Doctors nationwide victimized in ID theft fraud

Many doctors and other health care professionals across the United States are reporting identity theft by criminals who used their personal information to file false tax returns and obtain refunds.

Officials with the Connecticut State Medical Society say the Secret Service told them that tax fraud involving doctors has been reported in 49 states. They say a few thousand physicians nationwide appear to have been affected, based on conversations with their colleagues in other states.

Dentists and nurses also report being victimized in similar frauds.

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy of Connecticut asked the IRS and Secret Service on Thursday to investigate. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire made the same request last month.

The IRS and Secret Service confirm they're investigating but won't release details.