CRIMINAL USES OF FALSE IDENTIFICATION - A STATEMENT OF A NATIONAL PROBLEM

• NCJ Number: 38864
• Journal: State Peace Officers Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 48 Dated: (SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1976) Pages: 3-7
• Author(s): T P KABASERVICE; D J MUCHOW
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: State Peace Officers Journal
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES METHODS OF OBTAINING FALSE IDENTIFICATION, THE USES OF FALSE IDENTIFICATION, AND THE U.S. GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEM.

Abstract

FALSE IDENTIFICATION MAY BE OBTAINED READILY THROUGH COMMERCIAL SOURCES OR THROUGH STOLEN IDENTIFICATION. IN ADDITION, A FALSE IDENTITY MAY BE ESTABLISHED THROUGH FRAUDULENT USE OF THE BIRTH CERTIFICATION OF A DECEASED PERSON. POSSESSION OF FALSE IDENTIFICATION GIVES THE CRIMINAL THE MEANS TO 'APPEAR' AND 'DISAPPEAR' WITH EASE. ALTHOUGH EXACT NUMBERS CANNOT BE CALCULATED, FALSE IDENTITY DOCUMENTS ARE USED EXTENSIVELY IN SUCH CRIMES AS DRUG SMUGGLING, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE, FRAUD AGAINST BUSINESS, AND FRAUD AGAINST GOVERNMENT (SUCH AS WELFARE FRAUD). IN NOVEMBER 1974 A FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FALSE IDENTIFICATION (FACFI) WAS ESTABLISHED TO STUDY THE USE AND IMPACT OF THE FALSE IDENTITY PROBLEM. THE FACFI WAS CHARGED WITH PREPARING A REPORT ON THIS PROBLEM WHICH WOULD CONTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS, FINDINGS, BACKGROUND MATERIAL, AND PLANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPOSED SOLUTIONS.