Harry Gross: Trying to fix a tax goof

Dear Harry: In March of 2004, I filed my income taxes as usual. In doing so, I made a huge mistake. I unfortunately placed the wrong account number on my request for a refund. I found out about it when I called IRS to inquire about why my account had not been credited. There was a transposition of account numbers and the amount of the refund was direct-deposited in someone else's account. After letters and calls among IRS, my credit union, and me, IRS was able to recover $1,268 out of a total refund of $3,442. The person who got the money agreed to transfer $50 a month from his account to mine. That person stole more than half of my money! Early in 2008, I was notified that the thief had stopped depositing money into his account. This came with a check for $723. There is still a balance due me of $501. My credit union said it could not reveal the thief's name to me because of privacy issues. As a result, Small Claims Court is out, so I consulted two lawyers. Both said it was not worth a lawsuit. Help! I know it was my mistake, but I'm just a salaried employee trying to get along. How can I get my money?

What Harry says: Contact Community Legal Services to ask them to reach the top honcho at the credit union to get that name. If that fails, get a lawyer who will take the case on a pro-bono or contingent fee basis. My legal eagles disagree on whether the Small Claims judge can demand the name from the credit union. *

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, Box 7788, Philadelphia, PA 19101. Harry urges all his readers to give blood - contact the American Red Cross at 800-GIVE LIFE.