Fake IDs have long been a problem in colleges around the country, primarily used as a means of getting hold of alcohol. However, the issues caused by fake identification documents are much more widespread than most people realize. From underage drinking to fraudulent bank accounts, counterfeit IDs are getting more sophisticated, and businesses are struggling to keep up.
It’s not just college towns like Blacksburg and Charlottesville dealing with this. Law enforcement says fake IDs are being used for identity theft, financial fraud, and organized crime. Despite it being a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, 69% of college students admit to owning or using a fake ID.
While some argue stricter penalties are the way forward, others say smart technology is the best way to handle the issue, and they may be onto something; it seems AI-powered scanner apps are a game-changer when it comes to spotting fake IDs.
Why Regular ID Checks No Longer Work
For decades, checking someone’s ID involved simple tests that relied on an individual’s ability to recognize a fake. You could hold it up to the light or feel for raised edges. An experienced or trained eye could also identify tiny imperfections.
However, criminals have gotten smarter. Scannable barcodes can be faked and holograms copied. Out-of-state IDs present a whole nother problem for bouncers and doormen unfamiliar with those types of documents. Ultimately, human error combined with good-quality fakery can make identifying fraudulent IDs by eye impossible.
How ID Scanners Are Changing the Game
The new ID scanner app uses automation and machine learning to scan a card or document, verify it, and detect any tampering. All this happens within seconds. Bars, banks, government agencies, and even casinos are adopting this technology. Not only does it help establishments avoid potential fines, it can keep them out of legal trouble.
Considering Virginia’s liquor laws; some of the strictest in the country, it’s no surprise that venues are embracing these tools. However, it’s not just booze; even the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is getting stricter. Virginia’s new Mobile ID program is already being used by TSA agents in Roanoke, Richmond, and Dulles airports.
Fake IDs and the Law: Could Virginia Get Stricter?
As it stands, even possessing a fake ID in Virginia can come with possible jail time. Despite that, some lawmakers are pushing for even tougher penalties on the basis that fake IDs are increasingly tied to organized crime, not just underage drinking. Following an investigation from top US government bodies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, Acting Special Agent in Charge Scot R. Rittenberg echoed this sentiment. He said, “Individuals who provide phony documents are putting the security of our communities and even our country at risk.”
The Future of Digital ID Verification
With more businesses, airports, and government agencies like the TSA adopting AI-powered scanning and digital documentation, the days of following a bouncer with a fake ID are numbered. However, there’s still a debate over privacy concerns; who has access to the scans, how is the data stored, and whether there are stricter laws disproportionately affecting certain communities. One thing is clear: as the standard of fake IDs improves, so does fraud prevention technology.
