Sure, I understand. It was just your characterization of them belonging to a "nationwide group" that puzzled me - as though they were members of a sworn conspiracy.
To my understanding, there have always been such scam artists and imposters. I should think that modern technology (the Internet, etc.) would have made it actually more difficult to pull that off!
Regards,
Unfortunately, people who have their identity compromised can face ugly consequences.
Now, while *I* did not classify these vile cretins as a nationwide group, I know someone this happened to. She is a doctor and had her identity stolen. A person in a state halfway across the country (a state she had never even been to) got arrested and used her name and information. Even had fake business cards and other ID with HER information on it.
She had to get an attorney involved because it was going to jeopardize her medical licenses and practice. Thankfully, she could prove she was over 1,000 miles away.