Two women accused of using Craigslist to steal 250 identities in 30 states

(CBS) NEW YORK - Two Nassau County women are accused of using fake Craigslist ads to steal the tax refunds of more than 250 people across 30 states.

CBS New York reports that Susan Pemberton, 42, and Cynthia Sibert, 22, were indicted Tuesday. They have been charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud.

"This is the first time we've ever seen this," Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said. "They apparently were doing this - not only ripping off the state tax department but also the IRS."

Rice said between February 2010 and October 2011, Pemberton and Sibert placed ads on Craigslist for non-existent jobs or apartments. The alleged victims would then fill out applications which asked for their name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.

The indictment says the pair would then use the information on the applications to file fraudulent state income tax returns requesting more than $500,000 in refunds.

Pemberton and Sibert used the stolen identities to apply for bank loans and credit cards as well, said Rice.

Police found computers, documents and notebooks with detailed records of the victims' personal information and tax fund amounts with entries labeled, "Big Fat Refund" in the defendant's homes.

The investigation is ongoing.