Tax Season Tips – Protecting Your Identity and Tax Refund
Helpful reminders to keep in mind during tax season:
The IRS does NOT contact you by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information. They usually communicate by mail. If someone contacts you, verify that they are from the IRS by hanging up and calling the IRS directly.
As soon as you receive your tax documents, try to file your taxes early. If a criminal manages to file your return and is able to claim your refund, contact the IRS as soon as possible and follow the steps provided.
Apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) through the IRS website, especially if previously you have been a victim of identity theft or fraud.
If using a provider to prepare and file your taxes, make sure they are qualified and trusted. Be cautious of unsolicited offers, requests for sensitive data, and emails that seem overly urgent or meant to frighten you into responding.
Safeguarding your personal information can feel cumbersome at times, but remains vitally important! Additionally, if you do become a victim of a stolen refund, your congressional representative may be able to help you receive it by contacting their office to intervene.
Custodial Arrests
3/3/26, a male, age 37, was arrested for D.U.I. at the intersection of W. Gude Drive and Research Boulevard.
3/4/26, a male, age 40, was arrested for indecent exposure in the 14000 Blk. Shady Grove Road.
3/4/26, a female, age 35, was arrested for assault in the 500 Blk. College Parkway.
3/4/26, a male, age 53, was arrested for trespassing in the 15000 Blk. Frederick Road.
3/5/26, a male, age 30, was arrested for burglary in the 600 Blk. Edmonston Drive.
3/6/26, a male, age 43, was arrested for trespassing and on an outstanding bench warrant in the 600 Blk. N. Horners Lane.
3/7/26, a male, age 29, was arrested for burglary, malicious destruction of property, and obstructing and hindering in the 13200 Blk. Ardennes Avenue.
3/7/26, a male, age 53, was arrested for DUI in the 1100 Blk. Veirs Mill Road and Edmonston Drive.
3/9/26, a male, age 31, was arrested for an open Montgomery County Police Department warrant for assault in the Unit Blk. W. Montgomery Avenue.
Incidents
200 Blk. Garden View Way, a known male assaulted the juvenile victim in 12/25. Incident reported: 3/4/26.
600 Blk. Azalea Drive, an unknown subject vandalized the victim’s 2012 Honda Accord on 3/4/26.
900 Blk. Elmcroft Boulevard, an unknown subject attempted to steal the victim’s 2011 Kia Optima at 6:00 p.m. on 3/1/26. Incident reported: 3/5/26.
1000 Blk. Seven Locks Road, two unknown subjects stole merchandise from a business at 5:59 p.m. on 3/5/26.
600 Blk. Great Falls Road, a known female assaulted the juvenile victim on 3/3/26. Incident reported: 3/5/26. Charges are forthcoming.
Unit Blk. Upper Rock Circle, an unknown subject damaged the rear passenger window and stole personal property from the victim’s vehicle between 8:30 p.m. on 3/5/26 and 5:10 a.m. on 3/6/26.
16000 Blk. Shady Grove Road, an unknown male grabbed the victim’s vehicle keys following an argument and fled on a scooter between 6:55 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. on 3/6/26.
1000 Blk. Taft Street, an unknown subject unlawfully stole personal property from the victim’s unsecured vehicle between 12:00 a.m. on 2/2726 and 1:33 p.m. on 3/6/26.
14700 Blk. Southlawn Lane, an unknown subject stole the catalytic converter of a vehicle left overnight at a repair store between 2:00 p.m. on 3/4/26 and 1:00 p.m. on 3/6/26.
Unit Blk. Maryland Avenue, two known males assaulted each other when an argument escalated at 1:48 p.m. on 3/7/26. The parties declined to file charges.
1500 Blk. Rockville Pike, an unknown male stole merchandise from a business between 12:07 p.m. and 1:40 p.m. on 3/7/26.
Unit Blk. Southlawn Court, an unknown male assaulted the victim for unknown reasons at 7:41 p.m. on 3/7/26.
400 Blk. E. Jefferson Street, an unknown male unlawfully entered a business by unknown means at 9:30 p.m. on 3/8/26.
600 Blk. Lofstrand Lane, an unknown subject stole the catalytic converters from three business vehicles between 6:00 p.m. on 3/6/26 and 9:00 a.m. on 3/7/26. Incident reported: 3/9/26.
1600 Blk. Rockville Pike, an unknown male stole merchandise from a business at 1:09 p.m. on 3/9/26. The subject was described as: a white male, 20’s-30’s, approx. 6’0”, with a beard, and wearing a yellow baseball cap, a blue Nike shirt, and dark pants.
100 Blk. E. Argyle Street, a known male assaulted the victim after a verbal altercation at 11:18 a.m. on 3/9/26. Victim was referred to the Commissioners office to file for charges.
