Identity Theft: The Michelle Brown Story (2004) Movie Script
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MICHELLE: I drew the same house
every time--
red door with a white picket
fence.
I think my mother thought I had
no imagination,
but really, all I wanted was
that house.
So I kept drawing it.
I guess I thought that one day
it would become real, you know?
Like Pinocchio becoming a real
boy.
And who knows, maybe someday it
will.
Maybe Santa Claus will bring me
one for Christmas.
No, a house is way too big to
fit on Santa's sleigh.
[LAUGHTER]
Good point.
Yes, you're right.
That is way too big a present.
Unless you get a baby doll's
house, couldn't you?
Oh, I didn't think of that.
This is my picture.
Here's my red door and my white
picket fence.
I had some flowers in the front
yard.
This was my dream.
What's yours?
Paint me a picture.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[THUMP]
Wow.
[CREAK]
What do you think?
I think it needs a lot of work.
[LAUGHS] Hi.
Hi.
REAL ESTATE AGENT: We've got the
square footage right here.
Hi, how are you?
Thank you.
Thank you.
MICHELLE: [SIGHS] Wow.
It's got great potential.
Are you and I looking at two
different houses here?
Oh, come on.
I like the wagon wheel.
Yeah.
Ooh.
I think-- what if--
do you think that there's any
way to, like,
make the kitchen bigger?
Well, if this wall can be
moved, which it will--
probably that one, that one, and
that one--
all but this is just a
supporting wall.
But the answer to that question
is yes.
So we could have this big
kitchen in here.
It would be a very large
kitchen, yes.
I-- I really like it.
I really like it.
You like it that much?
I just think we could do so
much with it.
Let's go upstairs, come on.
Right there.
Let's go kick the tires, honey.
This has to go.
So you know the extra bedroom,
right?
MICHELLE: Yeah.
JUSTIN: Well, we could use it as
a guest bedroom,
but we could also use it as your
office.
That would be great.
Pretty great, right?
Oh, I would love to have an
office.
And you know the wall on the
south side of the bedroom?
Uh-huh.
We remove that, you got a
walk-in closet.
[LAUGHS] I've never had a
walk-in closet in my life.
Just a little coat of paint.
It'll be just like brand new. -
See?
I knew it.
This is the perfect house.
I feel really, really good about
this.
Connie, we've got to get these
out right away.
Oh.
Don't you think midnight blue
is the perfect color
for a really classy car?
You're looking at a very
expensive luxury vehicle there.
Well, I figure if I'm going to
dream,
I might as well dream big.
BARRY: Well, dream away.
Uh, Connie, these need to go in
the mail today.
You don't think I'm ever going
to have that kind of car,
do you?
Sure. Why not?
[PHONE RINGING]
You've made a great start coming
to work every morning.
Yeah.
[PHONE RINGING]
How about answering the phone,
huh?
[PHONE RINGING]
[SIGHS]
[PHONE RINGING]
Knowland Mortgage and Loan.
So you can put in skylights?
How cool is that?
It's going to be pretty cool.
OK, so you're going to open up
the kitchen.
It'll be huge.
It'll be tons of light and
French doors
that open out onto the patio.
Patio?
Yeah, the one you're going to
build.
OK, a patio it will be then.
Patio-- right here.
You know, I was thinking about
using the work that I'm doing
as sort of a calling card.
You know, for my company.
And people that want to see what
I can do,
can come see the amazing work
that I'm doing
on my fiance's place and hire--
what do you think about this--
Conroy Construction.
I think that is a great idea.
Good.
I love it.
I love it too.
Should I do it?
Oh, I think you should
definitely do it.
OK, I'm going to do it right
now.
[TOUCH TONES]
Here I go.
SERVER: Let me just grab that
for you.
Hi, this is Michelle Brown.
Um, I visited one of your
properties today
and I would like to make an
offer.
Yes, I'll hold.
What if I don't make enough
money for a loan?
You're a teacher.
Teachers get homes all the time.
Why can't you?
Ugh, I'm going to be in so much
debt, Justin.
Yes, but it's for a good cause,
right?
I know, it's such a big step,
though.
You know?
CONNIE: No, I have--
I have to go.
I have to go.
Bye.
Hi, I'm Michelle Brown.
I know.
Barry's waiting for you.
Oh, great.
That's a nice skirt.
Oh, thanks.
Where did you get that?
Uh, Focus, I think.
Focus-- hm.
I like it.
Thanks.
So where's Barry?
Is he, uh--
Barry.
Great, thanks.
Hi.
BARRY: Hi.
I am Michelle Brown.
Hi, Michelle, nice to meet you.
Barry Knowland. - This is
Justin.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Now relax, because we specialize
in first-time buyers,
I'm confident we're going to
find
a loan just perfect you guys.
OK.
- Have a seat. - Thanks.
Can I get you anything?
Coffee or a tea?
FEMALE CUSTOMER: It's really
nice.
Yes.
Will this be all for you?
Yeah.
I love that scarf.
It's one of our best sellers.
That'll be $53.24.
Sometimes you see something,
like a skirt or a dress,
and it's just like you have to
have it.
You know?
You feel like it'll make your
whole life better.
I could have one of everything
in here.
[MUMBLING] Me too.
[BEEP]
Um, I'm sorry, this card isn't
going through.
Another card maybe, or you could
pay cash?
Oh, no, just run it through
again.
Sometimes that happens.
Sure.
[BEEP]
Mm, I'm sorry.
Declined.
OK.
Oh, you know why?
Because I bought a lot of things
yesterday.
Oh, OK, sure.
But hold it.
Hi.
Bye.
MAN: He got cheated on.
[DOG BARKING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Watch, watch, watch.
I am.
MAN: Just take these.
These are empty.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
FEMALE HOST [ON TV]: You're
right, they are stunning.
But ladies-- and gentlemen--
I want to show you my favorite.
How about you do the honors?
This is a man that knows great
style.
MALE HOST [ON TV]: This jewel is
absolutely stunning,
and it looks stunning on you.
FEMALE HOST [ON TV]: Thank you.
Now, look at that.
Can you see the sparkle through
it?
It is just amazing.
What woman would not want to go
out on the town
and have this sparkle to bring
out her eyes?
Well, it is amazing that they
don't ask for identifying
birthmarks and surgery scars.
[CHUCKLES] I mean, they want
everything.
And they want your former home
addresses
for the last 150 years.
I'm surprised they don't want
your great grandmother's blood
type. - [LAUGHS]
Dogs blood type.
You need a paw print right here.
Sign the whole thing in blood.
[BELL RINGING]
- Hi, Gretchen. - Morning,
Michelle.
- How are you? - I'm well,
thanks.
How are you? - Good, I'm good.
Sorry. - Thank you.
Hello, Emma.
CHILDREN: [IN UNISON] Hi, Ms.
Brown.
Well?
How was the house?
You were supposed to call me.
I know I told you I was going
to,
but I was filling out loan
papers.
Oh, my god. You're buying it?
[HIGH PITCHED] I am! I'm buying
it.
Oh, my god!
Can you believe it?
It is so great.
I love this house.
It's-- it's going to need a ton
of work.
I mean, a ton, but Justin is
going
to do the whole thing himself.
Why can't I ever find a
boyfriend who knows
what to do with his hands?
[LAUGHS]
No, no, no.
You know what I mean.
Yes, I do.
Hi, I'm Michelle Brown.
I met you the other day.
I remember.
Um, I just wanted to hand
deliver this loan application,
since we're on such a tight
schedule--
30-day escrow.
Seems like no time at all.
Well, I'll-- I'll give it to
Barry as soon as he gets back.
Oh.
CONNIE: Anything else?
Um, no.
I'm sorry, it's just I've never
done this before--
you know, bought a house.
It's a little overwhelming.
Well, yeah, I hear that from a
lot of people.
MICHELLE: Really?
Yeah, even though it's always
been my dream to own a house,
ever since I was a little girl.
Isn't that silly?
Most kids want a pony, or a
bike, or a skateboard.
Me, I want a house.
It just seems like a good life
can be built in a good house,
you know?
Well, that's what you'll have.
Yes!
Well, Barry will call you, you
know,
as soon as he gets your loan.
OK.
Thank you.
I don't know your name.
Connie.
Connie.
Thank you so much, Connie.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[BEEP]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
CHRISTINE: [LAUGHING]
MICHELLE: No, but the motor home
is really fun.
CHRISTINE: Motor home?
MICHELLE: Yeah, you should-- you
should see.
I mean, it's like a house, you
know?
It's great.
But you've never lived in a
house before-- ever?
No, just apartments depending
on my dad's work.
And then there was the motel.
You lived in a motel?
Uh-huh.
But, you know, it was kind of
cool because they
had those vending machines.
So we could go down the hall and
get cola or ice or a snack.
Justin, what is that?
What is that color?
JUSTIN: Uh-oh.
This is not white. I thought--
Trust me.
Justin, I thought we were going
with white.
[WHISPERS] Trust me.
It'll be perfect.
Oh, my god.
It looks good.
Yeah, but it's a color.
White is boring.
Yellow is the new white.
[LAUGHTER]
Oh, OK.
Hey, yellow's the new white.
Hey.
So, um, what would you call that
color?
Oh, that color is actually
butternut.
This is a sage green for the
bathroom.
Very subtle, but I think you'll
love it.
I trust you.
I just want to say thank you.
JUSTIN: For?
MICHELLE: Just for being so
excited for me
and supporting me, and making
this house so beautiful.
You're just amazing.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
JUSTIN: Ah, OK.
Kiss me now.
Then grab this.
Hold this here at the top.
MICHELLE: OK.
JUSTIN: Yeah.
Lead the way, Sergeant.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
WOMAN: Come on.
Come on, let's go.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
CONNIE: That-- that's for me.
I was hoping I didn't have to
make another trip.
No, no, no.
You want me to take these
inside?
Well, of course, what do you
think?
I mean, that's the whole point.
You order things online and then
you get it
delivered right to your door.
I mean, it's just so convenient.
And now I can order things at
home because I have a computer.
Before I couldn't, because I
could only order at work.
Where do you want this?
Right there.
Sign there, please.
Mm-hm.
Enjoy.
Thank you.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[TRUCK STARTS]
[ETHEREAL MUSIC]
[ROCK MUSIC]
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cheers.
What do you want on your pizza?
Extra olives.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.
Mm-hm.
Make sure.
Of course, credit card.
I mean, who buys anything
without a credit card
these days?
Michelle Brown.
4687 4738 8952.
Right here.
Medium pepperoni and and a
medium vegetarian.
Our hero.
Thank you so much.
Oh, I have to get my purse.
It's $31.75, ma'am.
Oh, shoot.
I know I told you I was going to
give you cash,
can I give you a credit card
instead?
Sure.
Just gotta call it in. - OK.
- I can pay, babe. - No.
- I've got cash. - No!
Shh.
You helped me all day.
This is on me.
Oh, yum.
I'm sorry, ma'am, but by your
card's been denied.
What?
That's weird.
Um, OK, here.
Try this one.
That's strange.
It's a technical glitch.
It's OK.
What do you want?
- Vegetarian. - Veggie?
Thank you.
- This one went through. - What
do you want?
Yeah-- oh, good.
Well, goodness.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[CAWING]
[TOUCH TONES]
Yeah, hi.
Um, there was-- my card was
denied last night,
and I just wanted to check on
that,
because I always pay my bills on
time.
So there must be a mistake.
I-- yeah, it's 4687 3654 4587
Michelle Brown.
My mother's maiden name is
Statler.
Well, no, I have a $5,000 limit.
I can't be over that.
How mu-- computer store?
No, I didn't-- I haven't-- how
much was that?
No.
No, I have not been to an
electronic store.
What?
Jewelry?
No.
No, none of that is mine.
I have not-- no, I haven't lent
this card to anybody.
I never give out my credit cards
to anybody.
I just don't get it.
I mean, how could somebody get
my credit card number?
Well, who knows, it was
probably a restaurant
or something like that.
I mean, you know you don't
always take the receipt.
- Yeah. - Well, that's probably
it.
But you canceled the card, and
they're not going to make you
pay for everything, are they?
Well, I don't know.
Now they said they have to do a
fraud investigation.
Well, there you go.
They'll take care of it. They'll
sort it out.
[SIGHS] I guess.
It's not all bad, babe.
You know, it is a beautiful day
today.
I could put the skylights in.
Oh, that is enough to make me
smile.
[PHONE RINGING]
CLERK: Next.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
What can I do for you? - Uh, I
lost my license.
CLERK: Uh-huh.
Do you remember the number, or
do I have to look it up?
No, I have it right here.
I'm going to need your social
security number, your name
as it appeared on the old
license,
and your current mailing
address.
Uh, but I just moved.
Is that going to be a problem?
Fill out the line that says,
"New address,"
and take that over to station
three.
That way.
Next.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
What can I do for you?
[POP]
[LIGHT MUSIC]
[HONK]
Hey!
Hey.
[LAUGHS] Wow!
That looks great!
Then we have this.
And the trim is going to be
off-white.
Oh, but not the door.
I know-- your green.
Yeah.
Ah, this is great. What did you
do upstairs?
JUSTIN: Uh, it's a secret.
Really?
Did you fix up the bedroom?
[SQUEALS]
They made a mistake on my bill.
I thought you canceled your
card.
This is my other account.
We never order from Chef
Benedino's Pizza.
What?
I've never even heard of that
place.
And look, there's a shoe store
charge on here that isn't mine.
$260 for jewelry?
This is ridiculous.
Oh my god.
[RATTLING]
ANNOUNCER [OVER SPEAKER]: Frank,
see Brody in Service.
Frank to Service.
It's our best seller.
Small enough to be fuel
efficient,
large enough to hold loads of
groceries, kids.
Mm-hm.
I'll take it.
Whoa.
Well, that's the easiest sale
I've had in six months.
[GIGGLES] I know what I like.
Well, follow me.
CLERK: I believe so.
We'll just run it by Social
Services
and give you a timeline.
Hi, I need to talk to someone
about a credit card theft.
Someone stole your cards?
No, someone's been using my
numbers to buy things.
Hey, Ray?
RAY: Yeah?
Can you speak to this lady?
Yeah.
Hi. Ray De Lucci.
What can I do for ya?
Someone has been charging
thousands
of dollars on my credit cards.
Did you close all your
accounts?
Yes.
Well, that should do it.
What, that's it?
You're not going to do anything
about it?
You know, if we investigated
even,
let's say, 1% of all the credit
card fraud cases that
came across our desk, the city
of Denver
would shut down completely.
There wouldn't be any cops
around to do anything else.
Well yeah, but I don't know how
these people got my numbers, or
what
else they might be planning.
You canceled all your cards,
right?
Yes, I canceled the cards.
Well, in all likelihood, you
should be fine.
[PHONE RINGING]
I hope so.
[SNICKERS]
All right.
Thanks.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[BEEP]
Wow.
[WHISTLES]
Is something wrong?
No, no, on the contrary.
I'm just impressed with your
credit--
really impeccable.
I just wish everyone was as
responsible.
Thank you.
Because it is so hard to get
your credit rating
reinstated once there's been a
problem.
Oh, you've no idea, Michelle.
May I call you Michelle?
Sure.
That's my name.
[CHUCKLES]
You know, some people call me
Mimi.
That was just like a childhood
nickname there.
It sort of stuck.
My father calls me Shelly, but I
really don't like it very much.
But he's the only one.
OK.
Here's the interest rate we
agreed on.
There's the terms of the
contract.
And that's where I need your
signature.
Wow, you make it so easy.
That's my job.
[DARK MUSIC]
[HONK]
Well, are you OK to park?
ANNOUNCER [ON RADIO]: When we
take you requests,
catch you up on the news, then
check on your weekend weather.
Station for rock here. [RAP
MUSIC]
RAPPER: Danger, danger.
Who be that perfect stranger?
Grab, grab it-- number one.
Hurry you, serving you, straight
from the avenues.
Straight from the Bellevue.
Check it.
And if you diss, respect it.
When I bring it on.
I think, no, man, when I hold it
down.
Pressure coming through loud.
Ripping the crowd.
Open the gate, grind when we up
here.
Reappear.
So he, basically, said there's
nothing the police can do.
That this sort of thing happens
all the time
Well, there's got to be
something you can do.
Maybe retrace your steps over
the last few months.
Who could've gotten your
information?
Oh my god.
Of course.
Hi, Gretchen, it's Michelle.
Yeah, listen, I know this is
really last minute,
but I'm going to have to take a
personal day today.
Yeah, so can you try to find a
sub for my class?
Great.
OK, thank you.
Yeah, and tell the kids that
I'll see them tomorrow.
OK, thanks.
Bye.
Connie, what are you doing?
I was going to leave you a
note.
I have to quit.
You ever heard of the two-week
notice?
Something came up.
What?
I got another job.
[SNICKERS]
Where I'll make a lot more
money.
And you couldn't come to me and
have a conversation?
I gave you this job when you
really needed it!
I know.
And I'm grateful, OK?
But there's just something else.
Yeah?
Barry, I've been here almost a
year,
and I see people come in here,
and they get a lot of money
to buy a house, and it makes
them happy.
And I could stay here for 20
years,
and I'm never going to be able
to buy a house, or a new car
instead of an old one, or even
walk into a store
and buy a scarf because I want
to!
So what's the point?
I mean, what do I get?
You know?
[SIGHS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Where is she?
Who, uh--
Connie?
She stole my information.
She's using my credit cards.
Now, just calm down.
What are you talking about?
I need you to give me her
address.
Now, we don't have any proof
that she's
using your credit card numbers.
I've never had any trouble with
her, or with anything
she's ever-- - Did she leave in
a hurry?
Yeah, but I--
I still don't think that that's
got anything--
I'm going to the police with my
suspicions.
You can either give me the
information,
or you can talk directly to
them.
[SIGHS] [MUTTERS] Damn it.
I want you to know that this is
against my better judgment.
Well, you should have thought
of that when you hired her.
[EERIE MUSIC]
[CREAKING]
[SIREN]
MAN [OUTSIDE]: [SHOUTING] No,
it's not here!
[KNOCKING]
Hello?
MAN [OUTSIDE]: I ain't talking
to you!
But you need to talk to--
[DARK MUSIC]
[CREAKING]
Connie?
[EERIE MUSIC]
[DOG BARKING]
MAN [OUTSIDE]: Stop yelling at
me!
[EERIE MUSIC]
[GASPS]
[TOUCH TONES]
[PANTING]
CONNIE [ON RECORDING]: Hi, this
is Michelle Brown.
Leave it at the beep. - [GASPS]
[DRAMTIC MUSIC]
That was really, really stupid.
Well, I know.
But I just thought if I could
talk to her--
I don't know.
Sit down.
Give me her name.
Connie Volkos.
Connie Volkos.
I mean, I talked to her when I
dropped
off the loan application.
She seemed like an OK person.
Connie Volkos has been
convicted of possession
of a controlled substance--
numerous times, which
means she has a drug habit.
Forgery, burglary-- I mean, this
was a person
you were going to talk to.
Does this Connie Volkos have
your current address?
Yes.
Then I would strongly suggest
you change
all the locks on your doors.
Let's see what other damage
she's done.
CONNIE: [LAUGHING] Yeah.
AGENT: It's a great bedroom,
isn't it?
CONNIE: Yeah.
I love that patio coming off,
and the attached bathroom.
So like I said, all new
appliances, all new fixtures,
neutral colors running
throughout.
What more can I say?
I think you're going to be very
happy here, Ms. Brown.
Of course, I will.
Whoa, it's really pretty.
So we will need first and last,
and a security deposit--
that's $6,000.
And we've just got a standard
lease--
year term-- utilities, gas,
maid.
Oh, a maid?
Mm-hm.
Wow.
Cable.
That's cool.
Just need your printed, and
your signature.
[BEEP]
Here's your credit report.
Take it home and have a look at
it.
You're going to find Connie's
fingerprints
all over the place.
You're also going to have to
file a fraud alert,
and contest a number of items.
You also need to call the Social
Security Administration,
the Federal Trade Commission.
Of course, you'll close all your
bank accounts,
ATMs, credit cards.
[BEEP]
Is this the woman?
Yes.
Oh my god.
They gave her my license?
We don't even look anything
alike.
CONNIE: OK, so I need those
thighs--
exactly like that.
I want to look exactly like that
when I
wear shorts, or a bathing suit.
OK?
I don't want to walk out of here
with anything
not as good as that.
I told you what to expect from
liposuction, OK?
We'll do our best.
I'll see you next door.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
This woman is not me.
You issued a duplicate license
without checking it
against the original.
So how do I know you're the
real Michelle Brown?
Because you say so?
Fill out this questionnaire,
sign the oath on the back.
Provide us with copies of a
recent phone or utility bill
to prove you're living at the
address
you claim to be living at.
Passport and birth certificate.
[SMIRKS]
CLERK: Next.
So checks for your new account
will
come in the mail within the next
two weeks,
and then your new ATM card in a
separate mailing.
OK, and what about my direct
deposit?
Because my paychecks get put
directly
into my checking account every
month,
and we closed the old account. -
No problem.
I'll file the paperwork.
You give your new account number
to your employer.
Everything should be fine.
Don't worry, this happens all
the time.
I can't believe how much ID
theft we see.
Really?
Yeah.
So I'll take care of this and,
everything should be great.
Thank you. And what's your
name?
- Susan. - Susan.
OK? Have a great day.
You, too. Yes, hi.
I need to report an identity
theft.
My credit card.
This is Michelle Brown--
5369 2469 7489 1259. Yeah, hi.
I need to put a fraud alert on
my credit report.
Michelle Brown.
Yes, I'm still holding.
I'm trying to tell you that a
credit card was taken out
in my name by somebody else, and
I'm
not going to be held responsible
for all that merchandise.
Yes, I'll hold.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[SIGHS] Unbelievable.
Oh, thank you.
I appreciate it.
No, that's what I'm trying to
tell you.
I did not set up phone service
at 1405 Getty Place.
No, somebody impersonating me
set up that service.
No-- no, no, don't put me on
hold!
Argh!
Hey, maybe you should try this
later?
Later is not going to cut it,
Justin.
I'm working on erasing $30,000
worth of debt this woman's
racked up in my name.
30?
Wow.
Somebody's been busy.
MICHELLE: Here, you guys, pick
up your lunches.
Pick up your garbage when you're
done.
- Watch out, you guys. - Thank
you.
So, anyway, I spent all day
yesterday
trying to convince people that I
am who I say I am,
and Connie's not.
And that I'm not responsible for
her debts.
Who's the victim here, and
who's the criminal?
I know! Jeez.
Uh-oh.
MALE STUDENT: Look out, look
out!
MICHELLE: Oh, oh!
MALE STUDENT: She shoots!
Oh, what a babe!
How can you be so upbeat after
all of this?
Ugh, I don't know.
I just-- you know, I notified
who I had to notify,
I canceled what I needed to
cancel,
and, hopefully, that'll do it.
Oh, the only thing I have to do
still
is let Gretchen know how to
reroute my paychecks.
Will you be OK in the field for
a couple-- five minutes?
- Yes, go ahead. - Thank you.
Oh, sorry.
Hey, don't forget, we have that
Mexico
meeting today after school. -
Oh, right, right.
See ya.
[SHOUTS] 45 minutes!
OK, so this will ensure that my
next paycheck will go
directly into the new account.
That's the plan.
I'll send the paperwork in
today.
It's just I want to make sure
because I--
I don't have any reserves in my
checking account
and I have a mortgage now.
So--
Oh, I know.
We're all one paycheck away from
being broke.
[NERVOUS LAUGH] Well, OK.
[BELL RINGING]
I got to go, but, um--
[PHONE RINGS]
Thank you.
Albert Park Elementary, can I
help you?
Yes. Boys.
Yes, yes.
Let me get that number.
San Saldano is on the Gulf
Coast of Mexico,
and Saint Marianis is about 45
minutes out of town.
Now, I've picked this school
because they are a model
of project-based learning.
I mean, these teachers have
realized
that standardized tests and
drills and repetition don't
produce true learning, something
I wish our school
system would realize.
Oh my god.
It is so beautiful.
Christine, this is work.
We are there to observe and take
notes.
But anyone who doesn't bring a
bathing suit is crazy.
The beaches are amazing.
OFFICER: The book, yeah.
I think I can.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[TOUCH TONES]
[RINGING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello?
Hi.
This is Ray De Lucci.
Ray De Lucci, yeah?
Do I know you?
Uh, no, but I've heard an awful
lot about you,
and I thought we could maybe
take this opportunity
to get acquainted.
Why would I want to do that?
Because I've got something to
offer you--
something you need.
[LAUGHS] Oh, well, I hope it's
money.
RAY [ON PHONE]: I'm offering you
help.
Oh, yeah?
What kind of help?
Hm?
RAY [ON PHONE]: A little case of
identity theft.
Hey.
Hi.
I have a surprise for you. -
What?
I'm not going to show you until
you get inside.
Oh, boy.
So when we get inside the
house,
you have to close your eyes, OK?
And don't look at anything. -
All right.
Close them now?
You don't have to close them
now.
Yeah.
MICHELLE: OK.
JUSTIN: Hey, no, no-- don't--
don't look, don't look, don't
look.
Close your eyes. Close your
eyes.
Close your eyes. - I'm closing
them.
- OK, I will lead you. - Oh,
boy.
- Just follow my lead. - Oh, OK.
Here we go.
[NERVOUS LAUGH] Oh, what is it?
[WHISPERING] Oh, my gosh.
[CHEERFUL MUSIC]
Oh!
Well, don't cry.
You supposed to be happy.
I am, I'm so happy.
[GIGGLES] Thank you.
[SIGHS]
[QUICK TEMPO MUSIC]
[RINGING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Stop bothering me.
Connie, don't hang up.
There's no way I know where you
are,
but it won't hurt to hear me
out.
Listen, you can't tell me
anything I'd be
interested in hearing, so bye.
Goodbye.
[DANCE MUSIC]
Charge it.
You see, that's smart.
What do I do when interest rates
are at an all-time low?
Procrastinate.
It's my middle name.
And now, when I need to take
some money out of the house,
I'm going to be paying a point
and a half more.
It's ridiculous.
MALE FRIEND: That hurts, yeah.
FEMALE FRIEND: Ouch.
You should try an equity line
of credit.
Excuse me?
I-- I just--
I heard what you were talking
about,
and the interest rates are
variable,
and they start very low.
Thanks for the tip.
FEMALE FRIEND: [SNICKERS] OK.
MALE FRIEND: I really want to
jump at this place.
I was just telling you because
I work in a loan office,
so I always hear this all day
long.
You know, Barry, the guy that I
work for, he
goes on and on about it.
And so--
I would, but this is private
conversation.
FEMALE FRIEND: [LAUGHS]
Anyway, so I really want to
jump at this place because--
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Just talking away.
It wasn't even a conversation,
really.
[LAUGHS] Just you talking, and
your friends are just
trained to listen, I guess.
I don't know.
MALE FRIEND: A little drunk.
[MUFFLED DANCE MUSIC]
[PHONE RINGING]
Michelle Brown.
You know, maybe everything is
going your way now, Connie.
But sooner or later, you're
bound to crash.
[LAUGHS] I don't know what
you're talking about.
RAY [ON PHONE]: Do you really
think you can make people
believe you're Michelle Brown?
Do you?
I don't think so, Connie.
You know what?
Like, who cares what you think?
The clock is ticking, Connie.
Now, sooner or later we are
going to catch up with you.
And when we do, you're going to
need someone on your side.
Now, I can be that guy.
Connie.
[TOILET FLUSHING] Connie?
Can you hear that?
[PLOP]
Connie.
CONNIE [VOICEOVER]: Connie's
gone.
[CHEERFUL MUSIC]
Mm.
Mm.
[PHONE RINGING]
Mm.
[PHONE RINGING]
[MOANING]
Oh, it's the phone.
I hear nothing.
LINDA [ON PHONE]: Miss Brown,
this is Linda McCathy at West
Federal Bank, and I'm calling
about your delinquent account
on the SUV you bought from West
Denver Auto.
Hello.
This is Michelle Brown, and I
did not buy a new SUV.
LINDA [ON PHONE]: Is this
Michelle
Brown of 554 El Murado Place?
Yes, but I didn't buy a new
SUV.
LINDA [ON PHONE]: If we do not
receive your payment
on this outstanding balance
within 10 business days,
we'll be forced to forward your
account to a collection
agency, and your credit--
You are not listening to me.
I did not buy a new car!
LINDA [ON PHONE]: Is this not
Michelle Brown?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
POLICE DISPATCH [ON RADIO]: Code
30--
[BEEP]
[BEEP]
POLICE DISPATCH [ON RADIO]: Unit
23, 605.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
It was about two months ago, I
think.
It was a brand new SUV, and the
woman who called
me was from West Federal Bank.
[PHONE RINGING]
SALESMAN: Yeah.
Oh, hi, Eddie.
No.
No, I can't make it that early.
Oh, forget that.
Yeah, I told you I'd meet you at
the restaurant.
Sir?
If you could just type it in
real quick, I'd--
Well-- listen, I got another
call.
Hold on.
Yeah.
Really?
For sure?
OK.
Wait a second, I got another
line.
Hey, honey, how did you-- hey, I
was just talking to--
how?
Oh, well, we'll celebrate that
way later.
OK, good.
I'm really happy for you.
Congratulations.
SALESMAN: Uh, call me back.
Bye bye.
What was the name again?
[SIGHS] [LOUDLY] Michelle
Brown.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
Michelle Brown.
[BEEP]
Oh, I see why they called you.
This account is delinquent.
But I didn't buy that car.
How do I know that?
Hi, I'm Michelle Brown.
I'm hoping you can help me?
I'll see what I can do.
Well, I lost all my checks in a
move.
Um-- but I always keep the
account
number in a separate place.
TELLER: Excellent.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[TAPPING]
I see that this account has
been closed.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
[LAUGHS] Of course it's closed.
That was so silly of me.
Because I closed it because I
lost all the checks.
It's-- in the move, it's just
hard to--
to keep track.
Thank you, though.
Thank you very much. - Ms.
Brown?
No, it's OK.
Thanks.
Miss Brown, we can open another
account.
Who's that?
Uh, Michelle Brown.
That's not Michelle Brown.
[TRAIN WHISTLE]
CHEF [ON TV]: Put it at a really
high heat.
It melts nice.
The next thing that we're going
to do
is to add some brown sugar to
the butter.
Brown sugar is going to work as
a perfect coating
for our bananas.
Before we add the bananas,
however, what you want to do--
Look who the cat dragged in.
Shut up, Ed.
[SNICKERS] No surprise you'd be
back.
I made a deal with Harlan.
Didn't I, Harlan?
I said, my baby sister--
she'll never make it on her own.
I did.
Oh, for such a short while.
You know what they say--
water seeks its own level.
And here you are, right back in
the swamp.
[CHUCKLES]
I need money, is all.
ED: What's new?
Well, I have a perfect
opportunity
for you to make some.
Come on in.
CHEF [ON TV]: However, be aware
when you add this,
it's going to flame.
[PHONE RINGING]
She bought a car from West
Denver Auto.
- Great. - It is?
I'm missing why it's great.
Well, because now we've got the
VIN
number, the vehicle description,
and we
can get this to all units.
OK, so now you have her name,
you know what she looks,
and you know what car she's
driving.
Yup.
So you can pick her up.
Well, eventually.
Eventually is not soon enough.
Listen, Michelle, what we don't
know is where she is.
There's no end in sight, is
there?
I didn't say that.
- Hey. - Hey.
How did it go?
Well, [SNICKERS] she bought a
duplicate of my SUV--
same make, same color--
only I have to pay for it.
You're not going to have to pay
for it if you
explain to them what happened.
Justin, I was there explaining.
What do you think I was doing?
Hey, calm down.
I'm the guy on your side here,
remember?
I gotta go. - Sorry.
Where are you going?
Mrs. Bennett saw what I did to
your house,
so she wants an estimate. -
Really?
Yeah.
Wow, that's great.
Couldn't muster a little more
enthusiasm for me?
Sorry, that's-- you go!
Thank you.
That's what I'm talking about.
Bye.
- Good luck. - Thank you.
WOMAN ON STREET: Oh, you did?
MAN ON STREET: Yeah, just need
to finish up.
WOMAN ON STREET: OK, great.
And it's 200 down there?
MAN ON STREET: Yeah.
WOMAN ON STREET: Thank you so
much.
Oh, my god.
[SLOW MUSIC]
I don't understand.
She brought this picture with
her?
Yes, she did.
People often bring in pictures.
It helps me visualize what
people want.
Oh my god.
She's trying to become me.
[COUNTRY MUSIC]
All she has to do is break this
glass, and reach around,
and-- you know. I mean, it's
like--
and these are just-- these--
They're locked, Michelle.
Slow down.
She's obviously been watching
me.
She took my picture.
Everything's going to be OK.
Will you just stop saying that?
I'm just trying to calm you
down.
Well, why?
Because if I calm down, then
this entire mess
will disappear?
That's not what I'm saying.
Maybe if I calm down, then
we'll discover
that I'm the crazy person.
Yeah, well, you are acting a
little crazy right now.
Oh, OK.
Well, maybe if I calm down, I'll
figure out that Connie is just
a figment of my imagination.
No, if you calm down, maybe you
and I could
have a decent conversation!
You're not getting it!
Yeah, you're right.
I am not getting it.
There is no way to figure this
out.
Ah!
[GLASS SHATTERING]
You got 'em?
Yeah, I do.
We need another 15 more of
these.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
MAN: Yeah.
That's good.
Right.
I don't know.
[WHISTLES] Hey!
Can you hurry up here?
I've got to get going.
MAN: Yes, ma'am.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[DOOR OPENING]
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have run off like
that.
I-- I just--
I feel like I'm losing you.
I feel like I'm losing
everything.
It's a letter from the bank.
I have insufficient funds.
How can this happen?
My direct deposit--
my salary check didn't get
there.
Look, we'll talk to Gretchen
about it.
Did you hear me?
My mortgage check bounced.
I understand.
I have done everything right.
I mean, I have called everybody
they told me to call.
I stayed on top of it.
I did the paperwork.
I canceled everything I was
supposed to cancel.
And this-- this woman--
she's awful.
And I'm just afraid I'm going to
lose this house.
JUSTIN: You're not going to lose
this house.
This has been my dream my
entire life,
ever since I was a little kid.
And I have planned for it, and I
have waited for it,
and I have saved up for it.
And it's-- [SOBS] it's not fair
because I've done
everything right, you know?
I know, baby.
I can't lose it.
And I'm sorry I broke the
picture.
JUSTIN: That can be fixed.
[CRIES]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
[POLICE SIREN]
You check out the driver.
Ma'am, you realize you were
speeding?
CONNIE: No, I'm sorry, I didn't.
I'm going to need to see your
driver's
license and registration.
DISPATCH [OVER RADIO]: We have
male--
Thin build-- 20 to 25 years--
Could you please remove your
glasses?
Registration, please.
CONNIE: I'm not sure where the--
Ma'am, please put your hands on
the steering wheel,
and keep them there.
Can you run a check on a
Colorado plate?
Queen, union, x-ray, 3186.
DISPATCH [OVER RADIO]: Yeah.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Sergeant Robb, remove that
driver from the vehicle.
SERGEANT ROBB: 10-4.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
Walk around to the front of the
vehicle.
Place your hands on the front of
the vehicle.
You have the right to remain
silent.
Anything you say can and will be
used
against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an
attorney.
If you cannot afford one, one
will be appointed to you.
Do you understand the rights as
I have explained them to you?
Yes, sir.
Requesting backup.
Drug bust in progress.
DISPATCH [OVER RADIO]: Copy
that.
We're sending two units.
[BANG]
[BELL RINGING]
MICHELLE: Gretchen!
My checks have not been going
into my new account.
GRETCHEN: No? - No.
I'm sure I sent the paperwork
in.
At least, I'm pretty sure.
Gretchen, I need the money in
my checking
account to pay my mortgage!
Well, why don't we just redo
the form and fax it in today?
How's that?
That should do the trick.
[CHILDREN SHRIEKING]
MICHELLE: Come on, you're late.
Get into class.
Michelle Brown, you are to be
bound over on $50,000 bail.
You are charged with possessing
a controlled substance
for sale or distribution.
Can the client make bail?
No, your honor.
She has no financial resources.
Very well.
You will remain in custody until
a court date is determined.
Next.
Sorry.
[PHONE RINGING]
Michelle.
She got liposuction at my
expense,
and she signed a lease.
Look at this.
One of them's for $5,350, and
the other is $24,000.
- It doesn't matter. - Well,
maybe not to you.
You're not the one who has to
pay it!
It's over.
What do you mean?
She was busted-- drug
trafficking.
700 pounds of marijuana.
She's in jail?
According to the New Mexico
Highway Patrol,
and they haven't lied to me yet.
Do they know about the identity
theft?
That's why they called me.
So you're saying it's over?
Something like that.
[RELIEVED SIGH] Oh.
Oh, my god.
ANNOUNCER [OVER SPEAKER]:
Attention passengers,
this is the final boarding
call--
Oh.
CHRISTINE: OK, you two.
It's only for three days.
OK, I'll see you Saturday.
Look, think of this as a
celebration of this nightmare
being over. OK?
Oh, Justin, I'm so sorry.
I've been such a lunatic lately.
CHRISTINE: Let's go! Come on,
we're boarding.
Go.
You can make it up to me when
you get back.
Mm, OK.
Bye.
You show up in court Friday
morning, 9:00 AM,
and you don't leave the
jurisdiction for any reason.
Sign here.
Who made my bail?
Ed Volkos.
Hm.
Stay out of trouble, Michelle.
Oh, yeah, I will.
[FARM ANIMAL SOUNDS]
[CHILDREN TALKING]
[LATIN MUSIC]
[SPEAKING IN SPANISH]
CHILDREN: [IN UNISON] Buenos
dias.
Muy bien.
Hola, hola.
We're talking to the class about
proportions.
You know, it's easier for
children
to learn by experience-- and
seeing the things
and touching them-- rather than
just,
you know, being on the board.
And, you know, pay attention to
me, and keep quiet.
They have to be involved in what
they're learning
in order to remember it, so
we're working
on some proportions today.
So I hope you enjoyed your visit
here at our school.
Have fun.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
CHILDREN: [IN UNISON] Adios.
Adios.
Mango-- we have some things
over there,
and you can serve yourself.
[LAUGHS]
MICHELLE: Yeah.
Look at this, Christine.
I mean-- look, there isn't one
child who isn't totally
involved in what's going on.
What do you mean?
No staring into space?
I wouldn't think I was in a
classroom without that.
My god, I almost lost all of
this.
What?
Just this joy.
[KIDS CHATTING]
HOST: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
Ed?
Yeah.
I know it was you who made my
bail.
[PANTING] What do you mean, keep
my mouth closed?
Well-- what, am I supposed to go
to prison for those friggin'
idiots you work for?
Well, they're not-- they're not
going to cut me a deal
if I don't have anything to--
Ed!
Ed!
Dammit!
Ed!
[SLAM]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[TRAIN HORN]
[ENGINE STARTS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[SCREECHING]
God, you know, it was the
excitement
of the kids that really got me.
Like they knew learning could be
fun, like they
couldn't wait to get to school.
- I know - If only.
It's so great. Oh.
Hi.
Hi.
AGENT: Hello.
Welcome to Denver.
Thanks.
I'll wait for you over here.
- OK. - Michelle Brown?
Mm-hm.
OK, thank you.
Thanks.
Next.
Michelle Brown?
Come with us.
Wait, no, no, no, no no!
No, no, no, you guys, I'm not
her.
That's-- you've got the wrong
person.
ANNOUNCER [OVER SPEAKER]: Now
boarding at gate 21A.
MICHELLE: OK, I'm Michelle
Brown,
but I'm not that Michelle Brown.
You have the wrong girl.
Right.
I'm serious, you're making a
huge mistake here.
You gotta be kidding me.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
DEALER: Wait up.
What's up? DEALER: What's up?
How you doing?
DEALER: What's up?
Here you go, babe.
Look, could you please just
check out my story?
That's not my job.
My job's to watch you until they
come
back to question you some more.
Please, believe me.
I can't count the number of
times I've heard that line.
Look, I am not the criminal
here!
This is a mistake!
AGENT: Whatever you say.
Oh, thank god you're here.
Oh, my god.
Thank you.
[WHISPERING]
You're free to go.
[RELIEVED SIGH]
Connie skipped out on her bail.
So they issued a warrant, but
they screwed up
big time because they issued it
under the name
she first gave them.
Which was, of course, yours.
So where is she?
Is she heading back here?
We don't know.
Come on.
We apologize for the
inconvenience.
Yeah, thanks.
Keep in touch.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Thanks.
Connie?
Justin!
What the hell do you want?
We seriously have to call the
cops.
Fine, you do that.
It's important, Michelle.
We can tell them what kind of
car she was driving.
Justin, they knew what kind of
car she was driving before.
They had her license plate
number,
they knew what she looked like,
they even had her cell phone.
What good did it get us?
Cops can't help me.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[BUZZING]
Would you just tell me why some
people are born lucky
and some people just have no
luck at all?
And why I am always on the
unlucky side of it?
Can you just tell me that?
And that's not fair.
Right?
Right.
You can get two, maybe three
days on this one.
Swipe it at a gas station.
I don't even know if it still
works.
Damn, I do good work.
So how are you going to pay for
this baby, Michelle Brown?
Hm?
CONNIE: [LAUGHS] Nah, I don't
think so.
[LAUGHS] Well, then how are you
going to pay for it?
I could charge it.
[LAUGHS] Nah.
No.
Stupid.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[EERIE MUSIC]
[BEEP]
PASSERBY: I would love to check
it out.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
BETH: Michelle?
Yes?
I'm Beth Givens from the
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Hi, how are you?
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
This table's free.
That looks good.
[SIGHS]
So you've had quite a time.
It's just so frustrating. It's
been really hard.
I'm kind of falling apart.
That's not uncommon.
I just feel like it's this
unrelenting
avalanche, you know?
And I know it's coming and I
hear the rumblings,
and I still can't get out of the
way.
And I'm getting clobbered by
tons and tons of snow,
you know?
I mean, where's the Saint
Bernard with the flask
of whiskey to rescue me?
I'd hate to think that I'm the
Saint Bernard.
[LAUGHS] Bet you hear the same
story over and over.
Some version of it, yes.
Identity theft is the fastest
growing crime in this country.
Every six minutes, someone's
identity is stolen.
Every six minutes?
That adds up to seven million
people a year.
Ugh, and no one is doing
anything about it?
In our view, not nearly enough.
Well, what can we do to fight
back?
I am so glad you asked.
All these?
Yeah, the whole thing.
Mm-hm.
Well, I--
They're $1.25.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7--
I don't know.
20-- 25.
[BEEP]
MICHELLE: Mm-hm.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
So what would I have to do?
Talk about what this experience
has been like.
Help people to see it and feel
it.
And you think that would make a
difference?
Well, let's go to Washington
and find out.
MAN: Too much work, though, you
know?
Getting down there.
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
[SIGHS] [SNICKERS] [HEAVY
BREATHING]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
Hey, you!
[KNOCKING] Open the door.
[KNOCKING]
What?
Your credit card didn't go
through.
Yeah, well, I'll give you
another one tomorrow.
- I want you out of here. -
Yeah, OK.
I just-- I gotta wait until
someone comes to get me.
You want me to call the cops?
OK, look, I'm leaving.
All right?
Sure.
Look, it's just for a few days.
I'll miss you.
I know but Beth thinks I can
really do some good.
Don't you think I should go?
Absolutely.
I think you should tell the
Senate guys what happened.
Actually, the head of the
Senate Committee
happens to be a woman.
[CHUCKLES]
[PHONE RINGING]
Testifying before this committee
is
a way of turning this whole
awful experience
into something positive.
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello.
CONNIE [ON PHONE]: Hello.
I need-- I need help.
I need you to tell me what to
do.
I don't know what to do next.
Who is this?
It's Michelle Brown.
[LAUGHS]
[WHISPERS] Connie. Hold on.
You need to stop running,
Connie.
I made a mistake.
It was about a drug deal and--
but I
was clean for a whole year.
Do you believe me?
I had a job, and I showed up
every day.
I know. I met you there.
Do you remember?
You were so pretty.
And you looked so happy.
Where are you, Connie?
[CRIES]
Look, maybe if you tell me
where you are,
then I can help you.
Hang up.
Shh.
Connie, are you still in Denver?
Connie, if you tell me where you
are, I'll come to you.
And then we'll figure this out
together.
I got a gun.
I had to get a gun.
Help.
And I don't know what to do.
Oh, god.
[CLANK]
MICHELLE: For the past six
months,
a woman with my name and my
social security number--
and my driver's license number
and my credit cards--
has been living her life at my
expense,
and I've become responsible for
every one of her criminal acts.
If only she lived in a better
apartment, so she rented one.
If only she had a better car, so
she bought a copy of mine.
If only she had the right
clothes,
if only she could become me--
well, then all her problems
would disappear.
The only problem is I still
exist.
Is your case typical, Ms.
Brown?
I think so.
In almost all identity theft,
there's a sense of violation
and repeated betrayal.
But not all identity theft
involves
the kind of personal jeopardy
that Ms. Brown has experienced.
Primarily because the criminal
is someone Ms. Brown knows?
BETH: That's part of it, and
that's not an uncommon story.
Over half of all the identity
theft cases involve
someone the victim knows.
What about the other part, Ms.
Brown?
Um, it's becoming clear to me
that Connie Volkos is
unbalanced and reckless, and I
believe
her behavior is escalating.
She became obsessed with you.
Yes. [PHONE RINGING]
BARRY: And then it becomes
un-adjustable.
And with the 1% cap that we put
on that amount,
we can expand that amount within
any given six-month period.
Can you excuse me for just one
sec?
I've just got to grab this.
Knowland Mortgage and Loans,
Barry here.
You know what?
I called her and I asked her.
I asked her-- I said, what would
you do?
Huh? What would you do?
And you know what?
She didn't even answer me.
You know why?
Because she doesn't-- [SPITS]
she doesn't even think
I'm worth it, 'cause that's what
happens when you have nothing.
OK, just hold on a sec.
You know, I'm just going to grab
this one in the other office.
Why don't you folks have a look
over that and, uh-- and I'll
be right back, OK?
Connie, where are you?
I got a gun in my handbag.
BARRY [ON PHONE]: Jeez, Connie.
Just-- now, you just tell me
where you are
and I'll come and help you. OK,
Connie?
Connie, where are you?
[GUNSHOT] Connie!
[SIRENS] - Whoa, whoa, sir--
- Heyy-- - Is she with you?
BARRY: Yeah, yeah. - I threw her
out once.
It's all right, buddy, I'll
take care of it, OK?
Connie?
Connie, it's me-- Barry.
OFFICER: Just get her out.
BARRY: We're going to take care
of it, OK?
We're going to be-- everything's
going to be all right.
MOTEL MANAGER: There's drugs in
there.
You're going to be OK in there,
Connie.
We're here to help you. It's all
right.
OFFICER: Hey, hey, take it easy.
BARRY: Come on.
It's going to be OK, Connie.
Get these people out of here.
- Hey, hey, she's got a gun. - I
know.
Yeah, but I heard it go off.
OFFICER: Sir, come on.
It went off, man. I was-- I
was--
RAY: Come on.
Get these people out of here,
come on.
Give me that. Give me that.
I-- I was talking to her on the
telephone.
And then I heard the gun go off,
and then nothing.
She's not a bad person.
RAY: Connie, it's Ray De Lucci.
I'm coming in.
[OUTSIDE VOICES]
Connie?
Connie, do you remember when I
said
once that I'd help you out?
I think now would be a good time
to take
me up on that offer, Connie.
Connie?
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[CREAKING]
Put the gun down, Connie.
No.
Wrong choice, Connie.
[SOBS]
RAY: No.
You need help.
No.
RAY: I'll help you.
I'll be that guy for you.
No.
Oh, god.
RAY: Come on.
Come on, that's it.
Good.
Good.
Good.
Come on.
[THUNDER]
MICHELLE: So now it's just up to
Senator Feinstein--
and her committee, of course--
but we did everything we could.
And Beth was so great and she
wants me to stay involved,
which I would love to--
Hey.
Hey.
Hi.
What, are you making house
calls now?
Yeah, well, you could say that.
Come on.
You know, it was obvious that
Connie
didn't want to use the gun.
But, uh, she didn't really see
any way out either.
So-- so I gave her one.
Which means she's in custody,
right?
Yeah.
That's what I came by to tell
you.
Thank you.
What if she makes bail?
No, this time there won't be
any bail.
JUSTIN: Really?
Yeah.
It's over.
[SIGHS] Oh, finally.
There is one more thing.
What?
She's requested to see
Michelle.
It's out of the question.
RAY: Well, I understand that,
but--
What makes her think that after
the way she treated Mi--
Wait, wait-- at the court?
She wants me to come to the
court?
Yeah.
- All right. - What?
No.
What are you thinking?
I-- I want to go.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
JUSTIN: So just go in there, and
go get 'em.
[GIGGLES]
I'm glad you find this amusing,
Connie.
Uh, but this-- it's not
amusing.
I'm not amused.
I just-- so like, she says she
will see me?
That's what I said, yeah.
So I'm not--
You find that funny?
No.
- Settle down. - What?
Settle down.
PROSECUTOR: I really don't think
this is a good idea.
JUSTIN: Thank you.
Neither do I.
PROSECUTOR: You'll have an
opportunity to make a statement
in court if you wish.
This is different.
I'm missing something here.
If Connie has something she
wants to say to me,
I want to hear what it is.
It's done, Michelle.
She plead guilty.
All we're doing here today is
hearing her sentence assigned.
No.
I have to see her face to face.
[DOOR OPENS]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
You look so nice.
I had to cut my hair.
It used to be long like yours,
but it was never as pretty.
Do you wash it every day?
Uh, yeah.
That's why it looks so--
shiny and soft.
It looks soft.
Can I touch it?
LAWYER: Uh-- sit down, Connie.
If you try to get up again, Ms.
Brown is leaving.
[SIGHS] I told them I did it.
I told them they didn't need a
trial, because I confessed.
I know.
They told me.
Well, I wanted to tell you.
I'm gonna-- I'm gonna go to
jail for it.
I know.
So you'll be relieved.
Right?
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I wanted to tell you that.
Thank you.
[UPLIFTING MUSIC]
But it-- it was only things,
right?
You took more than things from
me, Connie.
No, but I didn't hurt you.
- Yes, you did. - No, I didn't.
I didn't hurt you.
I never would hurt you.
I mean, I-- I--
I just wanted some stuff.
I didn't know how to get them on
my own,
so I just charged a few things.
That's all.
I mean, I didn't have anything,
and you had so much.
I mean, if I asked you, were you
going to share them with me?
Were you going to help me find
an apartment?
Were you going to help me?
Were you going to let me drive
your stupid car?
LAWYER: This meeting is over. -
No!
LAWYER: Ms. Brown is leaving.
No.
Michelle, look at me!
Look what we have here.
The two Michelle Browns face to
face.
There is only one Michelle
Brown in this room!
No.
We look so much alike, people
couldn't tell us apart.
I can.
I know exactly who you are,
Connie,
and that person has nothing to
do with me.
Nothing.
We are here to impose
sentencing.
And in doing so, the Court needs
to acknowledge
that for every defendant we see,
there is also a victim.
Somebody has been hurt by the
defendant's behavior.
But on the other hand, as the
country and western song
says, if you dwell on the
negatives,
if you focus on them, if you
live with them
and you wake up with them, then
the world will be bleak.
CONNIE: [GIGGLING] LAWYER:
Connie, please.
If you focus on the positives,
I think the opposite is true.
[WHISPERING]
Put the negatives in the
rear-view mirror,
and put them in the past.
I would like Michelle Brown to
know--
is Miss Brown in the courtroom
today?
Here, Your Honor.
Well, Ms. Brown, I think there
are a lot worse things
than this--
this identity theft.
Like getting hit by a truck, or
cancer.
PROSECUTOR: [WHISPERS]
Outrageous.
I want you to have a positive
attitude,
because we all know that life
ain't fair.
[MURMURS]
A little advice.
Now to sentencing.
Yeah, excuse me.
I know that life isn't fair, but
I thought this courtroom
was supposed to be.
Do you wish to make a statement
before sentencing, Ms. Brown?
Well, I didn't intend to, but,
yes, I think I do.
I know that there are worse
things
in life than identity theft.
But the crime Connie Volkos
committed wasn't minor.
She robbed me.
Not just of things-- it wasn't
the possessions
you took from me, Connie.
She invaded my life again and
again--
whenever, however she wanted--
forcing
me to prove over and over that I
wasn't the Michelle
Brown committing criminal acts.
Tell me what you have, Your
Honor, if you don't have
the sanctity of your good name.
No matter what your attitude,
you
need to have your good name.
That is what you took from me,
Connie.
That is no small thing.
I hope that you'll keep that in
mind
when you pronounce sentencing.
[MURMURS]
Thank you.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[BANG]
[PIANO MUSIC]
MICHELLE: I drew the same house
every time--
red door with a white picket
fence.
I think my mother thought I had
no imagination,
but really, all I wanted was
that house.
So I kept drawing it.
I guess I thought that one day
it would become real, you know?
Like Pinocchio becoming a real
boy.
And who knows, maybe someday it
will.
Maybe Santa Claus will bring me
one for Christmas.
No, a house is way too big to
fit on Santa's sleigh.
[LAUGHTER]
Good point.
Yes, you're right.
That is way too big a present.
Unless you get a baby doll's
house, couldn't you?
Oh, I didn't think of that.
This is my picture.
Here's my red door and my white
picket fence.
I had some flowers in the front
yard.
This was my dream.
What's yours?
Paint me a picture.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[THUMP]
Wow.
[CREAK]
What do you think?
I think it needs a lot of work.
[LAUGHS] Hi.
Hi.
REAL ESTATE AGENT: We've got the
square footage right here.
Hi, how are you?
Thank you.
Thank you.
MICHELLE: [SIGHS] Wow.
It's got great potential.
Are you and I looking at two
different houses here?
Oh, come on.
I like the wagon wheel.
Yeah.
Ooh.
I think-- what if--
do you think that there's any
way to, like,
make the kitchen bigger?
Well, if this wall can be
moved, which it will--
probably that one, that one, and
that one--
all but this is just a
supporting wall.
But the answer to that question
is yes.
So we could have this big
kitchen in here.
It would be a very large
kitchen, yes.
I-- I really like it.
I really like it.
You like it that much?
I just think we could do so
much with it.
Let's go upstairs, come on.
Right there.
Let's go kick the tires, honey.
This has to go.
So you know the extra bedroom,
right?
MICHELLE: Yeah.
JUSTIN: Well, we could use it as
a guest bedroom,
but we could also use it as your
office.
That would be great.
Pretty great, right?
Oh, I would love to have an
office.
And you know the wall on the
south side of the bedroom?
Uh-huh.
We remove that, you got a
walk-in closet.
[LAUGHS] I've never had a
walk-in closet in my life.
Just a little coat of paint.
It'll be just like brand new. -
See?
I knew it.
This is the perfect house.
I feel really, really good about
this.
Connie, we've got to get these
out right away.
Oh.
Don't you think midnight blue
is the perfect color
for a really classy car?
You're looking at a very
expensive luxury vehicle there.
Well, I figure if I'm going to
dream,
I might as well dream big.
BARRY: Well, dream away.
Uh, Connie, these need to go in
the mail today.
You don't think I'm ever going
to have that kind of car,
do you?
Sure. Why not?
[PHONE RINGING]
You've made a great start coming
to work every morning.
Yeah.
[PHONE RINGING]
How about answering the phone,
huh?
[PHONE RINGING]
[SIGHS]
[PHONE RINGING]
Knowland Mortgage and Loan.
So you can put in skylights?
How cool is that?
It's going to be pretty cool.
OK, so you're going to open up
the kitchen.
It'll be huge.
It'll be tons of light and
French doors
that open out onto the patio.
Patio?
Yeah, the one you're going to
build.
OK, a patio it will be then.
Patio-- right here.
You know, I was thinking about
using the work that I'm doing
as sort of a calling card.
You know, for my company.
And people that want to see what
I can do,
can come see the amazing work
that I'm doing
on my fiance's place and hire--
what do you think about this--
Conroy Construction.
I think that is a great idea.
Good.
I love it.
I love it too.
Should I do it?
Oh, I think you should
definitely do it.
OK, I'm going to do it right
now.
[TOUCH TONES]
Here I go.
SERVER: Let me just grab that
for you.
Hi, this is Michelle Brown.
Um, I visited one of your
properties today
and I would like to make an
offer.
Yes, I'll hold.
What if I don't make enough
money for a loan?
You're a teacher.
Teachers get homes all the time.
Why can't you?
Ugh, I'm going to be in so much
debt, Justin.
Yes, but it's for a good cause,
right?
I know, it's such a big step,
though.
You know?
CONNIE: No, I have--
I have to go.
I have to go.
Bye.
Hi, I'm Michelle Brown.
I know.
Barry's waiting for you.
Oh, great.
That's a nice skirt.
Oh, thanks.
Where did you get that?
Uh, Focus, I think.
Focus-- hm.
I like it.
Thanks.
So where's Barry?
Is he, uh--
Barry.
Great, thanks.
Hi.
BARRY: Hi.
I am Michelle Brown.
Hi, Michelle, nice to meet you.
Barry Knowland. - This is
Justin.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Now relax, because we specialize
in first-time buyers,
I'm confident we're going to
find
a loan just perfect you guys.
OK.
- Have a seat. - Thanks.
Can I get you anything?
Coffee or a tea?
FEMALE CUSTOMER: It's really
nice.
Yes.
Will this be all for you?
Yeah.
I love that scarf.
It's one of our best sellers.
That'll be $53.24.
Sometimes you see something,
like a skirt or a dress,
and it's just like you have to
have it.
You know?
You feel like it'll make your
whole life better.
I could have one of everything
in here.
[MUMBLING] Me too.
[BEEP]
Um, I'm sorry, this card isn't
going through.
Another card maybe, or you could
pay cash?
Oh, no, just run it through
again.
Sometimes that happens.
Sure.
[BEEP]
Mm, I'm sorry.
Declined.
OK.
Oh, you know why?
Because I bought a lot of things
yesterday.
Oh, OK, sure.
But hold it.
Hi.
Bye.
MAN: He got cheated on.
[DOG BARKING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Watch, watch, watch.
I am.
MAN: Just take these.
These are empty.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
FEMALE HOST [ON TV]: You're
right, they are stunning.
But ladies-- and gentlemen--
I want to show you my favorite.
How about you do the honors?
This is a man that knows great
style.
MALE HOST [ON TV]: This jewel is
absolutely stunning,
and it looks stunning on you.
FEMALE HOST [ON TV]: Thank you.
Now, look at that.
Can you see the sparkle through
it?
It is just amazing.
What woman would not want to go
out on the town
and have this sparkle to bring
out her eyes?
Well, it is amazing that they
don't ask for identifying
birthmarks and surgery scars.
[CHUCKLES] I mean, they want
everything.
And they want your former home
addresses
for the last 150 years.
I'm surprised they don't want
your great grandmother's blood
type. - [LAUGHS]
Dogs blood type.
You need a paw print right here.
Sign the whole thing in blood.
[BELL RINGING]
- Hi, Gretchen. - Morning,
Michelle.
- How are you? - I'm well,
thanks.
How are you? - Good, I'm good.
Sorry. - Thank you.
Hello, Emma.
CHILDREN: [IN UNISON] Hi, Ms.
Brown.
Well?
How was the house?
You were supposed to call me.
I know I told you I was going
to,
but I was filling out loan
papers.
Oh, my god. You're buying it?
[HIGH PITCHED] I am! I'm buying
it.
Oh, my god!
Can you believe it?
It is so great.
I love this house.
It's-- it's going to need a ton
of work.
I mean, a ton, but Justin is
going
to do the whole thing himself.
Why can't I ever find a
boyfriend who knows
what to do with his hands?
[LAUGHS]
No, no, no.
You know what I mean.
Yes, I do.
Hi, I'm Michelle Brown.
I met you the other day.
I remember.
Um, I just wanted to hand
deliver this loan application,
since we're on such a tight
schedule--
30-day escrow.
Seems like no time at all.
Well, I'll-- I'll give it to
Barry as soon as he gets back.
Oh.
CONNIE: Anything else?
Um, no.
I'm sorry, it's just I've never
done this before--
you know, bought a house.
It's a little overwhelming.
Well, yeah, I hear that from a
lot of people.
MICHELLE: Really?
Yeah, even though it's always
been my dream to own a house,
ever since I was a little girl.
Isn't that silly?
Most kids want a pony, or a
bike, or a skateboard.
Me, I want a house.
It just seems like a good life
can be built in a good house,
you know?
Well, that's what you'll have.
Yes!
Well, Barry will call you, you
know,
as soon as he gets your loan.
OK.
Thank you.
I don't know your name.
Connie.
Connie.
Thank you so much, Connie.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[BEEP]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
CHRISTINE: [LAUGHING]
MICHELLE: No, but the motor home
is really fun.
CHRISTINE: Motor home?
MICHELLE: Yeah, you should-- you
should see.
I mean, it's like a house, you
know?
It's great.
But you've never lived in a
house before-- ever?
No, just apartments depending
on my dad's work.
And then there was the motel.
You lived in a motel?
Uh-huh.
But, you know, it was kind of
cool because they
had those vending machines.
So we could go down the hall and
get cola or ice or a snack.
Justin, what is that?
What is that color?
JUSTIN: Uh-oh.
This is not white. I thought--
Trust me.
Justin, I thought we were going
with white.
[WHISPERS] Trust me.
It'll be perfect.
Oh, my god.
It looks good.
Yeah, but it's a color.
White is boring.
Yellow is the new white.
[LAUGHTER]
Oh, OK.
Hey, yellow's the new white.
Hey.
So, um, what would you call that
color?
Oh, that color is actually
butternut.
This is a sage green for the
bathroom.
Very subtle, but I think you'll
love it.
I trust you.
I just want to say thank you.
JUSTIN: For?
MICHELLE: Just for being so
excited for me
and supporting me, and making
this house so beautiful.
You're just amazing.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
JUSTIN: Ah, OK.
Kiss me now.
Then grab this.
Hold this here at the top.
MICHELLE: OK.
JUSTIN: Yeah.
Lead the way, Sergeant.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
WOMAN: Come on.
Come on, let's go.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
CONNIE: That-- that's for me.
I was hoping I didn't have to
make another trip.
No, no, no.
You want me to take these
inside?
Well, of course, what do you
think?
I mean, that's the whole point.
You order things online and then
you get it
delivered right to your door.
I mean, it's just so convenient.
And now I can order things at
home because I have a computer.
Before I couldn't, because I
could only order at work.
Where do you want this?
Right there.
Sign there, please.
Mm-hm.
Enjoy.
Thank you.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[TRUCK STARTS]
[ETHEREAL MUSIC]
[ROCK MUSIC]
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cheers.
What do you want on your pizza?
Extra olives.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.
Mm-hm.
Make sure.
Of course, credit card.
I mean, who buys anything
without a credit card
these days?
Michelle Brown.
4687 4738 8952.
Right here.
Medium pepperoni and and a
medium vegetarian.
Our hero.
Thank you so much.
Oh, I have to get my purse.
It's $31.75, ma'am.
Oh, shoot.
I know I told you I was going to
give you cash,
can I give you a credit card
instead?
Sure.
Just gotta call it in. - OK.
- I can pay, babe. - No.
- I've got cash. - No!
Shh.
You helped me all day.
This is on me.
Oh, yum.
I'm sorry, ma'am, but by your
card's been denied.
What?
That's weird.
Um, OK, here.
Try this one.
That's strange.
It's a technical glitch.
It's OK.
What do you want?
- Vegetarian. - Veggie?
Thank you.
- This one went through. - What
do you want?
Yeah-- oh, good.
Well, goodness.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[CAWING]
[TOUCH TONES]
Yeah, hi.
Um, there was-- my card was
denied last night,
and I just wanted to check on
that,
because I always pay my bills on
time.
So there must be a mistake.
I-- yeah, it's 4687 3654 4587
Michelle Brown.
My mother's maiden name is
Statler.
Well, no, I have a $5,000 limit.
I can't be over that.
How mu-- computer store?
No, I didn't-- I haven't-- how
much was that?
No.
No, I have not been to an
electronic store.
What?
Jewelry?
No.
No, none of that is mine.
I have not-- no, I haven't lent
this card to anybody.
I never give out my credit cards
to anybody.
I just don't get it.
I mean, how could somebody get
my credit card number?
Well, who knows, it was
probably a restaurant
or something like that.
I mean, you know you don't
always take the receipt.
- Yeah. - Well, that's probably
it.
But you canceled the card, and
they're not going to make you
pay for everything, are they?
Well, I don't know.
Now they said they have to do a
fraud investigation.
Well, there you go.
They'll take care of it. They'll
sort it out.
[SIGHS] I guess.
It's not all bad, babe.
You know, it is a beautiful day
today.
I could put the skylights in.
Oh, that is enough to make me
smile.
[PHONE RINGING]
CLERK: Next.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
What can I do for you? - Uh, I
lost my license.
CLERK: Uh-huh.
Do you remember the number, or
do I have to look it up?
No, I have it right here.
I'm going to need your social
security number, your name
as it appeared on the old
license,
and your current mailing
address.
Uh, but I just moved.
Is that going to be a problem?
Fill out the line that says,
"New address,"
and take that over to station
three.
That way.
Next.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
What can I do for you?
[POP]
[LIGHT MUSIC]
[HONK]
Hey!
Hey.
[LAUGHS] Wow!
That looks great!
Then we have this.
And the trim is going to be
off-white.
Oh, but not the door.
I know-- your green.
Yeah.
Ah, this is great. What did you
do upstairs?
JUSTIN: Uh, it's a secret.
Really?
Did you fix up the bedroom?
[SQUEALS]
They made a mistake on my bill.
I thought you canceled your
card.
This is my other account.
We never order from Chef
Benedino's Pizza.
What?
I've never even heard of that
place.
And look, there's a shoe store
charge on here that isn't mine.
$260 for jewelry?
This is ridiculous.
Oh my god.
[RATTLING]
ANNOUNCER [OVER SPEAKER]: Frank,
see Brody in Service.
Frank to Service.
It's our best seller.
Small enough to be fuel
efficient,
large enough to hold loads of
groceries, kids.
Mm-hm.
I'll take it.
Whoa.
Well, that's the easiest sale
I've had in six months.
[GIGGLES] I know what I like.
Well, follow me.
CLERK: I believe so.
We'll just run it by Social
Services
and give you a timeline.
Hi, I need to talk to someone
about a credit card theft.
Someone stole your cards?
No, someone's been using my
numbers to buy things.
Hey, Ray?
RAY: Yeah?
Can you speak to this lady?
Yeah.
Hi. Ray De Lucci.
What can I do for ya?
Someone has been charging
thousands
of dollars on my credit cards.
Did you close all your
accounts?
Yes.
Well, that should do it.
What, that's it?
You're not going to do anything
about it?
You know, if we investigated
even,
let's say, 1% of all the credit
card fraud cases that
came across our desk, the city
of Denver
would shut down completely.
There wouldn't be any cops
around to do anything else.
Well yeah, but I don't know how
these people got my numbers, or
what
else they might be planning.
You canceled all your cards,
right?
Yes, I canceled the cards.
Well, in all likelihood, you
should be fine.
[PHONE RINGING]
I hope so.
[SNICKERS]
All right.
Thanks.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[BEEP]
Wow.
[WHISTLES]
Is something wrong?
No, no, on the contrary.
I'm just impressed with your
credit--
really impeccable.
I just wish everyone was as
responsible.
Thank you.
Because it is so hard to get
your credit rating
reinstated once there's been a
problem.
Oh, you've no idea, Michelle.
May I call you Michelle?
Sure.
That's my name.
[CHUCKLES]
You know, some people call me
Mimi.
That was just like a childhood
nickname there.
It sort of stuck.
My father calls me Shelly, but I
really don't like it very much.
But he's the only one.
OK.
Here's the interest rate we
agreed on.
There's the terms of the
contract.
And that's where I need your
signature.
Wow, you make it so easy.
That's my job.
[DARK MUSIC]
[HONK]
Well, are you OK to park?
ANNOUNCER [ON RADIO]: When we
take you requests,
catch you up on the news, then
check on your weekend weather.
Station for rock here. [RAP
MUSIC]
RAPPER: Danger, danger.
Who be that perfect stranger?
Grab, grab it-- number one.
Hurry you, serving you, straight
from the avenues.
Straight from the Bellevue.
Check it.
And if you diss, respect it.
When I bring it on.
I think, no, man, when I hold it
down.
Pressure coming through loud.
Ripping the crowd.
Open the gate, grind when we up
here.
Reappear.
So he, basically, said there's
nothing the police can do.
That this sort of thing happens
all the time
Well, there's got to be
something you can do.
Maybe retrace your steps over
the last few months.
Who could've gotten your
information?
Oh my god.
Of course.
Hi, Gretchen, it's Michelle.
Yeah, listen, I know this is
really last minute,
but I'm going to have to take a
personal day today.
Yeah, so can you try to find a
sub for my class?
Great.
OK, thank you.
Yeah, and tell the kids that
I'll see them tomorrow.
OK, thanks.
Bye.
Connie, what are you doing?
I was going to leave you a
note.
I have to quit.
You ever heard of the two-week
notice?
Something came up.
What?
I got another job.
[SNICKERS]
Where I'll make a lot more
money.
And you couldn't come to me and
have a conversation?
I gave you this job when you
really needed it!
I know.
And I'm grateful, OK?
But there's just something else.
Yeah?
Barry, I've been here almost a
year,
and I see people come in here,
and they get a lot of money
to buy a house, and it makes
them happy.
And I could stay here for 20
years,
and I'm never going to be able
to buy a house, or a new car
instead of an old one, or even
walk into a store
and buy a scarf because I want
to!
So what's the point?
I mean, what do I get?
You know?
[SIGHS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Where is she?
Who, uh--
Connie?
She stole my information.
She's using my credit cards.
Now, just calm down.
What are you talking about?
I need you to give me her
address.
Now, we don't have any proof
that she's
using your credit card numbers.
I've never had any trouble with
her, or with anything
she's ever-- - Did she leave in
a hurry?
Yeah, but I--
I still don't think that that's
got anything--
I'm going to the police with my
suspicions.
You can either give me the
information,
or you can talk directly to
them.
[SIGHS] [MUTTERS] Damn it.
I want you to know that this is
against my better judgment.
Well, you should have thought
of that when you hired her.
[EERIE MUSIC]
[CREAKING]
[SIREN]
MAN [OUTSIDE]: [SHOUTING] No,
it's not here!
[KNOCKING]
Hello?
MAN [OUTSIDE]: I ain't talking
to you!
But you need to talk to--
[DARK MUSIC]
[CREAKING]
Connie?
[EERIE MUSIC]
[DOG BARKING]
MAN [OUTSIDE]: Stop yelling at
me!
[EERIE MUSIC]
[GASPS]
[TOUCH TONES]
[PANTING]
CONNIE [ON RECORDING]: Hi, this
is Michelle Brown.
Leave it at the beep. - [GASPS]
[DRAMTIC MUSIC]
That was really, really stupid.
Well, I know.
But I just thought if I could
talk to her--
I don't know.
Sit down.
Give me her name.
Connie Volkos.
Connie Volkos.
I mean, I talked to her when I
dropped
off the loan application.
She seemed like an OK person.
Connie Volkos has been
convicted of possession
of a controlled substance--
numerous times, which
means she has a drug habit.
Forgery, burglary-- I mean, this
was a person
you were going to talk to.
Does this Connie Volkos have
your current address?
Yes.
Then I would strongly suggest
you change
all the locks on your doors.
Let's see what other damage
she's done.
CONNIE: [LAUGHING] Yeah.
AGENT: It's a great bedroom,
isn't it?
CONNIE: Yeah.
I love that patio coming off,
and the attached bathroom.
So like I said, all new
appliances, all new fixtures,
neutral colors running
throughout.
What more can I say?
I think you're going to be very
happy here, Ms. Brown.
Of course, I will.
Whoa, it's really pretty.
So we will need first and last,
and a security deposit--
that's $6,000.
And we've just got a standard
lease--
year term-- utilities, gas,
maid.
Oh, a maid?
Mm-hm.
Wow.
Cable.
That's cool.
Just need your printed, and
your signature.
[BEEP]
Here's your credit report.
Take it home and have a look at
it.
You're going to find Connie's
fingerprints
all over the place.
You're also going to have to
file a fraud alert,
and contest a number of items.
You also need to call the Social
Security Administration,
the Federal Trade Commission.
Of course, you'll close all your
bank accounts,
ATMs, credit cards.
[BEEP]
Is this the woman?
Yes.
Oh my god.
They gave her my license?
We don't even look anything
alike.
CONNIE: OK, so I need those
thighs--
exactly like that.
I want to look exactly like that
when I
wear shorts, or a bathing suit.
OK?
I don't want to walk out of here
with anything
not as good as that.
I told you what to expect from
liposuction, OK?
We'll do our best.
I'll see you next door.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
This woman is not me.
You issued a duplicate license
without checking it
against the original.
So how do I know you're the
real Michelle Brown?
Because you say so?
Fill out this questionnaire,
sign the oath on the back.
Provide us with copies of a
recent phone or utility bill
to prove you're living at the
address
you claim to be living at.
Passport and birth certificate.
[SMIRKS]
CLERK: Next.
So checks for your new account
will
come in the mail within the next
two weeks,
and then your new ATM card in a
separate mailing.
OK, and what about my direct
deposit?
Because my paychecks get put
directly
into my checking account every
month,
and we closed the old account. -
No problem.
I'll file the paperwork.
You give your new account number
to your employer.
Everything should be fine.
Don't worry, this happens all
the time.
I can't believe how much ID
theft we see.
Really?
Yeah.
So I'll take care of this and,
everything should be great.
Thank you. And what's your
name?
- Susan. - Susan.
OK? Have a great day.
You, too. Yes, hi.
I need to report an identity
theft.
My credit card.
This is Michelle Brown--
5369 2469 7489 1259. Yeah, hi.
I need to put a fraud alert on
my credit report.
Michelle Brown.
Yes, I'm still holding.
I'm trying to tell you that a
credit card was taken out
in my name by somebody else, and
I'm
not going to be held responsible
for all that merchandise.
Yes, I'll hold.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[SIGHS] Unbelievable.
Oh, thank you.
I appreciate it.
No, that's what I'm trying to
tell you.
I did not set up phone service
at 1405 Getty Place.
No, somebody impersonating me
set up that service.
No-- no, no, don't put me on
hold!
Argh!
Hey, maybe you should try this
later?
Later is not going to cut it,
Justin.
I'm working on erasing $30,000
worth of debt this woman's
racked up in my name.
30?
Wow.
Somebody's been busy.
MICHELLE: Here, you guys, pick
up your lunches.
Pick up your garbage when you're
done.
- Watch out, you guys. - Thank
you.
So, anyway, I spent all day
yesterday
trying to convince people that I
am who I say I am,
and Connie's not.
And that I'm not responsible for
her debts.
Who's the victim here, and
who's the criminal?
I know! Jeez.
Uh-oh.
MALE STUDENT: Look out, look
out!
MICHELLE: Oh, oh!
MALE STUDENT: She shoots!
Oh, what a babe!
How can you be so upbeat after
all of this?
Ugh, I don't know.
I just-- you know, I notified
who I had to notify,
I canceled what I needed to
cancel,
and, hopefully, that'll do it.
Oh, the only thing I have to do
still
is let Gretchen know how to
reroute my paychecks.
Will you be OK in the field for
a couple-- five minutes?
- Yes, go ahead. - Thank you.
Oh, sorry.
Hey, don't forget, we have that
Mexico
meeting today after school. -
Oh, right, right.
See ya.
[SHOUTS] 45 minutes!
OK, so this will ensure that my
next paycheck will go
directly into the new account.
That's the plan.
I'll send the paperwork in
today.
It's just I want to make sure
because I--
I don't have any reserves in my
checking account
and I have a mortgage now.
So--
Oh, I know.
We're all one paycheck away from
being broke.
[NERVOUS LAUGH] Well, OK.
[BELL RINGING]
I got to go, but, um--
[PHONE RINGS]
Thank you.
Albert Park Elementary, can I
help you?
Yes. Boys.
Yes, yes.
Let me get that number.
San Saldano is on the Gulf
Coast of Mexico,
and Saint Marianis is about 45
minutes out of town.
Now, I've picked this school
because they are a model
of project-based learning.
I mean, these teachers have
realized
that standardized tests and
drills and repetition don't
produce true learning, something
I wish our school
system would realize.
Oh my god.
It is so beautiful.
Christine, this is work.
We are there to observe and take
notes.
But anyone who doesn't bring a
bathing suit is crazy.
The beaches are amazing.
OFFICER: The book, yeah.
I think I can.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[TOUCH TONES]
[RINGING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello?
Hi.
This is Ray De Lucci.
Ray De Lucci, yeah?
Do I know you?
Uh, no, but I've heard an awful
lot about you,
and I thought we could maybe
take this opportunity
to get acquainted.
Why would I want to do that?
Because I've got something to
offer you--
something you need.
[LAUGHS] Oh, well, I hope it's
money.
RAY [ON PHONE]: I'm offering you
help.
Oh, yeah?
What kind of help?
Hm?
RAY [ON PHONE]: A little case of
identity theft.
Hey.
Hi.
I have a surprise for you. -
What?
I'm not going to show you until
you get inside.
Oh, boy.
So when we get inside the
house,
you have to close your eyes, OK?
And don't look at anything. -
All right.
Close them now?
You don't have to close them
now.
Yeah.
MICHELLE: OK.
JUSTIN: Hey, no, no-- don't--
don't look, don't look, don't
look.
Close your eyes. Close your
eyes.
Close your eyes. - I'm closing
them.
- OK, I will lead you. - Oh,
boy.
- Just follow my lead. - Oh, OK.
Here we go.
[NERVOUS LAUGH] Oh, what is it?
[WHISPERING] Oh, my gosh.
[CHEERFUL MUSIC]
Oh!
Well, don't cry.
You supposed to be happy.
I am, I'm so happy.
[GIGGLES] Thank you.
[SIGHS]
[QUICK TEMPO MUSIC]
[RINGING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Stop bothering me.
Connie, don't hang up.
There's no way I know where you
are,
but it won't hurt to hear me
out.
Listen, you can't tell me
anything I'd be
interested in hearing, so bye.
Goodbye.
[DANCE MUSIC]
Charge it.
You see, that's smart.
What do I do when interest rates
are at an all-time low?
Procrastinate.
It's my middle name.
And now, when I need to take
some money out of the house,
I'm going to be paying a point
and a half more.
It's ridiculous.
MALE FRIEND: That hurts, yeah.
FEMALE FRIEND: Ouch.
You should try an equity line
of credit.
Excuse me?
I-- I just--
I heard what you were talking
about,
and the interest rates are
variable,
and they start very low.
Thanks for the tip.
FEMALE FRIEND: [SNICKERS] OK.
MALE FRIEND: I really want to
jump at this place.
I was just telling you because
I work in a loan office,
so I always hear this all day
long.
You know, Barry, the guy that I
work for, he
goes on and on about it.
And so--
I would, but this is private
conversation.
FEMALE FRIEND: [LAUGHS]
Anyway, so I really want to
jump at this place because--
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Just talking away.
It wasn't even a conversation,
really.
[LAUGHS] Just you talking, and
your friends are just
trained to listen, I guess.
I don't know.
MALE FRIEND: A little drunk.
[MUFFLED DANCE MUSIC]
[PHONE RINGING]
Michelle Brown.
You know, maybe everything is
going your way now, Connie.
But sooner or later, you're
bound to crash.
[LAUGHS] I don't know what
you're talking about.
RAY [ON PHONE]: Do you really
think you can make people
believe you're Michelle Brown?
Do you?
I don't think so, Connie.
You know what?
Like, who cares what you think?
The clock is ticking, Connie.
Now, sooner or later we are
going to catch up with you.
And when we do, you're going to
need someone on your side.
Now, I can be that guy.
Connie.
[TOILET FLUSHING] Connie?
Can you hear that?
[PLOP]
Connie.
CONNIE [VOICEOVER]: Connie's
gone.
[CHEERFUL MUSIC]
Mm.
Mm.
[PHONE RINGING]
Mm.
[PHONE RINGING]
[MOANING]
Oh, it's the phone.
I hear nothing.
LINDA [ON PHONE]: Miss Brown,
this is Linda McCathy at West
Federal Bank, and I'm calling
about your delinquent account
on the SUV you bought from West
Denver Auto.
Hello.
This is Michelle Brown, and I
did not buy a new SUV.
LINDA [ON PHONE]: Is this
Michelle
Brown of 554 El Murado Place?
Yes, but I didn't buy a new
SUV.
LINDA [ON PHONE]: If we do not
receive your payment
on this outstanding balance
within 10 business days,
we'll be forced to forward your
account to a collection
agency, and your credit--
You are not listening to me.
I did not buy a new car!
LINDA [ON PHONE]: Is this not
Michelle Brown?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
POLICE DISPATCH [ON RADIO]: Code
30--
[BEEP]
[BEEP]
POLICE DISPATCH [ON RADIO]: Unit
23, 605.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
It was about two months ago, I
think.
It was a brand new SUV, and the
woman who called
me was from West Federal Bank.
[PHONE RINGING]
SALESMAN: Yeah.
Oh, hi, Eddie.
No.
No, I can't make it that early.
Oh, forget that.
Yeah, I told you I'd meet you at
the restaurant.
Sir?
If you could just type it in
real quick, I'd--
Well-- listen, I got another
call.
Hold on.
Yeah.
Really?
For sure?
OK.
Wait a second, I got another
line.
Hey, honey, how did you-- hey, I
was just talking to--
how?
Oh, well, we'll celebrate that
way later.
OK, good.
I'm really happy for you.
Congratulations.
SALESMAN: Uh, call me back.
Bye bye.
What was the name again?
[SIGHS] [LOUDLY] Michelle
Brown.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
Michelle Brown.
[BEEP]
Oh, I see why they called you.
This account is delinquent.
But I didn't buy that car.
How do I know that?
Hi, I'm Michelle Brown.
I'm hoping you can help me?
I'll see what I can do.
Well, I lost all my checks in a
move.
Um-- but I always keep the
account
number in a separate place.
TELLER: Excellent.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[TAPPING]
I see that this account has
been closed.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
[LAUGHS] Of course it's closed.
That was so silly of me.
Because I closed it because I
lost all the checks.
It's-- in the move, it's just
hard to--
to keep track.
Thank you, though.
Thank you very much. - Ms.
Brown?
No, it's OK.
Thanks.
Miss Brown, we can open another
account.
Who's that?
Uh, Michelle Brown.
That's not Michelle Brown.
[TRAIN WHISTLE]
CHEF [ON TV]: Put it at a really
high heat.
It melts nice.
The next thing that we're going
to do
is to add some brown sugar to
the butter.
Brown sugar is going to work as
a perfect coating
for our bananas.
Before we add the bananas,
however, what you want to do--
Look who the cat dragged in.
Shut up, Ed.
[SNICKERS] No surprise you'd be
back.
I made a deal with Harlan.
Didn't I, Harlan?
I said, my baby sister--
she'll never make it on her own.
I did.
Oh, for such a short while.
You know what they say--
water seeks its own level.
And here you are, right back in
the swamp.
[CHUCKLES]
I need money, is all.
ED: What's new?
Well, I have a perfect
opportunity
for you to make some.
Come on in.
CHEF [ON TV]: However, be aware
when you add this,
it's going to flame.
[PHONE RINGING]
She bought a car from West
Denver Auto.
- Great. - It is?
I'm missing why it's great.
Well, because now we've got the
VIN
number, the vehicle description,
and we
can get this to all units.
OK, so now you have her name,
you know what she looks,
and you know what car she's
driving.
Yup.
So you can pick her up.
Well, eventually.
Eventually is not soon enough.
Listen, Michelle, what we don't
know is where she is.
There's no end in sight, is
there?
I didn't say that.
- Hey. - Hey.
How did it go?
Well, [SNICKERS] she bought a
duplicate of my SUV--
same make, same color--
only I have to pay for it.
You're not going to have to pay
for it if you
explain to them what happened.
Justin, I was there explaining.
What do you think I was doing?
Hey, calm down.
I'm the guy on your side here,
remember?
I gotta go. - Sorry.
Where are you going?
Mrs. Bennett saw what I did to
your house,
so she wants an estimate. -
Really?
Yeah.
Wow, that's great.
Couldn't muster a little more
enthusiasm for me?
Sorry, that's-- you go!
Thank you.
That's what I'm talking about.
Bye.
- Good luck. - Thank you.
WOMAN ON STREET: Oh, you did?
MAN ON STREET: Yeah, just need
to finish up.
WOMAN ON STREET: OK, great.
And it's 200 down there?
MAN ON STREET: Yeah.
WOMAN ON STREET: Thank you so
much.
Oh, my god.
[SLOW MUSIC]
I don't understand.
She brought this picture with
her?
Yes, she did.
People often bring in pictures.
It helps me visualize what
people want.
Oh my god.
She's trying to become me.
[COUNTRY MUSIC]
All she has to do is break this
glass, and reach around,
and-- you know. I mean, it's
like--
and these are just-- these--
They're locked, Michelle.
Slow down.
She's obviously been watching
me.
She took my picture.
Everything's going to be OK.
Will you just stop saying that?
I'm just trying to calm you
down.
Well, why?
Because if I calm down, then
this entire mess
will disappear?
That's not what I'm saying.
Maybe if I calm down, then
we'll discover
that I'm the crazy person.
Yeah, well, you are acting a
little crazy right now.
Oh, OK.
Well, maybe if I calm down, I'll
figure out that Connie is just
a figment of my imagination.
No, if you calm down, maybe you
and I could
have a decent conversation!
You're not getting it!
Yeah, you're right.
I am not getting it.
There is no way to figure this
out.
Ah!
[GLASS SHATTERING]
You got 'em?
Yeah, I do.
We need another 15 more of
these.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
MAN: Yeah.
That's good.
Right.
I don't know.
[WHISTLES] Hey!
Can you hurry up here?
I've got to get going.
MAN: Yes, ma'am.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[DOOR OPENING]
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have run off like
that.
I-- I just--
I feel like I'm losing you.
I feel like I'm losing
everything.
It's a letter from the bank.
I have insufficient funds.
How can this happen?
My direct deposit--
my salary check didn't get
there.
Look, we'll talk to Gretchen
about it.
Did you hear me?
My mortgage check bounced.
I understand.
I have done everything right.
I mean, I have called everybody
they told me to call.
I stayed on top of it.
I did the paperwork.
I canceled everything I was
supposed to cancel.
And this-- this woman--
she's awful.
And I'm just afraid I'm going to
lose this house.
JUSTIN: You're not going to lose
this house.
This has been my dream my
entire life,
ever since I was a little kid.
And I have planned for it, and I
have waited for it,
and I have saved up for it.
And it's-- [SOBS] it's not fair
because I've done
everything right, you know?
I know, baby.
I can't lose it.
And I'm sorry I broke the
picture.
JUSTIN: That can be fixed.
[CRIES]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
[POLICE SIREN]
You check out the driver.
Ma'am, you realize you were
speeding?
CONNIE: No, I'm sorry, I didn't.
I'm going to need to see your
driver's
license and registration.
DISPATCH [OVER RADIO]: We have
male--
Thin build-- 20 to 25 years--
Could you please remove your
glasses?
Registration, please.
CONNIE: I'm not sure where the--
Ma'am, please put your hands on
the steering wheel,
and keep them there.
Can you run a check on a
Colorado plate?
Queen, union, x-ray, 3186.
DISPATCH [OVER RADIO]: Yeah.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Sergeant Robb, remove that
driver from the vehicle.
SERGEANT ROBB: 10-4.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
Walk around to the front of the
vehicle.
Place your hands on the front of
the vehicle.
You have the right to remain
silent.
Anything you say can and will be
used
against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an
attorney.
If you cannot afford one, one
will be appointed to you.
Do you understand the rights as
I have explained them to you?
Yes, sir.
Requesting backup.
Drug bust in progress.
DISPATCH [OVER RADIO]: Copy
that.
We're sending two units.
[BANG]
[BELL RINGING]
MICHELLE: Gretchen!
My checks have not been going
into my new account.
GRETCHEN: No? - No.
I'm sure I sent the paperwork
in.
At least, I'm pretty sure.
Gretchen, I need the money in
my checking
account to pay my mortgage!
Well, why don't we just redo
the form and fax it in today?
How's that?
That should do the trick.
[CHILDREN SHRIEKING]
MICHELLE: Come on, you're late.
Get into class.
Michelle Brown, you are to be
bound over on $50,000 bail.
You are charged with possessing
a controlled substance
for sale or distribution.
Can the client make bail?
No, your honor.
She has no financial resources.
Very well.
You will remain in custody until
a court date is determined.
Next.
Sorry.
[PHONE RINGING]
Michelle.
She got liposuction at my
expense,
and she signed a lease.
Look at this.
One of them's for $5,350, and
the other is $24,000.
- It doesn't matter. - Well,
maybe not to you.
You're not the one who has to
pay it!
It's over.
What do you mean?
She was busted-- drug
trafficking.
700 pounds of marijuana.
She's in jail?
According to the New Mexico
Highway Patrol,
and they haven't lied to me yet.
Do they know about the identity
theft?
That's why they called me.
So you're saying it's over?
Something like that.
[RELIEVED SIGH] Oh.
Oh, my god.
ANNOUNCER [OVER SPEAKER]:
Attention passengers,
this is the final boarding
call--
Oh.
CHRISTINE: OK, you two.
It's only for three days.
OK, I'll see you Saturday.
Look, think of this as a
celebration of this nightmare
being over. OK?
Oh, Justin, I'm so sorry.
I've been such a lunatic lately.
CHRISTINE: Let's go! Come on,
we're boarding.
Go.
You can make it up to me when
you get back.
Mm, OK.
Bye.
You show up in court Friday
morning, 9:00 AM,
and you don't leave the
jurisdiction for any reason.
Sign here.
Who made my bail?
Ed Volkos.
Hm.
Stay out of trouble, Michelle.
Oh, yeah, I will.
[FARM ANIMAL SOUNDS]
[CHILDREN TALKING]
[LATIN MUSIC]
[SPEAKING IN SPANISH]
CHILDREN: [IN UNISON] Buenos
dias.
Muy bien.
Hola, hola.
We're talking to the class about
proportions.
You know, it's easier for
children
to learn by experience-- and
seeing the things
and touching them-- rather than
just,
you know, being on the board.
And, you know, pay attention to
me, and keep quiet.
They have to be involved in what
they're learning
in order to remember it, so
we're working
on some proportions today.
So I hope you enjoyed your visit
here at our school.
Have fun.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
CHILDREN: [IN UNISON] Adios.
Adios.
Mango-- we have some things
over there,
and you can serve yourself.
[LAUGHS]
MICHELLE: Yeah.
Look at this, Christine.
I mean-- look, there isn't one
child who isn't totally
involved in what's going on.
What do you mean?
No staring into space?
I wouldn't think I was in a
classroom without that.
My god, I almost lost all of
this.
What?
Just this joy.
[KIDS CHATTING]
HOST: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
[THUMP]
Ed?
Yeah.
I know it was you who made my
bail.
[PANTING] What do you mean, keep
my mouth closed?
Well-- what, am I supposed to go
to prison for those friggin'
idiots you work for?
Well, they're not-- they're not
going to cut me a deal
if I don't have anything to--
Ed!
Ed!
Dammit!
Ed!
[SLAM]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[TRAIN HORN]
[ENGINE STARTS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[SCREECHING]
God, you know, it was the
excitement
of the kids that really got me.
Like they knew learning could be
fun, like they
couldn't wait to get to school.
- I know - If only.
It's so great. Oh.
Hi.
Hi.
AGENT: Hello.
Welcome to Denver.
Thanks.
I'll wait for you over here.
- OK. - Michelle Brown?
Mm-hm.
OK, thank you.
Thanks.
Next.
Michelle Brown?
Come with us.
Wait, no, no, no, no no!
No, no, no, you guys, I'm not
her.
That's-- you've got the wrong
person.
ANNOUNCER [OVER SPEAKER]: Now
boarding at gate 21A.
MICHELLE: OK, I'm Michelle
Brown,
but I'm not that Michelle Brown.
You have the wrong girl.
Right.
I'm serious, you're making a
huge mistake here.
You gotta be kidding me.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
DEALER: Wait up.
What's up? DEALER: What's up?
How you doing?
DEALER: What's up?
Here you go, babe.
Look, could you please just
check out my story?
That's not my job.
My job's to watch you until they
come
back to question you some more.
Please, believe me.
I can't count the number of
times I've heard that line.
Look, I am not the criminal
here!
This is a mistake!
AGENT: Whatever you say.
Oh, thank god you're here.
Oh, my god.
Thank you.
[WHISPERING]
You're free to go.
[RELIEVED SIGH]
Connie skipped out on her bail.
So they issued a warrant, but
they screwed up
big time because they issued it
under the name
she first gave them.
Which was, of course, yours.
So where is she?
Is she heading back here?
We don't know.
Come on.
We apologize for the
inconvenience.
Yeah, thanks.
Keep in touch.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Thanks.
Connie?
Justin!
What the hell do you want?
We seriously have to call the
cops.
Fine, you do that.
It's important, Michelle.
We can tell them what kind of
car she was driving.
Justin, they knew what kind of
car she was driving before.
They had her license plate
number,
they knew what she looked like,
they even had her cell phone.
What good did it get us?
Cops can't help me.
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[BUZZING]
Would you just tell me why some
people are born lucky
and some people just have no
luck at all?
And why I am always on the
unlucky side of it?
Can you just tell me that?
And that's not fair.
Right?
Right.
You can get two, maybe three
days on this one.
Swipe it at a gas station.
I don't even know if it still
works.
Damn, I do good work.
So how are you going to pay for
this baby, Michelle Brown?
Hm?
CONNIE: [LAUGHS] Nah, I don't
think so.
[LAUGHS] Well, then how are you
going to pay for it?
I could charge it.
[LAUGHS] Nah.
No.
Stupid.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[KEYBOARD CLICKS]
[EERIE MUSIC]
[BEEP]
PASSERBY: I would love to check
it out.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
BETH: Michelle?
Yes?
I'm Beth Givens from the
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Hi, how are you?
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
This table's free.
That looks good.
[SIGHS]
So you've had quite a time.
It's just so frustrating. It's
been really hard.
I'm kind of falling apart.
That's not uncommon.
I just feel like it's this
unrelenting
avalanche, you know?
And I know it's coming and I
hear the rumblings,
and I still can't get out of the
way.
And I'm getting clobbered by
tons and tons of snow,
you know?
I mean, where's the Saint
Bernard with the flask
of whiskey to rescue me?
I'd hate to think that I'm the
Saint Bernard.
[LAUGHS] Bet you hear the same
story over and over.
Some version of it, yes.
Identity theft is the fastest
growing crime in this country.
Every six minutes, someone's
identity is stolen.
Every six minutes?
That adds up to seven million
people a year.
Ugh, and no one is doing
anything about it?
In our view, not nearly enough.
Well, what can we do to fight
back?
I am so glad you asked.
All these?
Yeah, the whole thing.
Mm-hm.
Well, I--
They're $1.25.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7--
I don't know.
20-- 25.
[BEEP]
MICHELLE: Mm-hm.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
So what would I have to do?
Talk about what this experience
has been like.
Help people to see it and feel
it.
And you think that would make a
difference?
Well, let's go to Washington
and find out.
MAN: Too much work, though, you
know?
Getting down there.
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
[SIGHS] [SNICKERS] [HEAVY
BREATHING]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
Hey, you!
[KNOCKING] Open the door.
[KNOCKING]
What?
Your credit card didn't go
through.
Yeah, well, I'll give you
another one tomorrow.
- I want you out of here. -
Yeah, OK.
I just-- I gotta wait until
someone comes to get me.
You want me to call the cops?
OK, look, I'm leaving.
All right?
Sure.
Look, it's just for a few days.
I'll miss you.
I know but Beth thinks I can
really do some good.
Don't you think I should go?
Absolutely.
I think you should tell the
Senate guys what happened.
Actually, the head of the
Senate Committee
happens to be a woman.
[CHUCKLES]
[PHONE RINGING]
Testifying before this committee
is
a way of turning this whole
awful experience
into something positive.
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello.
CONNIE [ON PHONE]: Hello.
I need-- I need help.
I need you to tell me what to
do.
I don't know what to do next.
Who is this?
It's Michelle Brown.
[LAUGHS]
[WHISPERS] Connie. Hold on.
You need to stop running,
Connie.
I made a mistake.
It was about a drug deal and--
but I
was clean for a whole year.
Do you believe me?
I had a job, and I showed up
every day.
I know. I met you there.
Do you remember?
You were so pretty.
And you looked so happy.
Where are you, Connie?
[CRIES]
Look, maybe if you tell me
where you are,
then I can help you.
Hang up.
Shh.
Connie, are you still in Denver?
Connie, if you tell me where you
are, I'll come to you.
And then we'll figure this out
together.
I got a gun.
I had to get a gun.
Help.
And I don't know what to do.
Oh, god.
[CLANK]
MICHELLE: For the past six
months,
a woman with my name and my
social security number--
and my driver's license number
and my credit cards--
has been living her life at my
expense,
and I've become responsible for
every one of her criminal acts.
If only she lived in a better
apartment, so she rented one.
If only she had a better car, so
she bought a copy of mine.
If only she had the right
clothes,
if only she could become me--
well, then all her problems
would disappear.
The only problem is I still
exist.
Is your case typical, Ms.
Brown?
I think so.
In almost all identity theft,
there's a sense of violation
and repeated betrayal.
But not all identity theft
involves
the kind of personal jeopardy
that Ms. Brown has experienced.
Primarily because the criminal
is someone Ms. Brown knows?
BETH: That's part of it, and
that's not an uncommon story.
Over half of all the identity
theft cases involve
someone the victim knows.
What about the other part, Ms.
Brown?
Um, it's becoming clear to me
that Connie Volkos is
unbalanced and reckless, and I
believe
her behavior is escalating.
She became obsessed with you.
Yes. [PHONE RINGING]
BARRY: And then it becomes
un-adjustable.
And with the 1% cap that we put
on that amount,
we can expand that amount within
any given six-month period.
Can you excuse me for just one
sec?
I've just got to grab this.
Knowland Mortgage and Loans,
Barry here.
You know what?
I called her and I asked her.
I asked her-- I said, what would
you do?
Huh? What would you do?
And you know what?
She didn't even answer me.
You know why?
Because she doesn't-- [SPITS]
she doesn't even think
I'm worth it, 'cause that's what
happens when you have nothing.
OK, just hold on a sec.
You know, I'm just going to grab
this one in the other office.
Why don't you folks have a look
over that and, uh-- and I'll
be right back, OK?
Connie, where are you?
I got a gun in my handbag.
BARRY [ON PHONE]: Jeez, Connie.
Just-- now, you just tell me
where you are
and I'll come and help you. OK,
Connie?
Connie, where are you?
[GUNSHOT] Connie!
[SIRENS] - Whoa, whoa, sir--
- Heyy-- - Is she with you?
BARRY: Yeah, yeah. - I threw her
out once.
It's all right, buddy, I'll
take care of it, OK?
Connie?
Connie, it's me-- Barry.
OFFICER: Just get her out.
BARRY: We're going to take care
of it, OK?
We're going to be-- everything's
going to be all right.
MOTEL MANAGER: There's drugs in
there.
You're going to be OK in there,
Connie.
We're here to help you. It's all
right.
OFFICER: Hey, hey, take it easy.
BARRY: Come on.
It's going to be OK, Connie.
Get these people out of here.
- Hey, hey, she's got a gun. - I
know.
Yeah, but I heard it go off.
OFFICER: Sir, come on.
It went off, man. I was-- I
was--
RAY: Come on.
Get these people out of here,
come on.
Give me that. Give me that.
I-- I was talking to her on the
telephone.
And then I heard the gun go off,
and then nothing.
She's not a bad person.
RAY: Connie, it's Ray De Lucci.
I'm coming in.
[OUTSIDE VOICES]
Connie?
Connie, do you remember when I
said
once that I'd help you out?
I think now would be a good time
to take
me up on that offer, Connie.
Connie?
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[CREAKING]
Put the gun down, Connie.
No.
Wrong choice, Connie.
[SOBS]
RAY: No.
You need help.
No.
RAY: I'll help you.
I'll be that guy for you.
No.
Oh, god.
RAY: Come on.
Come on, that's it.
Good.
Good.
Good.
Come on.
[THUNDER]
MICHELLE: So now it's just up to
Senator Feinstein--
and her committee, of course--
but we did everything we could.
And Beth was so great and she
wants me to stay involved,
which I would love to--
Hey.
Hey.
Hi.
What, are you making house
calls now?
Yeah, well, you could say that.
Come on.
You know, it was obvious that
Connie
didn't want to use the gun.
But, uh, she didn't really see
any way out either.
So-- so I gave her one.
Which means she's in custody,
right?
Yeah.
That's what I came by to tell
you.
Thank you.
What if she makes bail?
No, this time there won't be
any bail.
JUSTIN: Really?
Yeah.
It's over.
[SIGHS] Oh, finally.
There is one more thing.
What?
She's requested to see
Michelle.
It's out of the question.
RAY: Well, I understand that,
but--
What makes her think that after
the way she treated Mi--
Wait, wait-- at the court?
She wants me to come to the
court?
Yeah.
- All right. - What?
No.
What are you thinking?
I-- I want to go.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
JUSTIN: So just go in there, and
go get 'em.
[GIGGLES]
I'm glad you find this amusing,
Connie.
Uh, but this-- it's not
amusing.
I'm not amused.
I just-- so like, she says she
will see me?
That's what I said, yeah.
So I'm not--
You find that funny?
No.
- Settle down. - What?
Settle down.
PROSECUTOR: I really don't think
this is a good idea.
JUSTIN: Thank you.
Neither do I.
PROSECUTOR: You'll have an
opportunity to make a statement
in court if you wish.
This is different.
I'm missing something here.
If Connie has something she
wants to say to me,
I want to hear what it is.
It's done, Michelle.
She plead guilty.
All we're doing here today is
hearing her sentence assigned.
No.
I have to see her face to face.
[DOOR OPENS]
[MELANCHOLY MUSIC]
You look so nice.
I had to cut my hair.
It used to be long like yours,
but it was never as pretty.
Do you wash it every day?
Uh, yeah.
That's why it looks so--
shiny and soft.
It looks soft.
Can I touch it?
LAWYER: Uh-- sit down, Connie.
If you try to get up again, Ms.
Brown is leaving.
[SIGHS] I told them I did it.
I told them they didn't need a
trial, because I confessed.
I know.
They told me.
Well, I wanted to tell you.
I'm gonna-- I'm gonna go to
jail for it.
I know.
So you'll be relieved.
Right?
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I wanted to tell you that.
Thank you.
[UPLIFTING MUSIC]
But it-- it was only things,
right?
You took more than things from
me, Connie.
No, but I didn't hurt you.
- Yes, you did. - No, I didn't.
I didn't hurt you.
I never would hurt you.
I mean, I-- I--
I just wanted some stuff.
I didn't know how to get them on
my own,
so I just charged a few things.
That's all.
I mean, I didn't have anything,
and you had so much.
I mean, if I asked you, were you
going to share them with me?
Were you going to help me find
an apartment?
Were you going to help me?
Were you going to let me drive
your stupid car?
LAWYER: This meeting is over. -
No!
LAWYER: Ms. Brown is leaving.
No.
Michelle, look at me!
Look what we have here.
The two Michelle Browns face to
face.
There is only one Michelle
Brown in this room!
No.
We look so much alike, people
couldn't tell us apart.
I can.
I know exactly who you are,
Connie,
and that person has nothing to
do with me.
Nothing.
We are here to impose
sentencing.
And in doing so, the Court needs
to acknowledge
that for every defendant we see,
there is also a victim.
Somebody has been hurt by the
defendant's behavior.
But on the other hand, as the
country and western song
says, if you dwell on the
negatives,
if you focus on them, if you
live with them
and you wake up with them, then
the world will be bleak.
CONNIE: [GIGGLING] LAWYER:
Connie, please.
If you focus on the positives,
I think the opposite is true.
[WHISPERING]
Put the negatives in the
rear-view mirror,
and put them in the past.
I would like Michelle Brown to
know--
is Miss Brown in the courtroom
today?
Here, Your Honor.
Well, Ms. Brown, I think there
are a lot worse things
than this--
this identity theft.
Like getting hit by a truck, or
cancer.
PROSECUTOR: [WHISPERS]
Outrageous.
I want you to have a positive
attitude,
because we all know that life
ain't fair.
[MURMURS]
A little advice.
Now to sentencing.
Yeah, excuse me.
I know that life isn't fair, but
I thought this courtroom
was supposed to be.
Do you wish to make a statement
before sentencing, Ms. Brown?
Well, I didn't intend to, but,
yes, I think I do.
I know that there are worse
things
in life than identity theft.
But the crime Connie Volkos
committed wasn't minor.
She robbed me.
Not just of things-- it wasn't
the possessions
you took from me, Connie.
She invaded my life again and
again--
whenever, however she wanted--
forcing
me to prove over and over that I
wasn't the Michelle
Brown committing criminal acts.
Tell me what you have, Your
Honor, if you don't have
the sanctity of your good name.
No matter what your attitude,
you
need to have your good name.
That is what you took from me,
Connie.
That is no small thing.
I hope that you'll keep that in
mind
when you pronounce sentencing.
[MURMURS]
Thank you.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[BANG]
[PIANO MUSIC]