 Cumming became an early victim of identity theft on 27 March 1888 when a man impersonating him stole goods worth 100 @,@ 000 francs ( equivalent to approximately £ 402 @,@ 000 in current terms ) from a Nice jewellery shop . The thief had identified himself to the shop 's owner , Mr Boxta , as " Admiral Sir Arthur Cumming " and presented a card in that name with Cumming 's coat of arms printed on it . Having made a small purchase the thief requested that Boxta bring a large quantity of diamond rings , bracelets and a necklace to his rooms so that he could choose a present for his wife . Boxta was reassured by the high status neighbourhood and a pile of Bank of England notes that the thief showed him and allowed the thief to take the jewellery to an adjacent room from which he was able to escape . The thief was never caught . 
