article_snippet: When you have a fake Social Security number, that's what allows you to fraudulently do all kinds things, claim things like the earned income tax credit or other tax benefits.'
article_snippet: People in the country illegally often use fake or stolen Social Security numbers to get jobs and report wages, as do other people who do not want to be found by the government.
article_snippet: Thieves use stolen Social Security numbers to claim fraudulent tax refunds.
article_snippet: The IRS estimated The IRS paid out $5.8 billion in fraudulent tax refunds in 2013 because of identity theft.
article_snippet: The plan is frighteningly simple — steal Social Security numbers, file tax returns showing a false refund claim, and then have the refunds electronically deposited or sent to an address where the offender can access the refund checks,' said acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline Ciraolo.
article_snippet: In some cases, acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline Ciraolo said, false tax returns are filed using Social Security numbers of deceased taxpayers or others who are not required to file.
highlights_snippet: The IRS estimated The IRS paid out $5.8 billion in fraudulent tax refunds in 2013 due to identity theft .