Approximately how many stolen tax records were used to file for fraudulent tax refunds in the IRS data breach of 2015?

In the IRS data breach of 2015, approximately 15,000 stolen tax records were indeed used to file for fraudulent tax refunds. This incident involved hackers accessing personal data from taxpayers and then using that information to submit fraudulent tax returns, leading to significant financial losses for both individuals and the IRS.

Understanding the extent of the breach is crucial, as it highlights the vulnerability of sensitive financial information and underscores the importance of protecting personal data. During this breach, the stolen records allowed the fraudsters to file returns and claim refunds, emphasizing the need for organizations and individuals to implement robust identity protection measures to combat identity theft and fraud. The number 15,000 reflects the real-world implications of such breaches, where organized crime often targets tax refund processes as a lucrative opportunity.