From Dumpster Diving to Digital Phishing: How Criminals Steal Identities—and How Amicus Provides a Lawful Path to Protection and Reinvention
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Identity theft is no longer just a financial nuisance—it’s a global epidemic costing billions annually and affecting millions of individuals. In its latest report, “Identity Crimes: Types and Prevention,” Amicus International Consulting outlines how identity crimes occur, how to defend against them, and how legal pathways to a new identity offer individuals a proactive solution against future threats.
Drawing from real-world case studies and the latest cybersecurity intelligence, Amicus International identifies the growing threats and details lawful options for securing a second identity, passport, or completely new legal identity.
“In today’s hyper-connected world, the ability to control your identity—and safeguard it—is as vital as controlling your finances,” said Alexander Jean-Baptiste, CEO of Amicus International Consulting. “We offer individuals a way to protect their future legally and ethically.”
Understanding the Threat: How Identity Crimes Happen
Identity crimes involve acquiring personal information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or birth certificates to commit fraud, theft, or impersonation. Criminals utilize both low-tech and high-tech methods to obtain sensitive data.
Non-Technical Schemes: Old-Fashioned Theft Still Thrives
1. Dumpster Diving
Criminals rummage through garbage bins for discarded bills, medical records, or utility statements.
Preventive Measures:
- Shred documents with cross-cut shredders.
- Opt for paperless billing.
- Regularly monitor credit reports.
2. Mail Theft
Intercepting mail remains a primary tactic, providing access to account numbers and billing addresses.
Preventive Measures:
- Use locked mailboxes or P.O. boxes.
- Promptly retrieve mail.
- Set up online banking and billing.
3. Social Engineering and Shoulder Surfing
Manipulating individuals to share private information or visually stealing PIN codes at ATMS.
Preventive Measures:
- Verify the identity of callers or officials.
- Shield keypads while entering PINS.
- Limit sharing personal details over the phone or email.
4. Physical Theft of Wallets and IDS
Stealing wallets remains one of the fastest ways to access a full suite of personal credentials.
Case Study: Bobby Love (Walter Miller)
After escaping from prison, Walter Miller lived for decades under the stolen identity of Bobby Love, building a quiet life in New York. His story highlights how physical ID theft and careful behaviour can enable long-term evasion.
Technological Schemes: Modern Digital Threats
1. Credit and Debit Card Skimming
Devices attached to ATMS or gas pumps capture card data.
2. Pretexting and Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Fraudsters pose as legitimate organizations or intercept online communication to steal login information.
3. Phishing, Vishing, SMiShing, and Pharming
Using fake emails, calls, texts, and fraudulent websites to lure victims into giving up confidential data.
Preventive Measures:
- Only access secure websites.
- Never share passwords over the phone or email.
- Verify suspicious requests directly with companies.
4. Malware and Targeted Phishing
Malicious software records keystrokes or harvests data, often through spam emails and phishing attacks targeting businesses.
Case Study: Ross Ulbricht and the Dark Web
Ulbricht, the creator of Silk Road, masked his online activities using encryption and Tor. Yet early digital fingerprints and social engineering led to his eventual capture. His case emphasizes that even advanced cybercriminals are vulnerable without rigorous discipline.
Financial Fallout: How Identity Theft Destroys Lives
Victims suffer:
- Bank account depletion.
- Unauthorized credit card debts.
- False tax returns filed.
- Criminal records falsely attributed.
- Emotional and psychological distress.
According to the FTC, the average time to resolve identity theft issues is six months, with significant financial and mental tolls.
Expanded Real-World Cases: How Criminals Create New Identities
Christian Gerhartsreiter (Clark Rockefeller)
A German national, Gerhartsreiter, faked his way into Boston’s elite society by posing as a Rockefeller heir. Using forged documents, he lived a life of luxury until a custody battle exposed him.
Jason Derek Brown
On the run for nearly two decades, Brown alters his appearance and uses multiple identities to evade the FBI’s grasp, exemplifying the power of physical transformation and alias maintenance.
Viktor Bout (“Merchant of Death”)
Bout ran one of the world’s most extensive illegal arms trafficking operations using multiple passports and forged identities across Africa and Asia.
Robert Vesco
The fugitive financier acquired second passports and political protection across Costa Rica and the Caribbean, highlighting the strategic use of legal nationality changes to evade extradition.
Legal Solutions: How Amicus International Creates Secure New Identities
Unlike fugitives and criminals, Amicus International Consulting provides lawful, ethical, and secure pathways to new identities through:
- Ancestry-Based Second Citizenship: This involves tapping into heritage roots in countries like Italy, Ireland, Lithuania, and Portugal.
- Citizenship-by-Investment Programs: Gaining nationality through financial investment in nations like Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Malta.
- Legal Name Changes: Documented and certified through government systems.
- Offshore Financial Structuring: Creating international asset protections under new identities.
- Digital Privacy Services: Reducing or erasing biometric and online traces.
“We rebuild legal identities that stand up to government and financial scrutiny,” said Linda Martinez, Legal Director at Amicus. “This is not about escaping justice—it’s about ensuring privacy, survival, and second chances.”
Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late: Identity Protection Tips
- Monitor all financial accounts daily.
- Use two-factor authentication on all digital accounts.
- Employ encrypted VPNS when browsing online.
- Limit the sharing of sensitive information on social media.
- Always verify unusual requests for personal data.
What To Do If Your Identity Is Compromised
- Contact financial institutions immediately.
- Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Place a fraud alert through credit bureaus.
- File a police report with detailed information.
- Monitor credit reports monthly for anomalies.
Amicus International also offers post-breach services, including rapid new identity solutions and second citizenship consultations for those seeking higher security.
Conclusion: Building a Safer Future Through Legal Identity Change
Identity theft continues to evolve—and so must personal protection strategies. Rather than reacting to a crisis after it happens, Amicus International Consulting empowers individuals to proactively secure a new legal identity, second passport, or alternative residence.
“In a world where your digital and personal identity can be stolen in seconds, proactive steps are not just smart—they’re essential,” said Jean-Baptiste.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
Follow Us:
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 Twitter/X
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
