What is it called when you use a person's name in a document without asking their permission?

Question

If you list a bunch of people's names in something without aking them, what is it called and is it against the law?

I don't mean stealing someone's identity(like using their credit card or something) or using their work. I mean if I anonymously wrote somebody a letter or email, but I put a list of people's first names (including my own) without asking everyone if they were okay with it. Would that be considered breaking the law?

Answer 1

Oh, well I would imagine it would then depend on what the document does or what you are doing with that document. I am pretty sure that creating a list of peoples names in of itself is not a problem especially without attaching anything that is actually "identifying", such as SSN, address, date of birth, account numbers, etc. Another issue would then be also whether the document that the names are on would be derogatory or harmful to anyone in someway and how much that harm would cause to a person. (If it's a minor insult versus a major embarrassment, the victim would be less likely to do anything about it). If you are using the document to indicate the person who's name is listed is granting some sort of approval or support, that could open up various fraud issues, etc.

Answer 2

There is no law prohibiting listing people's names unless you are attempting to commit a crime by doing so. In other words, the act in itself is not a crime.

Using people's names without their permission is considered very rude but is not a crime.

If by using their names without their permission you expose them to ridicule, harassment, or other negative consequences, you can be sued in civil court.

It's always better to get permission before using a person's name.

Additional:

If the purpose of your email is to harass, annoy or otherwise cause a person "harm," that might be construed as a "crime," or subject you to being sued in civil court.

You should never send an "anonymous" email because that implies you have malicious (harmful) intent.

Emails are not anonymous.

Sending anonymous emails with a list of names would seem to be pointless

Answer 3

Much depends on how it is used, and the type of document. If it is a formal business, police, or incident report, names are pretty much required, with or without permission. Also, if the context is common knowledge, there is probably no requirment to ask. Are you possibly thinking of using another's work without their permission? If so, that is plagiarism.

Answer 4

Forgery, identity theft.

Answer 5

still I believe its forgery. You have to get a persons permission to use any form of their info for anything.

Answer 6

idenity theft

Answer 7

fraud, you will go to jail