How did people in the past prevent identity theft? I mean before the photos and new secure technology on identity documents were available?

Question

How did people in the past prevent identity theft? I mean before the photos and new secure technology on identity documents were available?

In: 568

Answer 1

Identity was largely established by witness. If you could get a handful of people to swear it was you, that was usually enough. It’s only been over the last century or so that your identity became paperwork rather than your physical self and actions.