A fake ID can be easily recognised by following these simple tests:

"SCRATCHED" or "LASER ALTERED" Fake IDs

1: With the photo identity facing you, roll your thumb over the corners repeatedly.
If it is a real ID it will do no harm to the document, however if it is false the thin laminate seal will begin to fray.

2: If you cannot peel this laminate completely off put it only a bright light (a torch will do). A real ID will have a dull sheen, whereas a false ID with reflect harshly.

(if you are unsure as to how to do this, carry a real ID to compare them)

3: Run your thumb over the ID to feel for bubbles underneath the laminate (as well as obviously looking for them). A real ID will not have have these bubbles. The bubbles occur when air is trapped between the laminate and the original license.

4: Look closely at the date of birth. Many Identity card forgers do not lighten the ink to match the colour of the original, so the ink will be darker than the original. This is very difficult to notice at a distance or in dim light, so shine a torch or put under houselights and you should be able to see the difference.

5: Look for discrepancies on the date of birth. Most common is the "shadow" of the previous number.

E.g if the date was originally 1990 and is changed to 1989...the 'new' 9 may have a slide shade between the cirle and the curved line of the 9.

LOOK-A-LIKES

Ignore hair, eyes, weight, accessories(piercings etc) as these can change over time.

The key to recognising a fake id (look-a-like) is the bone structure of the face.

SIZE IS IRRELEVANT, as it is subjective to the distance to the camera.

Cheekbones are the best indicator (as noses can change through breaking or surgery).

Most cheekbones are distinctive to each person as well as the shape of the jawline and chin. If you try to ignore the other common factors you should be able to easily determine if this is indeed a look-a-like or the person recommended by the ID.

Learn more about this author, Tom Wynter.
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