More than 30 Ball State employees file tax fraud reports

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - More than 30 employees at Ball State University have filed police reports claiming their identities were stolen to file fake tax returns.

The Star Press (http://tspne.ws/1BfR3F1 ) reports the complaints were filed with the Muncie Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff's Department. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller says victims should contact his office.

Professor Jennifer Palilonis told the newspaper earlier this week that she and other employees had their tax returns rejected because someone else filed one using their identities. Dave Mathews, a senior assistant director of financial aid at Ball State, says a return filed in his name generated a $9,200 tax return.

Frank Groom, a Ball State professor who teaches data security, says fraudsters keep refund amounts under $10,000 to avoid banks confirming sources and identities.

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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com