Local woman told by IRS that someone filed a tax return using her Social Security number

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) - Andrea Fielder and her husband are getting ready to celebrate their daughter's first birthday next month.

They were counting on using money from their tax return for some of the expenses, but after Andrea e-filed  she discovered a problem.

"My email says correct and re-file your federal return," says Fielder.

She soon learned her federal tax return was rejected. She called the IRS and discovered her return was already processed.

The IRS looked into it and told Fielder she was a victim of fraud.

The IRS says this kind of thing is happening a lot.

Recently, more than 100 arrests were made in nationwide sweeps.

Erick Martinez is the Special Agent in Charge of the IRS criminal investigation division. He reminds us all to shred papers with personal information, check our credit report and make sure to use a reputable business to file.

Fielder says because of the fraud the IRS says it will now take 3 months to get her refund.

"I know it's a hard time for everybody, but stealing from other people isn't the answer," says Fielder.

For more information on how to protect yourself, go to http://www.irs.gov/