents concerned about their identity or personal security are urged to call Bedford Police at 781-275-1212.

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