A Boardman couple called the police on Tuesday after learning that someone tried to file a fraudulent tax return using their personal information.

The victims were notified of the situation by an accountant at H&R Block who has handled their taxes for a decade. According to a Boardman Police Department report, a suspect used the husband’s Social Security number to attempt an online filing. The accountant discovered the fraud after noticing a forged tax form and a fake driver's license had been submitted to the company’s website.

While the fake license featured the victim’s correct name, address, and birth date, police noted several errors on the document, including a lack of proper spacing in the text.

The tax office didn’t process the fraudulent return, and the couple has since filed their legitimate taxes. 

Although no money was reported stolen, the victims told officers they noticed a nearly 100-point drop in their credit scores. Detectives are currently reviewing the case.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, tax-related identity theft often occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. The agency recommends the following steps to reduce your risk:

  • File early: Submitting your tax return as soon as the filing season begins can help you get your refund before a criminal can file a fake return in your name.
  • Protect your Social Security number: Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet and only give out the number when necessary.
  • Use an IP PIN: The IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN, which is a six-digit number that prevents anyone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
  • Check your credit: Regularly monitor your credit reports to look for unauthorized accounts or sudden changes in your score, which can be an early warning sign of fraud.