An international computer hacker recently broke into the South Carolina Department of Revenue database and gained access to over 3.6 million state income tax returns.  Some returns dated back to 1998 and included unencrypted social security numbers.  There were also over 16,000 credit and debit card numbers compromised.

South Carolina taxpayers who were affected by this invasion of privacy will receive one year of identity protection services provided by Experian, at the state’s expense.  This service will be completely free to taxpayers who are at risk of identity fraud.  Anyone who filed a South Carolina tax return from 1998 onward should call 866.578.5422.