Distributed biometric identification system for a mobile environment

A method and mobile device for identifying a current user of the mobile device as a trusted user is provided. The mobile device determines that a current user of the mobile device is not the owner of the mobile device. The mobile device obtains a biometric sample of the current user and transmits an identification request message to a distributed identification system. The distributed identification system includes a group of mobile devices, each one that includes biometric data the owner of the device. The identification request message includes the biometric sample of the current user. If the biometric sample matches the sample of one of the mobile devices in the distributed identification system, that device sends an identity response to the originating mobile device. Upon receiving the identity response, the original mobile unit determines if the identity in the identity response matches a known identity of the mobile device, such as a member in the contact list. If so, the original mobile device remains unlocked. If there is no match, the mobile device assumes that the current user is unauthorized and locks the phone or performs other defensive measures.