Is Faking Your Death Illegal?
Pseudocide is the (illegal) act of pretending to be dead. This is typically done to get out of a sticky position by creating a whole new identity for yourself. The most prevalent kind of pseudocide is reportedly fake drowning because it lends credence to the lack of a body.
What is Death Faking?
A faked death, also known as a staged death or a pseudocide, is when someone intentionally leads others to believe they have died while they are still alive. Pseudociders may leave signs of their crimes, hints, or other techniques. However, there are a lot of death fakers that fall short. The recently published book Playing Dead: A Journey Through the World of Death Fraud centres on their schemes, their reasons, and how they are covered.
Is it Illegal To Fake Your Own Death?
In general, it is not legally unlawful to fake one’s death. We were unable to locate State or Federal legislation that explicitly bans pseudocide. It would be pretty challenging to pretend dead without breaching any other regulations. For instance, the reasons for pretending to be dead can be unlawful. However, if you have good intentions, it’s possible that you’re fleeing a group or that your life is in danger. You have the legal right to devise a life outside your current one if you despise it.
Can You Go To Jail Faking Your Own Death?
Yes, you could, but it would depend on why you pretended to die and what happened. For instance, they are avoiding being charged with a crime. Therefore, evading a prison term is an obstruction of justice.Pseudocide isn’t always illegal. However, it has so many inherent falsehoods that it is practically impossible to pretend to drown. You’ll simply end yourself immersed in the scam. You may end yourself in jail if you choose such a course of action
What are The Consequences Of Faking Your Own Death?
The following events will force you to deal with the harshest effects of faking your own death.
You Might Wish You Were Dead
By inventing your death, you may not break any specific laws, but if you want to engage with society, it will be hard for you to legally go about your daily life. It’s pretty hard to avoid widespread fraud unless you entirely live off the grid, without access to power, running water, a phone, or other contemporary conveniences:
You will have to use a false identity if you must fill out a lease application—this is
another fraud. You will require utilities whether you live in a home or an apartment. Almost all applications for utilities, including electricity, gas, water, and other services, will ask you for false information.
You’ll probably have to make up your career history and other details if you apply for a job. That is also deception.
If You Fake Your Identity, You will be Jailed For a Misdemeanor Offense:
You can have to serve time in jail if you’re found guilty of using fraudulent identification. Even while state laws may for a jail sentence, it is uncommon for them to be used as a punishment for false ID offences, particularly for minor and first-time offenders. Up to a year in jail might be the punishment for a misdemeanour wrong ID violation; however, receiving a sentence of 30 or 90 days is more typical. A year or more in prison, and perhaps even up to 10 years, can be the punishment for a felony forged ID violation.
You Commit Fraud When You Do a Job With Fabricated Identity:
You’ll probably have to make up your career history and other details if you apply for a job. But, of course, that will be a fraud. Organizations can take action against you.
You will be Violating The Tenant Laws By Fabricating Your Identity While Renting a House:
You will have to use a false identity if you must fill out a lease application—this is another fraud. In addition, you will require utilities whether you live in a home or an apartment
You will not be able to Open Any Bank Account:
Instead of burying it in the backyard or putting it on your mattress, would you like to deposit your money in a bank? Unfortunately, you cannot use your actual social security number when the bank requests one. As a result, the bank may sue you.
You’ll Need to Pay Utility Bills on Other’s Name:
You will be asked for the correct information in almost all utility application forms for services like electricity, gas, water, etc. If you spread false information, you can have to face the consequences.
Getting Life Insurance By Fabricating Your Death is a Serious Crime:
Before you “died,” did you have a life insurance policy? You will break the law if you take any of the money. If it can be proven that your nearest and dearest knew you had faked your death and they received the money, they may also face charges.
If There were Taxes Remaining, You would be charged for Tax Fraud!
Did you have unpaid state or federal taxes when you “died”? Tax fraud is when you fake your death to escape paying them. As a result, you may be the target of government action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I fake my death?
Whether I’m arranging a suicide or a murder, the first thing I’ll do is plan the accident. Then, I’ll conceal myself by bringing money and other supplies for survival. The third tool is the ability to sever all links and contact with pals.
What are the consequences of faking my death?
Fraud can have both criminal and civil aspects (or both). Depending on the gravity of your case, you may be prosecuted with a felony if you are accused of fraud. As a result, there may be penalties, jail time, and compensation. On the other hand, you may be responsible for significant harm caused to another person or business if found guilty of civil fraud.
Can I go to jail for faking my own death?
Although pretending to have died oneself is not always unlawful, it can be a component of other fraudulent or illicit behaviours like tax avoidance, false claims, or evading legal action. I won’t get arrested for making up my own suicide, then.
Why would someone fake their own death?
People may pretend to pass away to avoid paying off large debts.Some believe that faking their death is a resourceful approach to getting money from life insurance. One of them fakes their death in a partnership with their spouse or partner, while the other two split the insurance proceeds. Or perhaps they broke out of jail.
Final Verdict:
No state or federal law is violated when someone fakes their death to escape legal or financial commitments. However, doing so makes it nearly hard to live a meaningful life without routinely committing fraud. You’ll be exposed to potential fraud charges at almost every step since you’ll be obliged to use fake information to apply for jobs, housing, and credit. Additionally, those fraud accusations may be criminal or civil, with penalties like jail time, fines, restitution, or monetary losses. A death impersonation is not a victimless crime. People who grieved for what they thought was an actual death are often incensed and may view the crime as being beyond forgiveness. Accomplices like love partners and kids could be asked to conduct crimes, like making fake police reports or submitting bogus insurance claims, which might lead to criminal prosecution. Those who don’t realize that death is a hoax could feel emotionally abused or used as a tool.
