Created: 4/7/2009 3:32:27 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Tax season is winding down. Now, there is a problem to worry about besides a deadline: identity thieves. "I'm 25 years old, got a baby on the way," says Carolyn Gill. She's had to change her baby plans because her income tax refund check is not coming anytime soon.
She is now one of the latest victims in a string of tax fraud cases on the First Coast.
In the last two weeks, the First Coast News I-team has found four victims in Jacksonville. It translates into nearly $10,000 of taxpayer money being stolen and sent to thieves.
Those thieves filed taxes fraudulently under other people's names, birthdates and social security numbers.
"Whoever used it is living six, eight blocks away from here on West 16th Street. That's the address that was used." Gill says the IRS told her that person filed a day before her, using her social security number, and has already received a refund check.
"There's been a lot of fraud in this area," says Congressman Ander Crenshaw.
The Congressman says he is aware of the four cases we have found. He says Congress is doing what it can to help the IRS root out the problem.
"I think there will be more attention paid to this because it's becoming more prevalent."For Gill, who will soon be a mom, that refund check was important.
She says she was using it to pay for college and to help get ready for her baby, who arrives in September.
"It makes you feel so violated. That's supposed to be your i.d. number. I don't understand how other people can get it and use it like that."
Gill will eventually get her refund, but it will take months because the IRS has to clear up the problem first.
If you think you are a tax fraud victim, call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490.
©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
