The personal financial information of at least 64 people was stolen when thieves broke into a secure lockbox inside the personal vehicle of a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) coordinator last March. The program, which helps taxpayers prepare and pay their taxes, was run by United Way of Big Bend in Tallahassee, Florida.
The VITA Program resulted in tax refunds to residents of more than $1.3 million last year in addition to earned income tax credits of $376,915, according to the IRS.
Here is an excerpt from Jeffrey Schweers’ report in the Tallahassee Democrat:
Officials with the United Way of the Big Bend notified the authorities and are working with both the IRS and Tallahassee Police Department.
United Way President/CEO Katrina Rolle said the organization has reached out to the 64 people whose information was stolen. They were among the 1,000 people who use the program each year.
“We take this issue seriously and are committed to assisting those whose information may be at risk and working with them to help safeguard their identities,” Rolle said.
