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From: dwp@willett.pgh.pa.us (Doug Philips)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: Re: Multiple identities
Message-ID: <2307.UUL1.3#5129@willett.pgh.pa.us>
Date: 5 Feb 91 20:15:15 GMT
References: <1991Jan30.040343.8882@pa.dec.com>
Organization: (n.) to be organized.  But that's not important right now.
Lines: 39

> Mechanics:  How hard is it to set this up?  My separate identity, Joe
> Anonymous, couldn't get a credit card without lying, but he might be
> able to get a debit VISA card backed by a cash deposit.  By
> registering Joe Anonymous as a business with the county (a $30 or less
> proposition), Joe could get his own bank account for checks and ATM
> cards.  Sure, the correlation between Joe Anonymous and myself would be
> in the public record, but I doubt anybody would bother to check unless Joe
> started doing something illegal or annoying.
> 
> Legality:  Are there any laws that make establishing a separate identity
> illegal?  Of course Joe would have to steer clear of any sort of lying on
> credit applications and such.  But if I tell Safeway or Radio Shack that
> my name is Joe Anonymous, can I run into any problems?  What happens if
> Joe signs legal contracts like car rental agreements?  What if Joe purchases
> a plane ticket and then needs a refund.  The only ID would be a document
> showing that Joe Anonymous was a business.  Hmmm...

As you have already heard, some places allow you to use any name you want so
long as you aren't attempting criminal activity.  This doesn't prevent people
from taking advantage of the ignorance of this (in particular the scams
that charge a modest fee for having your maiden name changed when you get
married, etc.).  

What I want to know is where to go to find out if State <X> has some particular
laws regarding this.  Setting up Business checking accounts, etc. is a more
expensive prospect that should be avoided when possible.  BTW:  I have never
needed more than a receipt in order to get a refund.  One might imagine that
you could tell the clerk (call ahead if you're worried) that you are there
on that person's behalf.  Of course, one is often "required" to show ID if
purchasing via check or credit card.  Cash/C.O.D./Money orders are ways around
that.  I'm sure there are others.  I know these subjects are annual/semi-
annual/weekly topics of discussion on the net.  Does anyone know where, if
anyplace, such things are archived?  Is there a regular posted message in
some group(s) or other?

Thanks in advance,
Doug
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