Tuesday, June 12, 2012

taxing this lady’s brain

Have you used that big highfalutin word “schadenfreude”? I always forget how to spelling it. It’s that popular past time of delighting in the misfortune of others. Dumb criminals make good schadenfreude. 

Everyone makes mistakes but when someone tries to commit a crime and gets caught by their mistake, doesn't it give you a little joy?


Our daughter happened to turn a ‘1’ into ‘10’ while filling out a tax form this year. The tax agency caught it and sent her a letter asking her to justify the ‘10’. Simple typo that will be straighten out. Nothing fraudulent about it.
 

The following story from Oregon does not appear to me to be a typo. A lady from Salem Oregon claimed a $2.1 million refund on a $3 million income. If you check the story link I believe you’ll agree BOTH of these numbers are bogus.

Unbelieveable to me, the state (through the TurboTax software) gave her the refund in the form of a Visa debit card. Guess what? She went shopping - big time. But not super big time. She spent about $150 grand over 2 months. Saving for a rainy day?

Here’s the schadenfreude part - She reported another debit card as lost or stolen to the issuer, which apparently saw enough red flags to get the state's revenue service on the case. Don’t they teach these criminals anything? Don’t report illegal goods stolen. 

story link

24 comments:

Barbara said...

I'm always amazed at how many people get away with stuff like that, and yet the innocent mistakes too often are treated as major crimes.

Sparkle Farkle said...

 "Don’t report illegal goods stolen." Thanks for the advice. Thinking it was a sure fire way to keep my tracks covered, I was just about to pull a stunt like that. With that being said, I will also continue to skirt around the issue wnen my neighbor asks for the one zillionth time, "What's with that huge mound of dirt that you've planted flowers on in your back yard? The one that your dog is contantly barking at, whenever he's not sadly taking a nap on it? You know, the one next to that large area rug that was once rolled up and beside it? Oh, and by the by, how in the heck long will that husband of yours be "away on business?" 

Thanks again!

OneStonedCrow said...

Hehe ... thanks Bill ... I just learned a new word today ... I googled it and got lost in the web for a few minutes ... I wonder if I should feel guilty about feeling schadenfreude sometimes?

Bearmancartoons said...

Obviously those glaring examples probably don't get noticed b/c the IRS thinks there is no way someone is that bold.

lisleman said...

 Bold daring - hmmm - maybe just dumb.

lisleman said...

feeling guilty about schadenfreude - yeah but I don't know the word for that.

lisleman said...

Sounds like the case of the old buried rug.  If you like my advice then great here's a bit more.  Get yourself some mannequin parts (legs arms) and a pound of bacon.  Rub bacon on the parts and then bury with bacon.  Now tell your curious neighbor that you are starting up a dog training program.  You started me thinking I should create an advice column.

lisleman said...

 What's the saying - Life's not fair?
thanks

Frau said...

stupid is as stupid does! 

lisleman said...

 I agree - thanks

Joanne Noragon said...

Oregon tax payers may be a little short on schadenfreude.

Reena Walkling said...

Always amazing to me the stupidity of some.  

lisleman said...

 Yes it is amazing but the ones that try the criminal side get even more attention.

Secret Agent Woman said...

Wow, not too bright.

Tami Miller said...

How in the world did she get away with the first one??
Schadenfreude: gloating, malicious joy, spitfulness

unknownmami said...

Poor rich lady.

lisleman said...

I think the world is better off since most criminals are not smart.
thanks

lisleman said...

I believe the state tax office is embarrassed about it.
thanks

lisleman said...

I'm not sure but it could be "rich poor lady"?
thanks

TGL said...

wow, that's crazy that she got away with that! sometimes you gotta wonder.

lisleman said...

Yes it is and apparently if she didn't report the other card loss/stolen she might have completely pulled it off. On the other hand - I do believe dishonesty catches up to you eventually.
thanks

Jennifer Richardson said...

oye. if they didn't simply slap her hand
and send her on her spendy way,
then i'd feel a little happy schadenfreude.
thanks, always, for the smile,
Jen

lisleman said...

nice thanks

CaliforniaGirl500 said...

Well, criminals get caught because most of them are stupid. $150k in 2 mos tho'. I know Mastercard would be calling to verify THOSE purchases.

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