WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) on February 11 joined Reps. David Kustoff (TN-08), and Terri Sewell (AL-07) in introducing The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, bipartisan legislation that would allow taxpayers who’ve had tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury stolen in the mail to receive a replacement check via direct deposit.
“Many of my constituents are hardworking taxpayers and when a check goes missing or is stolen, it directly impacts their livelihood”, Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “I am thankful to the Ways and Means Committee for allowing me to highlight this important issue and introduce legislation to rectify it so we can protect taxpayer dollars from being repeatedly stolen. Having reissued payments delivered via direct deposit is a commonsense solution to this systematic and widespread problem, and will prevent criminals from preying on taxpayers and stealing their hard-earned money”.
Malliotakis’ district has been hit hard by postal fraud, with at least $5.3 million in checks stolen across 377 cases. Check amounts range from a few hundred dollars up to $500,000, with one constituent needing their check reissued four times before it was received. Last Congress, Malliotakis pressed IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to address this issue.
“Paper checks getting lost or stolen in the mail is a major problem in Tennessee and across the nation”, said Congressman Kustoff. “That is why I am introducing the Recovery of Stolen Checks Act in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill would give Americans the option to receive a direct deposit from the U.S. Treasury instead of another check in the mail that might get stolen. This is commonsense legislation that will protect U.S. taxpayers and keep refunds out of the hands of criminals”.
“I’ve heard from constituents in Alabama’s 7th district who have struggled to receive the tax returns they’re owed simply because of outdated IRS policy”, said Rep. Sewell. “That’s why I’m pleased to introduce bipartisan legislation that allows my constituents to receive their returns via direct deposit if the return was lost or stolen at their address”.
BILL TEXT FOR H.R. 1155 CAN BE FOUND HERE
