Impersonation

Assuming the identity of another person, real or unreal, deceased or living, or pretending to possess characteristics that do not accurately reflect one's true attributes or background are characteristics of impersonation. The individuals who practice this activity are commonly known as impersonators; however, if the impersonation involves fraud and deception, other more negative terms are used, such as impostors, charlatans, or mountebanks. Criminal forms of impersonation are often referred to as false personation and offenders are subject to varying forms and degrees of sanction.

Throughout history, there have been numerous cases of people who use have used false personation in a variety of different ways and many have become quite famous for their activities. Many of these identity thieves have been the inspiration for books, articles, television specials, documentaries, plays, and movies and have achieved a significant degree of notoriety during the periods of time in which they lived (and still live).

George Psalmanazar was one of the early imposters to become famous as a result of false affirmation. In the very early 1700s, Psalmanazar claimed to be a native of Formosa (modern day Taiwan) and became somewhat of a curiosity in Europe as he passed himself as an expert in Formosan culture. His book, An Historical and Geographical Description of Formosa, was published in 1704 and Psalmanazar was given an academic appointment at Oxford College as a linguistic translator and lecturer in Formosan civilization.

However, people began to wonder why this person of reportedly Asian descent was blond and light-skinned. Jesuit missionaries who had been to Formosa were especially vocal in refuting his claims. The impostor continued the hoax until 1706, when he admitted to misleading the public. Although little is known of his actual identity, it is believed that Psalmanazar (which was not his original name) was a French wanderer. He continued to write and publish until his death. The memoirs of his imposture were published posthumously.