"I am frustrated. I am very frustrated," said frustrated taxpayer Christi Treminio.
Treminio was counting on $3,000 back from the Internal Revenue Service, and she believed tax preparers at the H and R Block office she visited would get her the refund.
She said they filled out the forms and she was told she could get an advance with a card that she could use at a bank she was directed to. Christi said the bank told her it never got the funds and she said H and R Block told her they don't have the money, either now.
Cindy Guerra of the Florida Attorney General's office gave this advice: "Ask for their licensing credentials, don't give your personal information to anybody."
H andR block denied any wrongdoing.
The Florida Attorney General is investigating more than 20 complaints of people who lost money or their identities when going to have their taxes done.
"Once they commit identity theft it's very hard to put your items back in order," Guerra said.
To stay safe, guard your personal information. Don't respond to any emails from the IRS -- they're fakes. The IRS website is the only official place to go to check refunds.
If you think you've been a victim of tax theft, or want to make sure your own accounting service is legit, visit the Better Business Bureau.
