TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The United Way of the Big Bend is investigating a possible data security breach that occurred when taxpayer information was stolen from an employee in March.
The organization says that 64 taxpayers' information may be exposed after their information was stolen from the vehicle of a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) site coordinator in March. They say they have already contacted the individuals who may be affected by the possible security breach and are working with authorities to determine how their information may have been compromised.
"Working with the IRS and the Tallahassee Police Department, we've taken positive, proactive steps to cooperate and collaborate, including reaching out directly to our potentially affected taxpayers to help protect them by providing the facts and important information," said Katrina Rolle, UWBB President and CEO.
The agency says many of the individuals impacted had already filed their taxes, so they were unaffected by the possible breach.
"We take this issue seriously and are committed to assisting those whose information may be at risk and working with them to help safeguard their identities," Rolle added. "In addition, we are working with the IRS to identify new, additional safety measure to help ensure this type of event doesn't happen in the future."
The VITA program helps taxpayers get their taxes prepared and filed for free. To learn more about the program, click here.
