[AngeloAnolin]

"The only thing Social Security numbers should be used for is to pay our taxes, which identity thieves are welcome to do."

Likely they may not be paying taxes, but have already found a way to circumvent the system such that they collect something (aid, EI, etc).

[prdonahue]

Actually what they do is early filing to receive any refund that would be coming to you.

[MichaelBurge]

Does the IRS lose money if they give the refund to the wrong person? Or is the onus on you to find the criminal and sue him?

[64738]

Yes, they lose billions per year in fraudulent refunds.