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Archiver > GenTips > 2003-02 > 1044284026


From:
Subject: [GenTips] Re: GenTips-D Digest V03 #19
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 09:53:46 EST


It depends, how far back did this person assume a new name? Before the
onslaught of current identity theft, and selling of fake documents for
illegal aliens, it was not very hard at all to assume a new identity and just
walk away.
Look at Sarah Jane Olson as a prime example. She was able to hide her
identity for over 20 years before she was found. Now, being married helped
her to elude her past a little bit better, but my point being, even as early
as 20 - 25 years ago, it was not hard to change your name and assume a new
identity.
If this happened even a little farther back, it was even easier. I have two
uncles that could not prove their birth dates to collect their social
security when they retired, and even though they served in the military, they
would not accept the proof of birth that was accepted for them to serve in
the military.
There were delayed birth registrations for people whose parents for one
reason or another never had their birth dates recorded when their children
were born. My grandfather, and all but one of his brothers had delayed birth
records, not an actual birth certificate. Two of his brothers used their
mother's diary entry to prove their birth, and this was accepted as proof of
their birth!
So, he could have just filed a delayed birth record with his new name, and
had two people "vouch" for him and he had a new identity! Also, a lot of
people just never bothered to file for the new fangled Social Security in the
first place ... that would have made it even easier to assume a new identity.
I am only 40, so these people are only two generations back.

Diane Eaton Hacker


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