We've long tracked the cable industry's tendency to sometimes hire less than qualified installation subcontractors, who then proceed to do all manner of interesting things including falling asleep, killing people, torturing kittens, digging in the wrong yard, or blowing up laptops, dishwashers and homes. However Broadband Reports regular David directs our attention to a story out of Alabama that adds tax fraud to the ongoing legacy. According to local news outlets one former cable subcontractor hacked into customer PCs to help a criminal ring file at least 27 bogus tax returns:

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As an independent contractor, Thompson installed cable and internet access. While installing cable and internet service at people’s houses, Thompson hijacked the internet service of customers for whom he had performed work. From his home, Thompson used his laptop and his specialized knowledge and equipment to essentially shut down the customer’s internet and then take over that customer’s internet.

Thompson would then file false tax returns using the hijacked internet which made it appear as if the false tax returns were being filed by the customer. Thompson directed the tax refunds to be placed on pre-paid debit cards.

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It's unclear if the tech actually hacked their modems or (more likely) simply installed PC malware allowing him to take control of the PC itself. Corey Thompson, whose help allowed the group to file at least 27 fraudulent 2011 tax returns netting $91,304, was sentenced to 30 months in prison early last month.