Some fake firms were no more than postal addresses, but others went as far as to open physical premises, with the result that some districts in northern parts of Los Angeles County, such as Burbank, Glendale and North Hollywood, have suddenly sprouted half a dozen shopfronts displaying bandages and prosthetic limbs where there might have been one before.

ECONOMIST: Medicaid fraud

Duncan pleaded no contest more than 20 years ago to creating a fake charity to sponsor bingo games.

NPR: SC Man Among Leaders Arrested In FL Gambling Probe

But those who used fake paperwork to get jobs picking our strawberries, caring for our children, or doing award-winning journalism are no more a threat to public order than our pioneer ancestors were.

FORBES: America's Illegal Pioneers