Using people's name without their consent?

Question

How serious it is if someone is using other people's name without their consent?
For example if someone owns a company and claims that mister x and dr. y are members of his board of directors, and this is false, Is this a crime?
In addition, how serious is false filling with the secratery of state?
For example if someone fill that mister z is his company's treasurer and he is not even employed with the company, what law would he be violating?
Are all of those criminal?

Answer 1

It will depend on your state's laws. Identity theft usually only applies if the person who's name is falsely used is harmed financially. In this case, it sounds like someone is trying to claim to have a legitimate company with credible people running it. That would imply that whoever is making these false claims is trying to defraud someone. So, you may have a case where a person could be charged criminally with "theft by fraud", and, additionally, sued in civil court for any financial damages.

Recognize that proving a criminal case is more difficult than a civil one (it requires a higher burden of proof), so some prosecutors (notoriously cowardly people) will avoid taking the case on, unless put under heavy pressure.

Answer 2

Libel and defamation of character are crimes..Im not sure police acknowledge them as crimes though.If something is true and you have facts to back it up then you can say whatever you want about a person..It is America.

Answer 3

Its called FRAUD. and yes its criminal and punishable under the law. Contact your state Attorney Generals office for assistance.

Answer 4

It would be libel or slander depending on the context of how the name was used.

Answer 5

yes. it's identity theft