Common Myths About Identity Change
Changing your identity can seem like an appealing fresh start. However, it’s essential to understand the realities behind some common myths. Let’s debunk these myths and clarify what happens when you change your identity.
Myth 1: You Become a Completely New Person
Reality: You remain the same person but with a new name, identity, or SSN/SIN number.
Legal and Financial Obligations Remain
Your financial and legal obligations stay the same even after changing your identity. For instance, any debts, loans, or legal responsibilities you had before will still follow you. Thus, a name change doesn’t erase your past obligations.
Government and Agency Notifications
Furthermore, the federal government shares your new SSN/SIN information with multiple agencies, including the IRS/CRA, child support agencies, state/regional tax agencies, student loan companies, and entitlement programs. This interconnectedness ensures that your new identity is not completely separate from your past.
Access by Financial Institutions
Law enforcement, collection agencies, credit bureaus, banks, and other financial institutions will also have access to your name change. Therefore, while your name might change, your history with these institutions does not disappear. Trust Amicus International to help you navigate this complex process.
Case Study: Anthony Curcio
Anthony Curcio, a former college football star, turned to crime and eventually entered the witness protection program. Despite his new identity, he had to comply with ongoing legal obligations related to his past, including financial debts and legal responsibilities. His life under a new identity was complex, highlighting that a name change does not erase past obligations.
Myth 2: You Receive a Completely New Set of Documentation
Reality: New documents are often linked to your old identity.
Birth Certificate Amendments
Federal, state, and provincial laws vary, but generally, a name change for safety reasons does not entitle you to a brand-new birth certificate. Instead, your birth certificate may be amended to reflect the change.
DMV Requirements
When you apply for a new ID, such as a driver’s license, the DMV requires source documents like a Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN), verified against your old identity.
Background Checks
This process includes presenting your birth certificate and name history and surrendering your former ID card. All this information is cross-checked in a database, and any discrepancies or changes can be revealed during background checks.
Case Study: Henry Hill
A former mobster turned FBI informant, Henry Hill, was relocated under a new identity. Despite receiving new documents, his old identity was still traceable through various amendments and cross-references in official databases. His experience underscores that new documents are often linked to your old identity, making complete anonymity challenging.
Myth 3: A New Identity Means a Clean Slate
Reality: Changing your SSN/SIN results in losing your credit history, professional accomplishments, and educational credentials.
Loss of Credit and History
Your new identity won’t carry over your past credit report, bank accounts, educational degrees, job history, or rental history, as these are tied to your old SSN/SIN and name. Therefore, starting over with a new identity can mean losing valuable history and credentials.
Challenges in Building New History
Without a credit history, obtaining a credit card or loan becomes difficult. Employers and landlords may also view a spotless record with suspicion, potentially hindering your ability to secure employment or housing.
Case Study: Witness Protection Participants
Individuals in witness protection programs often face challenges rebuilding their lives under new identities. They lose their previous credit histories and professional credentials, making securing loans, credit cards, or even jobs difficult. This reality demonstrates that a new identity does not provide a clean slate but rather a complex process of starting over.
Myth 4: Your Name Change is Entirely Confidential
Reality: Most jurisdictions require some form of official public notice.
Public Notice Requirements
Depending on where you live, name changes often require public notices. Some states and provinces mandate that you publish a notice in the newspaper, while others post the information on courthouse doors.
Online Publication Risks
Many newspapers now publish their content online, making it easier for someone to find your petition. This public notice requirement is intended to prevent fraud but can compromise your privacy.
Case Study: Domestic Violence Victims
Victims of domestic violence who seek to change their names for safety reasons often find their privacy compromised due to public notice requirements. For instance, in some states, victims must publish their name change in local newspapers, which are also available online, making it easier for abusers to track them down. This situation highlights the risk of public exposure even when attempting to safeguard one’s identity.
Myth 5: A New Name and SSN/SIN Ensure Anonymity
Reality: People are often tracked through friends and family, not just their social security number.
Risks from Known Acquaintances
Even with a new identity, a determined individual might still track you through friends and family who know your new identity and location. This social connection can inadvertently compromise your anonymity.
Electronic Surveillance
If you have ongoing legal issues with an abuser or do not plan to relocate, the risk of your new identity being discovered is exceptionally high. Additionally, if the abuser uses electronic surveillance or other technology to track your activities, a name or SSN change may not suffice.
Case Study: Witness Protection Failures
In some instances, criminals have tracked down individuals in witness protection through their social networks. Despite their new identities, connections with old friends or family members can inadvertently reveal their new locations. This demonstrates that anonymity through a new identity is not foolproof and requires comprehensive measures.
Myth 6: Changing Your SSN/SIN and Name is the Only Way to Protect Yourself
Reality: There are various strategies to protect your identity.
Alternative Forms of ID
- Offer an Alternative Form of ID: If a business or organization asks for your SSN, offer your driver’s license number, passport, proof of address, or a student ID instead. This approach can reduce the number of places where your SSN is recorded.
Questions to Ask When Required to Provide SSN
- Ask Why and How It Will Be Used: If the business insists on your SSN, ask why it is necessary and how it will be handled. You have the right to know how your information will be stored and shared.
Safe Practices for SSN Management
- Leave Your Card at Home: Memorize your SSN and keep the card locked away. Avoid carrying it in your wallet or entering it into your phone or other devices.
- Shred Mail and Documents: To protect against identity theft, regularly shred documents with personal details. Avoid leaving mail in an outside mailbox for long periods.
- Avoid Using Your SSN as a Password: Do not use your SSN or parts of it as a password. Password files can be stolen, and someone could watch you type them in.
- Don’t Send SSN Electronically: Avoid sending your SSN through email or instant messages. These can be intercepted and read. If necessary, provide your SSN in person or over the phone.
- Don’t Share It with Strangers: Only provide your SSN to trusted entities and never to someone you don’t know who contacts you unsolicited.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Monitor your bank and credit card balances closely for suspicious activity. Many banks offer account alerts for unusual transactions.
Additional Protection Steps
Additional steps include securely Googling yourself to see what information is publicly available. Amicus International can provide a new identity not easily discovered online, ensuring your safety and privacy.
Case Study: Identity Theft Victims
Victims of identity theft often adopt various strategies to protect their identities. For example, they might use alternative forms of ID, regularly monitor their bank accounts, and avoid sharing their SSNs unnecessarily. These measures help mitigate the risk of further identity theft and demonstrate that changing your SSN and name is not the only solution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing your identity involves more than just adopting a new name or SSN/SIN. It’s a complex process that does not erase your past obligations, challenges, or histories. Whether you are considering this change for safety, privacy, or a fresh start, understanding the realities and myths surrounding identity change is crucial.
From legal and financial obligations to documentation intricacies and the importance of maintaining privacy, it’s evident that a new identity is not a simple solution. Comprehensive strategies, careful planning, and professional assistance from services like Amicus International can help you navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring you make informed decisions and protect yourself best.
If you would like to work with a professional team that can help make your transition to a life of freedom, contact Amicus Int. for New Identity services today.
