Police have outlined procedures for West Hartford residents to follow if they feel they have been victimized.

West Hartford Police Department Badge

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police reported Thursday that since the beginning of the year they have received more than 60 separate reports from residents of identify theft involving fraudulent filing of tax returns. The victims have notified police after discovering that returns for the 2014 tax year have been filed with the IRS using their personal identifying information.

There are likely many more people in West Hartford who have been victimized but have not contacted police, or have not realized it because they have not yet filed their tax returns.

Police said that they do not know the cause of the security breach (or breaches) resulting in the rash of identify theft cases.

If you are a West Hartford resident and believe your identity has been stolen to file fraudulent tax returns, you should contact the West Hartford Police at 860-523-5203.

In addition, police advise that you also utilize the following resources to report the incident and allow for the proper filing of your returns:

State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services

• Contact the Department of Revenue Services Refund Protection Group at (855) 842-1441 to receive further instructions on how to clear the matter for the State of Connecticut.
• The victim must file a paper return for the tax year the fraud filing occurred.

For Federal Returns

• Victims should go to the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/How-Do-You-Report-Suspected-Tax-Fraud-Activity%3F
• Victims may also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the fraud return.
• Victim must file a paper return for the tax year the fraud filing occurred.

Additional information about identity theft is also available on the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website.