The Less People Know About Us | Criminal Podcast
- Aug 26, 2026
- 37:33
- Full Episode
SPOILER WARNING: Please listen to Episode 51: Money Tree before you listen to this one. (https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-51-money-tree-8-23-2016/)
Three years ago, we spoke with Axton Betz-Hamilton about discovering that her identity had been stolen as a child. When she found out who had stolen it, everything changed.
We spoke with Axton again a couple of weeks ago. She said that since our last conversation she’s been conducting an investigation, going back to the very beginning of her own life, and reconsidering every memory.
Axton’s new book is The Less People Know About Us. (https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/axton-betz-hamilton/the-less-people-know-about-us/9781538730287/)
Criminal is a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Episode 125 originally published October 25, 2019. https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-125-the-less-people-know-about-us-10-25-2019
Music in this episode: “Mystery T” by Cory Gray “Suzy Textile” by Blue Dot Sessions “Pukae” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cicle Gerano” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cinema Pathetic” by Blue Dot Sessions “Kirkus Interlude” by Blue Dot Sessions “Lunette” by Blue Dot Sessions “Triana” by Blue Dot Sessions “Dolly and Pad” by Blue Dot Sessions
Brief Summary
Axton Betts Hamilton reveals her mother's identity theft and its lasting effects on her life and family.
Key points
- Axton's Identity Theft Journey. Axton Betts Hamilton reveals the shocking truth about her family's identity theft.
- The Chilling Discovery. Axton uncovers a chilling truth about her mother's actions regarding identity theft.
- Astonishing Facebook Revelations. Axton discovers a hidden side of her mother through thousands of private Facebook messages.
- Axton's Mother's Affair Revealed. Axton uncovers her mother's affair through messages and financial records. 'It became clear that she was detailing an affair.'
- Finding Hidden Money. Axton discovers $5,000 her mother hid, which her father used to buy a motorcycle. 'Now we know that was a lie and, you know, kind of a cruel joke.'
- Axton's Healing Journey. Axton discusses her father's healing and new girlfriend, which has helped him move on. 'I think the new girlfriend and the new bike have done a lot to help him heal.'
Episode highlights
- Axton's Identity Theft JourneyAxton Betts Hamilton reveals the shocking truth about her family's identity theft.“It wasn't just her parents' identities that had been stolen.”2:20Aug 26, 2026
- The Chilling DiscoveryAxton uncovers a chilling truth about her mother's actions regarding identity theft.“I knew instinctively that mom's identity was never stolen.”6:39Aug 26, 2026
- Astonishing Facebook RevelationsAxton discovers a hidden side of her mother through thousands of private Facebook messages.“Her mother presented a different version of herself and of her life.”24:50Aug 26, 2026
- Axton's Mother's Affair RevealedAxton uncovers her mother's affair through messages and financial records. 'It became clear that she was detailing an affair.'“It became clear that she was detailing an affair.”25:42Aug 26, 2026
- Finding Hidden MoneyAxton discovers $5,000 her mother hid, which her father used to buy a motorcycle. 'Now we know that was a lie and, you know, kind of a cruel joke.'“Now we know that was a lie and, you know, kind of a cruel joke.”28:25Aug 26, 2026
- Axton's Healing JourneyAxton discusses her father's healing and new girlfriend, which has helped him move on. 'I think the new girlfriend and the new bike have done a lot to help him heal.'“I think the new girlfriend and the new bike have done a lot to help him heal.”29:18Aug 26, 2026
- The Mystery of Her Mother's LifeAxton investigates her mother's past and wonders if she set a fire to cover her tracks. 'Axton wonders if her mother set the fire intentionally to cover her tracks.'“Axton wonders if her mother set the fire intentionally to cover her tracks.”30:59Aug 26, 2026
- Axton's New RoleAxton shares her new position at South Dakota State University and her commitment to helping others. 'I'm still able to educate and help others regarding identity theft.'“I'm still able to educate and help others regarding identity theft.”36:00Aug 26, 2026
