Originally Posted by
Anyr
Many Espers have a strong reputation, but that's not to say that everyone knows their face; Even Level 5s aren't always recognised on sight. In canon, Misaka Mikoto often goes unidentified by those she meets, despite most of them knowing of her indirectly. Even Misaka herself didn't recognise the city's #1 ranked Esper until he gave himself away by using his distinctive abilities. Apparently the government of Academy City aren't the only ones who prefer to fixate on powers rather than people...