As previously reported by The Advertiser in Feb. of 2012, an employee with the Johnston branch of H&R Block was charged with stealing personal information from clients and using that information to obtain loans.  According to recent reports filed by the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, the employee, 36 year old Chandra Roberson of Jackson, SC, has been charged with four more counts of financial identity fraud, bringing the total number of charges at this time against Roberson to six.

The Advertiser recently contacted Gene King, Director if Corporate Communications for H&R Block, regarding this incident.  In a statement to The Advertiser, Mr. King said, “Nothing is more important to our company than safeguarding of clients’ information.”  Adding that while these type incidents are few, “even one instance is too much,” he said.  “We continually review our strict internal policies for ways to enhance security and protect confidential client information.”

As for the clients whose information has been compromised, Mr. King assured The Advertiser that all steps to ensure their identities are protected are being taken including providing identity protection for compromised clients.

In regards to the accused employee, Mr. King confirmed she was terminated as soon as the company learned of the crime.  He added the company has assisted authorities in this ongoing investigation.

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Previous reporting: Fraud at Local Tax Office