Identity theft happens year round, but tax return filing season can be a prime time for scammers to obtain sensitive personal information that allows them to set up accounts, run up debts, apply for jobs, and even file tax returns under someone else's name. The scams can come over the phone, e-mail, paper mail or even in person, but they have the same underlying message, said Mark Green, an Internal Revenue Service spokesperson. Known as "phishing" scams, they indicate a person needs to release their social security number, bank account number, birth date or other sensitive information.