They filed their taxes, but the IRS said they had already filed.  As we have reported already, Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. An identity thief, for example, can use your Social Security number to file a tax return to receive your refund. If you are eligible for a refund, a thief could file a tax return before you do and get your refund. Then, when you do file, the IRS will think you already received your refund. Such was the case for a resident on the Bethany Ford Road.  They filed their taxes and were then contacted by the IRS that someone had already used their Social Security to file a return.  The victim contacted the Wilkes Sheriff's Office and is working with the IRS to resolve this case of fraud. The IRS has security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and the validity of social security numbers submitted.  If you receive a notice from the IRS that leads you to believe someone may have used your social security number fraudulently, please notify the IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter.  The IRS will NOT contact you by phone or email.  If anyone calls or sends an email claiming to be from the IRS and requesting personal information, this is also a scam.  The IRS will respond by mail or you may call them. You can also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Hotline toll-free at 877-438-4338 if you suspect someone else is using your social security number, or to secure information on how to prevent identity theft.