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Victoria Lim reporting Tax day may be over, but the paper pushing is not. After you file your taxes, you may want to file another request; for your credit report.
Brian Conover of New Port Richey found out why.
Brian Conover / Taxpayer: "Somebody had stolen my identity, filed a tax return in my name with my social security number, but it was not me."
Conover's trying to refinance his house, but that is on hold.
Documents show an impostor used Conover's information at a Dothan, Alabama H&R Block office to get a refund anticipation loan from HSBC bank. When HSBC didn't get it's money, it placed a negative mark on the real Conover's Credit record. The real Conover says H&R block dropped the ball.
Brian Conover / Taxpayer: "How did this person walk into a branch with my name and social, and how were you guys able to give him $3600 just based on that?"
How? Because it's common practice for professional tax preparers to simply ask for a driver's license and supporting documentation to complete a return. Birth certificates, social security cards, credit reports, none of that is typically required."
Why is it the IRS doesn't require tax preparers to ask for additional forms of ID?
Norm Meadows / IRS: "The IRS doesn't regulate the professional tax preparer industry. The relationship you have with your tax return preparer is basically YOUR relationship and the government stays out of that."
Brian Conover / Taxpayer: "It's just been a nightmare."
Conover's nightmare is almost over. He filed affidavits with HSBC and the credit reporting agencies to repair the damage done by the crook.
H&R Block is investigating.
