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In the Greco-Roman classical era, Roman emperors sometimes pretended to be gods, claiming deific powers and divine authority for taking advantage of local citizens. During the Middle Ages, it became necessary for travelers throughout Europe and other parts of the world to secure letters from masters or feudal lords they represented in order to confirm their identities. In 16th century England, Elizabeth I instituted the sumptuary laws that forced people to dress at their own class level, under penalty and fines if they dressed above their rank, which was spelled out in great detail.
With the advent of the modern novel, many accounts of attempted or successful identity theft were published, including Moll Flanders in the 18th century about a prostitute who wears many hats to survive in a rough urban environment. During the 19th century, British author Mary Ann Evans took the pseudonym of George Eliot to masquerade as a man in hopes of deflecting anti-feminist sentiment about her writing.
Numerous police files over the past century or two provide evidence to the increasing efforts of some to capitalize on the well being of others by stealing their names and ownership documents to claim possessions they are not entitled to. From writing checks in someone elses name to staging a death for insurance benefits, identity fraud takes many forms and victims. While it has always been relatively easy to change a name on a private or public record, or to pretend to be someone else of another age or gender to reap unmerited benefits, such crimes have become far easier with the advent of the technology age.
Computer systems are able to access huge databases of information, including employee names and social security numbers. Unscrupulous persons working for a large company with this type of system often are able to break into it and steal someones personal identification information, such as name, social security number, and contact information. Then they can create a new, separate identity that allows these frauds to collect multiple paychecks and welfare payments, along with providing entry to bank accounts or other financial holdings.
Wherever you work or do business, be sure to inquire about the confidentiality of your records. Take extra precautions when choosing a password so that others cannot easily guess what yours might be and then hack into the system to access your data.
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