The Sheriff’s Office has recently taken numerous complaints of identity theft involving fraudulently filed tax returns. The scam involves perpetrators stealing identifying information about an individual (name, date of birth, social security number) and filing a fraudulent tax return using that information. The monetary refund is then routed to the perpetrator using various covert methods. If you find that you have been a victim of identity theft there are several things you need to do. It’s always a good idea to contact your local law enforcement center and file a complaint. You should also file an on-line report with the Federal Trade Commission, notify the Social Security Administration, place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus and notify your financial institution. Several links are provided in the ‘Quick Links’ section on the Sheriff's Office home page that include information on what you can do to help keep your ID safe.