A Signal Hill tax-form-preparation business is under investigation after it was discovered that forms had been mishandled upon eviction.
On Tuesday, Sept. 19, at approximately 5:30pm, the Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) was called to 3214 E. Willow Street regarding a business dispute. The investigation revealed the business, formerly known as Taxco, had recently closed down and, during the course of an eviction process, “tax documents were improperly disposed of,” according to the SHPD.
Prior to the SHPD’s being notified, Channel 9 News had aired a story regarding the incident. Once the SHPD became aware that customers’ personal identifiable information (PII) may have been compromised, officers immediately took action, according to SHPD Sgt. Kelli Brown. The police department notified the Department of Treasury and the IRS, both of which sent agents to assist with the investigation.
“Those who use tax-preparation companies should feel confident their tax information, including their personal identifiable information, is properly secured and protected by those they hire,” said Rod Ammari, special agent in charge from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “In an instance [in which] tax documents were disposed of [improperly and could have resulted in clients] falling victim to identity theft is unacceptable and irresponsible. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration worked closely with the Signal Hill Police Department and the IRS to collect, secure and properly dispose of the abandoned tax documents.”
Those who believe their PII may have been compromised should visit irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/data-breach-information-for-taxpayers and follow the recommended steps.
Source: SHPD
