The Delaware Division of Revenue would like to alert taxpayers to a new and growing scam involving fraudulent tax refunds being deposited into real taxpayer bank accounts. After the money is deposited, the crooks use various tactics to con taxpayers into turning over those funds.

How does it work? Thieves are using schemes, including phishing, to steal client data from tax professionals. They then use that data to file fraudulent tax returns, and use the taxpayers’ real bank accounts to deposit those tax refunds. Finally, the thieves pose as the IRS or other law enforcement representatives, call attention to the error, and ask taxpayers to return the money to them.

If you ever receive a refund that you are not expecting, call the Division of Revenue for more information. You can also check out the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft at IRS.gov to learn how to protect yourself from tax scams, where you can also find help with returning an erroneous refund.

The IRS warns that versions of this new scam may continue to evolve. If you think you’re being scammed, call the Delaware Division of Revenue’s Fraud Team at (302) 856-5358 for assistance.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday released the following statement on the Christina Board of Education’s vote to approve a Memorandum of Understanding to invest in Christina’s Wilmington schools:

“Thank you to the members of the Christina Board for their important vote tonight on this MOU. This is just a first step, but it’s an important first step. For the past several months, we have worked in partnership with Christina School District leaders, the Board, and Christina Education Association on a plan to invest new resources in these schools, and give students in the City of Wilmington a greater chance to succeed. Now the hard work begins to put this plan into action. We are committed to working with Christina educators, district leaders, students and families to implement this agreement in a way that truly improves outcomes for children in Christina’s city schools. We are in this for the long haul, and look forward to our continued work together.”

 

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For Immediate Release

Contact: William J. Potter

William.potter@delaware.gov

302-761-8163

Wilmington, Del. Feb. 13, 2018 – Delaware workforce training providers will have the chance over the next few months to compete for public funds to train adults and youth in needed job skills thanks to a recently released Request For Proposal.

The Delaware Workforce Development Board, which spent the past year revamping its funding processes, released its RFP for In School Youth, Out of School Youth, and Adult Training, said board Executive Director Bill Potter.

“Providers who want to submit a proposal need to pay special attention to the details of the RFP,” Mr. Potter said. “There have been significant and substantive changes to the process.”

The some of the most significant changes include:

• The end of development sessions, which helped prospective providers improve their written submissions;
• New mandatory orientation sessions;
• An invitation only oral presentation; and
• Longer contract lengths.

 

“The goal is to focus on programs that can move the workforce readiness dial with limited funds,” Mr. Potter said. “A lot has changed and prospective providers must read the RFP thoroughly to ensure they are competitive.”

The actual RFP is available at Delaware Bids website at http://bids.delaware.gov/.

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The workforce system supports career pathways through a seamless service delivery approach by providing job seekers and workers information, technology, career development and coaching, supportive services, and training in demand industries and occupations needed to get and keep good jobs in alignment with employer talent pipeline needs.

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – After reviewing customer feedback from three Community Conversations in Wilmington and Newark last week, DART will make a series of improvements. The recent Community Conversations offered DART riders, and the general public, the opportunity to provide feedback and share their experiences since DART’s service changes in mid-December.

“The Community Conversations were intended to present a comfortable forum for our riders to talk one-on-one with DART employees. Staff was able to get meaningful feedback from our customers, and really listen to their specific concerns,” said Delaware Transit CEO, John Sisson. “There were definitely common themes, including the need for more shelters and benches, and restoring a stop at Rodney Square for some routes that pass right by on the way out of town. We’re pleased to be able to address some of the issues sooner, rather than waiting until the May service change.”

The improvements include adding seating at new bus shelters on French St. at 8th St., as well as 10th St. at Tatnall St. In addition, shelters/canopies are being ordered for installation along King Street at 10th St. alongside the library, at 9th and 6th Streets. Beginning this Sunday, February 11, the Rodney Square stop on 10th St. will be restored for service for Routes 2, 6 and 28.

Sisson points out that after restoring service on Routes 2, 6 and 28 next week, there will still be 15 routes serving stops at the square; however, the other route changes will remain in effect and will not be restored to Rodney Square.

“As I have stated before, the success of our state depends in large part on the success of Wilmington,” said Governor Carney. “Rodney Square, which was never intended to serve as a transit hub, can and should be the crown jewel of Wilmington. We must continue the work to revitalize the Square as a historic public park. We’re continuing to make improvements to our transit system that balance the needs of riders and those who use Rodney Square.”

In addition to concerns, several riders offered support to some of the recent changes, including the new route combinations. In addition to relieving congestion on the streets surrounding Rodney Square, by combining some routes, DART is able to offer a one-seat ride, eliminating the need to transfer for those traveling through Wilmington.

Bus Route 4, which was combined with Route 24 and operates between Edgemoor through downtown Wilmington to Prices Corner, has experienced on-time performance issues. Based on actual bus running times, it’s apparent that more time was built into the schedule than what is needed. A revised schedule is being developed with a tentative release date of March 4.

Senator Robert Marshall said, “Bus riders from Wilmington and other places are returning to Rodney Square and new bus shelters and canopies will protect riders from inclement weather. This is a positive first step. John Sisson, DTC CEO, listened to riders and advocates at public meetings and acted in the best interest of DART riders. I view this as a friendly change affirmed by Governor Carney and Cabinet Secretary Cohan with more rider-friendly improvements to our public transit system in the future.”

DART heard concerns regarding other routes, including Routes 13 and 18, that are being reviewed for DART’s May service change. Service proposals will be presented at upcoming Public Hearing Workshops:

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 – 11 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Wilmington Public Library, The Commons
10 East 10th Street, Wilmington 19801

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 – 1 PM to 3 PM
Dover Public Library (Multi-Purpose Room A)
35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901

Thursday, March 8, 2018 – 3 PM to 5 PM
Milford Public Library (Lions Club Room A)
11 SE Front Street, Milford, DE 19963

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. Real-Time Transit Information is available on the free DelDOT App (iOS and Android), as well as on DART’s Trip Planner at www.DartFirstState.com.