Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Facebook Helps IRS Catch Violations of Tax Law
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 6, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The Internal Revenue Service is pulling out all the stops to detect and prosecute Americans who violate tax law, and social media is helping the agency catch many criminals in their tracks.
Many people are implicated in crimes due to information they post on social media websites, and one woman who committed tax fraud has the posts she made on Facebook to thank for her prosecution. An ongoing IRS investigation into the nearly two million-dollar tax fraud case of Rashia Wilson has been largely facilitated by posts she made on Facebook, according to CPA Practice Advisor magazine. Officials say Wilson – a self-proclaimed income tax fraud pioneer who instructed others on how to to defraud the IRS – made a number of comments and posts on the social networking site that eventually led to searches of her home, her computers and Facebook accounts.
For example, in one post, Wilson presented an image of herself smiling with an oversized jewel-encrusted pendant and hoards of cash. She also included a caption that sought to mock the IRS.
“YES I’M RASHIA THE QUEEN OF IRS TAX FRAUD,” the post read, according to CPA magazine. “IM’ A MILLIONAIRE FOR THE RECORD SO IF U THINK INDICTING ME WILL BE EASY IT WONT I PROMISE U!”
Seven months following the post, Wilson was indicted on 57 counts of tax fraud, the news source reports.
Information publicly posted on social media websites has been increasingly used in legal matters, ranging from tax investigations to divorce proceedings. Although privacy laws may exist regarding social media content, information that is posted publicly is generally fair game in court cases. The IRS is establishing a stronger network for detecting tax law violations, ranging from technological advancements to catch reporting errors to global agreements made to limit offshore banking abuse.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make
Operating a business in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan region offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires navigating a dense and highly regulated legal environment. From entity formation to regulatory compliance, seemingly minor legal oversights can expose business owners to significant risk. In our work with businesses throughout the region, our attorneys […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.