Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

I am a victim of identity theft. Last year, when I filed my federal income tax return, I was advised that someone else had filed a return using my social security number. It took me almost a year to receive my much needed refund money and now I have to use a special pin number when I file all subsequent returns. I filed a report with the state police. The irs said they know who used my social security number but are unable to tell me who this thief is. My question is this: Is there any way I can file some type of civil suit to find out who did this and sue for all of the trouble I went through and will have to continue to experience with every tax return that I file?


Asked on 3/22/12, 10:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Solomon Law Office of Andrew A. Solomon

Unfortunately, I have represented many clients who were also the victims of identity theft. Apparently, identity theft is pretty low on local police department's priorities, due to budget cuts, etc. and it creates a real problem for victims. If the person who stole your identity is typical, he probably applied for a drivers license using your identity. The state or local police could check this easily. I don't understand why the IRS won't provide you with this information. I think your best bet is to contact a lawyer who has some friends in the local PD and check with DMV. Also, you should get a copy of your credit report and notify the credit rating agencies of the identity theft. If you are lucky enough to ever find out who this person is, you could sue him,, but it is not likely to get you any money. Identity theft is a crime in PA. Keep contacting the State Police and contact your local state senator and local assemblyman's offices, as well as your congressman. The like to get re-elected and may be able to put some pressure on local and federal authorities to make more of an effort to find this person.

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Answered on 3/22/12, 5:29 pm


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