In message TELECOM Digest Editor noted in response to Monty Solomon :
[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This type of thing used to happen a lot
> in Chicago, when the Cook County States Attorney would issue a warrant
> for someone with a very common name. Now in recent years, when a
> person (who is _NOT_ the wanted person) gets arrested and hassled,
> they are permitted to apply for a boilerplate letter which announces
> to one and all this particular [common name] is not wanted by law
> enforcement _at this time_. And it gives a phone number to call for
> verification. The common name person is 'encouraged' to carry this
> letter in his possession (his wallet perhaps) at all times, and
> present it to arresting officers, in the event of a mixup on his
> social security number or other details. PAT]
While that might help reduce the inconvenience, it sure would reduce the chances of getting lucky with a kidnap and unlawful detainment civil suit after the fact.