Legal Definitions - impostor

An impostor is an individual who falsely assumes the identity of another person with the specific intent to deceive others. This deception is typically carried out to gain some form of benefit, such as money, property, services, or access, which they would not be entitled to under their true identity.

• Example 1 (Financial Fraud): A person finds a check made out to "Sarah Jenkins." Knowing that Sarah Jenkins is currently traveling abroad, the person creates a counterfeit identification card bearing Sarah's name and photo. They then present this fake ID at a bank and successfully cash the check, keeping the funds for themselves.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the individual is an impostor because they pretended to be Sarah Jenkins, using a false identity to deceive the bank and illegally obtain the money from the negotiable instrument (the check).

• Example 2 (Professional Deception): An individual, lacking any legal qualifications or license, sets up an office and displays forged diplomas and a bar association membership certificate belonging to a real, practicing attorney from a different city. They then begin offering legal advice and representing clients in minor cases.

  Explanation: This person acts as an impostor by falsely presenting themselves as a qualified and licensed attorney (the real attorney) to deceive clients and provide services they are not legally authorized to perform.

• Example 3 (Online Identity Theft): An individual creates an online dating profile using the name, photographs, and personal background details of a different person they found on social media. They then use this fabricated identity to engage in conversations and build relationships with unsuspecting individuals, eventually asking for money for a fabricated emergency.

  Explanation: The person operating the fake dating profile is an impostor. They have assumed another person's identity to deceive others into believing they are someone else, with the ultimate goal of gaining financial benefits (money) under false pretenses.