Tax return ID theft problem growing

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Tax return ID theft is a billion dollar issue in the U.S., and new numbers show that the problem is growing.

The IRS reported that in 2011, it detected $6.5 billion in fraud. Certified public accountant and tax attorney Paul Mancinone told 22News that thieves target your personal and financial information, then use it to file a tax return in your name. When you go to file, then, someone has already filed it for you and taken your refund.

How do you prevent this from happening to you? Mancinone offered this advice to people concerned about the growing issue: "I think the best thing that people can do is file early,” he said. “File first, before someone else files for you."

Mancinone also says the problem highlights the need for people to be extra cautious when giving away any personal and financial information.