“I thought I was a victim of child identity theft—until I discovered the truth: my own mother had stolen my identity, my future, and my trust.”

In this deeply compelling and emotionally charged episode, Stacey sits down with Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton, a professor, author, and survivor of one of the most personal crimes imaginable: identity theft at the hands of her own mother. From an idyllic childhood on an Indiana farm to the shocking discovery that her credit had been ruined before she turned 20, Axton shares the harrowing journey of uncovering layers of betrayal buried in secrecy, manipulation, and financial devastation.

Axton’s story is not just about theft, but the emotional toll of familial deception and the long road to reclaiming her identity, stability, and peace. Through her academic work and her critically acclaimed memoir, “The Less People Know About Us,” she has become a national voice for victims of familial identity theft. This episode explores the intersection of trauma, mental health, justice, and resilience—and what it means to heal when the person who harmed you is the one who raised you.

What You’ll Learn:

• What familial identity theft is and how it differs from other forms of identity theft
• Why children and older adults are especially vulnerable to identity fraud
• How Axton discovered her mother had stolen her identity and that of other family members
• The emotional and relational fallout of discovering long-term betrayal
• Practical tips to protect yourself from financial, medical, and government benefits identity theft
• The role of credit freezes, monitoring, and emotional support in recovery
• Why victims of familial identity theft often find more help from therapists than financial institutions

Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton is an associate professor specializing in consumer studies and identity theft at South Dakota State University. A leading researcher in familial identity theft, Axton turned her traumatic experience into a platform for education and reform. Her memoir, The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity, has been featured by NPR, The New York Times, and other major media outlets. Her work sheds light on a hidden epidemic affecting countless families.

Connect with Axton:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAxtonBetzHamilton/
• Book: The Less People Know About Us
  • Hardcover – https://amzn.to/3XsFgE9
  • Kindle – https://amzn.to/4oBCFDR

Resources & Links:

• Identity Theft Resource Center: idtheftcenter.org
• Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Reporting: identitytheft.gov
• Credit Freeze Info: consumer.ftc.gov

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