Wiley Rein's Kirk Nahra Comments on Electronic Tax Filing Fraud

Privacy Practice chair Kirk Nahra commented on the electronic filing of fraudulent tax returns and the subsequent privacy concerns that have been raised. More than 70 people in Florida were victims of fraud involving tax returns that were filed electronically using stolen social security numbers and names. Refunds were then routed to bank accounts and quickly withdrawn at ATMs. Mr. Nahra explained that the ability to file returns electronically has helped make such fraud easier to commit. “This is a perfect example of where efficiency and speed run up against potential problems,” he says. “The reason people file this way is because it is easy and efficient, but that means it’s also easy for criminals to quickly perpetrate fraud,” Mr. Nahra concluded.