How do you drop off the grid?

edited May 2011 in Man Cave
Sometimes, people need to disappear. They need to drop off the grid completely, without anyone knowing where or why they have gone. Stories of people disappearing and starting totally new lives under a different identity are always interesting to me, but seriously;

How DOES someone disappear completely?

Comments

  • jewnosejewnose Regular
    edited May 2011
    I don't have the answer, but it seems to me that in the US it mostly hinges on getting a social security number. Everything else would be pretty easy. Getting that SS number would have to be a bitch though. There are probably a lot of hoops to jump though to keep people from doing just that.

    So I really want to know too. Hopefully someone will come along and tell us. I've tried looking around online but always come up empty.
  • tachosomozatachosomoza Regular
    edited May 2011
    The best way is to get LEGIT information from a dead person who's around your age. Preferably, their death is not recorded.
  • DfgDfg Admin
    edited May 2011
    Power off the grid or defeat the master computer

    I will add real information later.
  • edited May 2011
    The best way is to get LEGIT information from a dead person who's around your age. Preferably, their death is not recorded.

    Dead person eh? Hmm. That sounds slightly feasible, but I still don't really understand how you assume a new identity legitimately.
  • dr rockerdr rocker Regular
    edited May 2011
    trx100 wrote: »
    Dead person eh? Hmm. That sounds slightly feasible, but I still don't really understand how you assume a new identity legitimately.

    Read the book or watch the film 'The Day Of The Jackel'.

    Although that exact method cannot really be used anymore, it should give you some pointers. It is still fairly easy in the UK to assume the identity - get a passport and driving licence for someone of a similar age to you as long the person died before 2001 and is of a similar age to you and did not have any children - as long as you are willing to put in a two years worth of work to get it before you apply for a social security number. It is much easier (although still wait 2 years for the ssn / nino ) if the parents of the dead person are dead themselves.

    If you are of a certain demographic group - a young healthy male - you could even rob a real ident.

    If I needed one quickly however, I would hang out with the homeless and steal their ident and make sure they would never need it again (if you know what I mean).

    I will one day write the method for my first paragraph, but at the moment that method is being saved if I want to write a book (or bug out) myself.
  • dr rockerdr rocker Regular
    edited May 2011
    Ane looking at the topic again, I would drop of the grid myself by walking away from all I have known. One does not need to asume a new Identity to drop offf the grid - quite the opposite infact.

    If you never want to be found, it is about not being in contact with the grid, nevermind trying to fool the grid.
  • tachosomozatachosomoza Regular
    edited May 2011
    trx100 wrote: »
    Dead person eh? Hmm. That sounds slightly feasible, but I still don't really understand how you assume a new identity legitimately.

    The idea about getting with a homeless person and ganking their shit is spot on, I would have posted it earlier if I hadn't been on my phone and distracted. Those types "drop off the face of the Earth" all the time, if you can dig it. If you're a young white or black person, you're good, because most homeless junkies fit that description. And nobody will miss them, usually.
  • GazaThugGazaThug Semo-Regulars
    edited May 2011
    In the situation you want to drop off the grid COMPLETELY you'd have to fake your own death. Its done by taking a razor and cutting the flesh above the eyebrow. This will produce a strong flow of blood with only a small 1-2 inch cut. Then proceed to trash your house. When cops arrive on scene and investigate to see your blood all over your trashed house, they'll suspect it was a murder, and when no body is found that will be confirmed. By that time you'll be miles away under a new name and identity, just make sure to find a connect with Fake ID's prior to faking your death.
  • KatzenklavierKatzenklavier Regular
    edited May 2011
    If you'd like to drop off completely, I would say just go to a different country, assume a new name and start all over.
  • edited May 2011
    GazaThug wrote: »
    In the situation you want to drop off the grid COMPLETELY you'd have to fake your own death. Its done by taking a razor and cutting the flesh above the eyebrow. This will produce a strong flow of blood with only a small 1-2 inch cut. Then proceed to trash your house. When cops arrive on scene and investigate to see your blood all over your trashed house, they'll suspect it was a murder, and when no body is found that will be confirmed. By that time you'll be miles away under a new name and identity, just make sure to find a connect with Fake ID's prior to faking your death.

    This will mean living on the run for a little while though, won't it? Because surely there would be an investigation, seeing as the body isn't there. The cops could easily assume that you've been kidnapped and launch a large investigation to find you.
  • MooseKnuckleMooseKnuckle Regular
    edited May 2011
    If you'd like to drop off completely, I would say just go to a different country, assume a new name and start all over.

    this. i saw a show on discovery called i (almost) got away with it. shows how criminals get away for years, usually comes down to a dumb mistake that gets them found.
  • edited May 2011
    this. i saw a show on discovery called i (almost) got away with it. shows how criminals get away for years, usually comes down to a dumb mistake that gets them found.

    It's always one little mistake which can expose such a huge mess :( Shame really, it must be a struggle to be on the ball 24/7, making sure no one discovers who you are.
  • buddhabuddha Regular
    edited May 2011
    Not that easy really to get a new identity these days, ghosting and shit.

    Dropping off completely is not that hard though really. ;) and that's all I have to say on the subject.
  • LysdexicLysdexic Regular
    edited May 2011
    If you'd like to drop off completely, I would say just go to a different country, assume a new name and start all over.

    Worked for me. I didnt need to change my identity or anything, just got a fresh start and left my baggage behind.
  • edited May 2011
    Lysdexic wrote: »
    Worked for me. I didnt need to change my identity or anything, just got a fresh start and left my baggage behind.

    How do you like, pay bills and get registered for things which you need legitimate details for? Like getting a job, or going to the doctor, or something.
  • RemadERemadE Global Moderator
    edited May 2011
    this. i saw a show on discovery called i (almost) got away with it. shows how criminals get away for years, usually comes down to a dumb mistake that gets them found.

    Cheers for that! Torrenting now :hai:
  • Willy WonkaWilly Wonka Acolyte
    edited May 2011
    Dropping off the grid would mean dropping every kind of commitment you are tied to. You may desire to have a place to go already planned, or at least a general idea of where you do not want to be. There may be various reasons for wanting to disappear, whether it be hiding from a person, persons, or organizations of various scales. The key to staying off the grid, is to thus stay hidden.

    Either you know you must leave, or you think you might have to leave at some point, either way, you will need to be prepared.

    You would need to set aside things you think you might need.

    If you planned to recluse yourself to the woods, you will need to bring camping equipment, maybe tools such as rope, tarp, tent, knives, water. The less trips you have to make to a city to re-supply, the more time you can spend hiding in the woods.

    If you were planning to blend in to the suburbs and cities of society, you would want a much different set of gear, something much less obvious. For this, think about the things you would take on vacation, or overnight to a friends house. To blend, you will need clean clothes to match the demographic, clean or well kept head and facial hair, cash. You might also need shelter if you're not planning on being a homeless bum.

    Whatever you take, there is one type of item you should never bring; Anything personally identifiable. Obviously not your drivers's license, or anything with your name on it.. but this is obvious. Anything that can point to a place of origin, like a college branded article of clothing, a business card for a local business, photographs, serial numbered items, or phone numbers, are things you must not take with you.

    If you wish to start your life and identity anew, this is a completely separate question.

    To the outside world, you didn't show up for work, you can't be reached on your phone, your apartment is void of your body, and really the only evidence that you exist is that you have existed before. Thus, some further reading you might consider researching on this subject is on how to clean up your past. Suggested reading one could probably find right here on totse, would be both urban and natural survival guides.
  • RemadERemadE Global Moderator
    edited May 2011
    ^ of course with options like going to the wild to live rough for a bit means you may be found more easily (Police search squads) and slowly accumilate the camping gear over a long timeframe. Also pay with cash and wear a hat to the stores, or just get it via friends.
  • edited May 2011
    If you drop off the grid like that and opt for the woods approach, you'd need some means of traveling far away so that search and rescue teams wouldn't be able to track you down quickly enough. How could you get so far away in such little time, without being caught on camera or raising suspicion?
  • RemadERemadE Global Moderator
    edited May 2011
    trx100 wrote: »
    If you drop off the grid like that and opt for the woods approach, you'd need some means of traveling far away so that search and rescue teams wouldn't be able to track you down quickly enough. How could you get so far away in such little time, without being caught on camera or raising suspicion?

    It is possible but not the best route. I've often found myself thinking about getting my BoB and going for a trek along the many miles of woodland near me for however long.
    As for disappearing in the woods, take the bare minimum as well as any new documents, survival books and anything else you will need to start a new life and quite simply - find a way out of your Town/City and to the destination with as little CCTV as possible. Taxi? Hitch-hike? Of course you would need a disguise, so the best way would to be to do a few practice walks, find a route with minimal or better yet, no CCTV and then plan the date and time. Best is early morning or night. Evening is full of Police/Clubbers and day is the best time for CCTV to get your face or track you.

    Once on the outskirts, keep walking/cycling. Don't become complacent just because you're out of the Town/City lines. Head as far as you can that day and as afternoon approaches, find some shelter. The thicker and more lone the woods the better. Go somewhere that dog walkers can't access so as to avoid being disturbed and found.
    Another tip with dog walkers is that they are generally older, and so retired. Good nights to do shit on are usually weekdays due to work at 9am, but with the Retired, it doesn't matter!

    Another tip or 2 -
    • Study local-ish maps and explore beforehand. Just go for walks.
    • Don't take a phone. Failing that, take one with a new, as-of-yet untraced Sim Card and new handset. Buy it online or via a mate so as to not expose you/your address so you can start your new life in peace.
    • Learn survival skills, especially the Dakota fire pit/hole so as to not give away your position via a fire beacon and hunting/trapping.
    • Remember there will be a manhunt for you after 2-3 days of worried relatives, media coverage etc. Get as far away as possible. Ideally another County/State and don't attract attention to yourself. One mistake and you're fucked. Learn the place before you go!
    • Clear your room/abode of any illegal items before the Police come and search it for clues of your whereabouts.
    • Never underestimate the importance of a good knife.
  • Professor ElmProfessor Elm Regular
    edited May 2011
    They patched that glitch for getting out of Grid :*(
  • edited May 2011
    It is possible but not the best route. I've often found myself thinking about getting my BoB and going for a trek along the many miles of woodland near me for however long.

    I'd like to do that too, the only thing holding me back would be the fact that using up certain supplies could end up being a bit of a waste considering it's not a real emergency. I guess you could cook food and shit on a fire though, so the only thing you're losing is your packet of pasta :D
  • edited May 2011
    Do you mean "off the grid" as in disappearing, or as in living off of the land?

    I knew some folks in Taos, New Mexico who made houses out of tires and recycled glass bottles and shit (I think they're called "earthships"). They collected their own water, grew their own food, etc.

    EDIT: Nowadays, people build Earthships wired with electricity and equipped with running water for regular folks who want a nature-friendly abode.
  • GoingNowhereGoingNowhere Global Moderator
    edited May 2011
    Join the French Foreign Legion, you get a new identity after you have served your time. Thats why it has had a history of criminals as soldiers, because they get a completely new identity and therefore no crime record.
  • edited May 2011
    Join the French Foreign Legion, you get a new identity after you have served your time. Thats why it has had a history of criminals as soldiers, because they get a completely new identity and therefore no crime record.

    1.) That shit is very difficult to get into.
    2.) That shit will get you killed.
    3.) You have to learn French.
  • dr rockerdr rocker Regular
    edited May 2011
    1.) That shit is very difficult to get into.
    2.) That shit will get you killed.
    3.) You have to learn French.

    No it is not. As long as you do not have convictions for srs dishohnesty or violence linked to metal illness, you can get in. You are more likely to get killed in the FFR due to heavy training than fighting, so as long as you are very fit, it is all good. You do not have to learn French as much as is it is drilled the fuck into you - if you can stay awake - ie you are not a pussy - as they drill it into you when they wake you up in the middle of the night to teach it to you, you will learn it - you are more 'indoctrinated' into speaking French than actually having to learn it.

    If you do feel you are a bit of a psyco, join the FFR para - if you can pass the physical the rules (although this is not generally published) around your state of mind are even more relaxed.

    The biggest draw back is the pay - its pretty shit.

    The biggest benefit is once FFR, always FFR - you join, do your years and leave. Say you do a bank job afterwards and you are being looked for by authorities in countries other than France - you can join back up and the FFR will hide you some where in the world as long as you obey orders.

    Join as a foriegner and leave and commit a crime in France and the FFR will take your arse back and run you to death.
  • edited May 2011
    spazz wrote: »
    Just live a lifestyle that doesnot require identification. In The big industrial nations this means being a bum.

    Eventually, everyone's going to have to have an ID card at all times.

    I'm sure that following the introduction of national ID cards, they'll pass laws that make it so that people who cannot produce ID cards on the spot have to be taken to the police station, as they just won't be able to be sure that you're not a dangerous criminal.
  • dr rockerdr rocker Regular
    edited May 2011
    Eventually, everyone's going to have to have an ID card at all times.

    I'm sure that following the introduction of national ID cards, they'll pass laws that make it so that people who cannot produce ID cards on the spot have to be taken to the police station, as they just won't be able to be sure that you're not a dangerous criminal.

    Well, I can never see this happening in the UK, so think again.
  • edited May 2011
    dr rocker wrote: »
    Well, I can never see this happening in the UK, so think again.

    How about the U.S.?
  • dr rockerdr rocker Regular
    edited May 2011
    How about the U.S.?

    It is a possiblity there - while you have some rights I envy, your governments ability to ride rough shod over the constitution amazes me. The swing to the left there also astounds me - starting with clinton and with some of the policies of obama, it is like a trick to dupe the population - the american liberal politcal class has been drawn from liberal to almost socialist.

    I think it is the problem of the presidential system - voting on personality as much as policy. In my lifetime I remember most of Regans term - a good man - Bush snr, a businessman and not too bad and then to Clinton - a leftist liberal and the counter reaction - W - a dumb right winger and the swing in the other direction to what we have now.

    American politics will swing to more extreme levels with each presidential election that goes.

    Within the american system, one man has too much power - although this can be balanced with the senate and congress, it is the opinion of the masses that elect one man - not that the opinion of the masses is bad, but when it is for one man...
  • GazaThugGazaThug Semo-Regulars
    edited May 2011
    Your right, that possibility is there. But if you take the risk of staying on the run for a little while, the case well eventually go cold .
  • edited May 2011
    The biggest problem is that our government ignores some really important laws, and the second that we first allowed them to, we set the precedent for our rights to be chipped away bit by bit.

    Once you've given up privacy and civil rights to be safe, or freedom of speech in order not to be offended, or anything like that, it's probably only going to get worse. It seems like it doesn't matter who's in the white-house on this one. They're not going to just stop expanding executive power, or give up power that they already have.
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