How do I find out if some one cashed my refund check?
A) If you suspect that someone else may have cashed your refund check, the first step is to contact the IRS to verify if the check has been cashed. Here are the steps you can take:
- Call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. Make sure you have your Social Security number, tax year, and refund amount available.
- Explain the situation to the representative and ask them to check the status of your refund. They will be able to tell you if the check has been cashed and provide you with information about when and where it was cashed.
- If the check has been cashed and it wasn’t you who cashed it, ask the representative for further instructions on what to do next. They may advise you to file a report with the police or to submit an affidavit to the IRS stating that the check was stolen.
- You may also want to follow up with your bank to see if they can provide you with any information about the check, such as the name of the person who cashed it.
It’s important to take action as soon as possible if you suspect that your refund check has been stolen or cashed by someone else. The IRS has procedures in place to help you address this situation, and the sooner you take action, the better your chances of recovering the funds.
If you need to know whether your federal tax refund check has been cashed, you can initiate a trace on your refund by using one of the following methods:
- You can use the “Where’s My Refund?” system available through the IRS website.
- You can call the IRS Refund Hotline toll-free number at 800-829-1954 and either use the automated system or speak with an agent.
- If you filed a married filing jointly return, you cannot initiate a trace using the automated system. The IRS will issue you a Form 3911 (PDF), Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to get the process started.
If you are trying to obtain a photocopy of your refund check because of a dispute over the proceeds, call the IRS toll-free number at 800-829-1954 to request assistance.
By law, the IRS is not allowed to disclose any information to you about someone else’s refund. For example, the IRS cannot discuss with you a check that was issued to another taxpayer.
Understanding the Issue and Potential Solutions
Understanding the Problem:
You received a tax refund check with a forged signature.
The check was marked “one-time deposit.”
You believe it was deposited in the US.
You want to trace the deposit using electronic endorsements on the check.
Understanding the Electronic Endorsements:
BOFD: Likely stands for “Back Office Fraud Detection.” This indicates some level of fraud check was performed.
ISN: Could be an “Item Sequence Number,” a unique identifier for the check.
RT: Possibly “Return Item,” but this seems unlikely given the context.
TRUNCATED: Means the check image was processed electronically, rather than the physical check.
Can You Trace the Deposit Using These Endorsements?
Unfortunately, the endorsements you’ve mentioned are unlikely to provide specific information about the depositing bank or account. They are primarily internal processing codes used by the banking system.
What You Can Do:
Report the Fraud: Contact the IRS immediately to report the fraudulent check. They have procedures for dealing with stolen tax refunds.
File a Police Report: Consider filing a police report in both the UK and the US (where you believe the check was deposited).
Contact Your Bank: Inform your bank about the fraudulent check and the potential unauthorized deposit. They may be able to provide some assistance or information.
Check Credit Report: Monitor your credit report for any fraudulent activity.
Consider a Refund Advance: If you need funds urgently, you might consider a refund advance service, though this is generally more expensive than waiting for a corrected refund.
Additional Information:
While the endorsements won’t help trace the deposit directly, providing more details about the check, such as the check number, issuing bank, and exact wording on the back, might assist in further investigation.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or financial advice. It’s essential to consult with professionals for personalized guidance on your specific situation.