Identity fraud is a growing problem in the United States. Having a fake ID is not always easy to spot. Here are some ways to tell if you have a fake ID:
Identity fraud is a growing problem in the United States
The recent rise in identity fraud is alarming. It is estimated that nearly half of U.S. citizens will become victims of identity theft in the next decade. In 2021, there will be more than 5.7 million reported cases, up from 4.7 million in 2010. The cost of identity fraud to victims is rising as more people become digitally dependent. Among the most common issues, identity theft is committed through imposter scams. Once a criminal has compromised your data, they can take on a huge amount of debt.
The most common target of identity thieves is the aging population, particularly baby boomers and Generation X. This demographic is at the greatest risk for identity theft, due to their greater socioeconomic capacity and higher consumption patterns. As the largest portion of the U.S. workforce, they also have the highest risk of identity theft. Fortunately, these groups are a ripe target for hackers. Taking action early on can minimize the damage and ensure your identity remains secure.
Identifying a fake ID is difficult
Identifying a fake ID is a challenge because of the many factors that make it look authentic. Real IDs aren’t easily cracked, split, or even have nails inserted in the corners. Fake IDs have different fonts and lack certain security features. Fake IDs often copy the front, but don’t replicate the back. They may also have holographic images, and the font used isn’t as legible or even identical to that on the real thing.
Because there are so many different designs of valid IDs in the United States, identifying a fake ID can be extremely difficult. While this makes detecting fake IDs difficult, the fraud they cause can cost your organization money and compromise its compliance with government regulations. Here are some steps to follow to detect a fake ID:
Avoid a forged ID
A forged ID is not only a felony in its own right, but also helps to commit crimes. They can be used to support fake claims or to facilitate illegal activities, such as human trafficking and child labor. Europol invests significant amounts of money into the production of counterfeit IDs, and they can help to combat terrorism, child labor, and human trafficking. It’s not difficult to recognize a forged ID by looking at the features of the fake ID.
The materials used in creating a forged ID can be a major factor in the success of the thief. While everyone may have access to the same machines and equipment, not all fake IDs are made equally. Inexperienced hands may be able to fool you by feeling your ID the same way as a real ID. A professional service like IDTop can build a forged ID with a specialized touch. They use DMV-grade Polycarbonate and PVC materials and separate microprints for each state’s license. They have the proper features to make the fake ID look like a real license.
Identifying a borrowed ID
If you suspect that an ID you are looking at is a fake, the first step to taking is to check the age. This is particularly important if the person you’re talking to has recently turned 21. Underage drinkers usually borrow IDs from someone who’s at least 21 years old. They’ll pick an ID that matches their appearance and physical description. If the person has an ID with a different name or a different postcode, it’s likely that they borrowed it. Fake IDs don’t get detected by UV lights or ID scanners.
In addition to the photo, you can also check the name and date of birth. Often, a fake ID card will be missing or have been forged by adding a second retention form. By performing this check, you’ll be able to tell if the document is a fake or not. You can also use the holograms and the business font to determine if an ID is a fake or not.