Actually, it is legal to use an alias for any number of things, including the phone book, *_so long as the purpose is not to defraud_*; thus, using Mother Teresa Charities might be so construed, while using Sam Jones probably would not be. There are prohibitions against using false ID...driver's lic., passport, and so forth...but not against using an alias. This is all after consultation with my attorney...

As a side note, it is possible in Texas to file an "assumed name" at the courthouse of the county(ies) wherein you plan to do business...costs about $15, including the notary fees, and lasts 10 years. You can have almost anything for a name....and what would be more natural than having your new "business name" in the phone book? Nice, legal...and cheap (except a business line is a bit more expensive). Can this be done in other states?

Regards,

Dave

In Ohio, you are supposed to file a Ficticious Name form for $15 or so, but I was in business for years before I even knew about it. I don't know if it's practically required or not. Businesses using an assumed name are supposed to be noted in certain places as "so and so dba FRED's USED STUFF" ^^^ Doing Business AS sdw -- Stephen D. Williams Local Internet Gateway Co.; SDW Systems 513 496-5223APager LIG dev./sales Internet: sdw@lig.net OO R&D Source Dist. By Horse: 2464 Rosina Dr., Miamisburg, OH 45342-6430 Comm. Consulting ICBM: 39 34N 85 15W I love it when a plan comes together Newbie Notice: (Surfer's know the score...) I speak for LIGCo., CCI, myself, and no one else, regardless of where it is convenient to post from or thru.