Illinois's Growing Fake ID Problem The United States has a problem with a growing proliferation of fake identification cards across the nation. Many of these fake IDs come from increasingly sophisticated counterfeiters located overseas with highly sophisticated equipment. The impact of the phenomenon is clearly evident in all 50 states, and there is no better example than the state of Illinois. The stories below offer a snapshot of how the use of fake ID usage has impacted Illinois: • In 2009, authorities in Chicago centered in the city's Chinatown neighborhood.

The Negative and Long-Term Consequences of a Fake ID Charge. Under South Carolina laws, the possession of a fake identification card and license results in a misdemeanor offense. While you may easily brush off a misdemeanor charge lightly, this can have serious consequences on your record.

The offenders, which included two former Illinois secretary of state employees, are accused of providing customers with fraudulent social security numbers and illegal driver’s licenses. Authorities reported that customers paid up to $3500 for the highly sought after documents, often times used to commit various forms of fraud. • In 2014, a federal judge sentenced two brothers who to life in prison. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Nasser, 'Julio and Manuel Leija-Sanchez were the kingpins of a decades-long, multimillion-dollar international criminal organization and they killed to protect their own pocketbook and the empire they built.'

The Penalties for Fake ID possession in Illinois Given the states past dealings with large scale criminal operations revolving around fake ID’s, its no wonder why they hand out some who engage in the production or possession of fraudulent ID. The state of Illinois can punish an offender who uses a fake ID in two ways, depending on each situation. What the I.D. Checking Guide Includes: • A full page or more for each U.S. State and Canadian province identity card sample, showing driver’s licenses and ID cards, plus U.S. And Canadian territories.

• Guidelines on standard Illinois driver's license terms, term length, etc. • An explanation of where ghost images, guilloche background designs, holograms, color-shifting features, and microprinting should be found on valid Illinois ID • An explanation of what the proper alphanumeric sequencing of a Illinois ID or Driver's license should be (i.e how many letters, numbers, etc.) • Full details for pre-2015 driver's licenses and the current Illinois driver's licenses. • 'How to check driver’s licenses' techniques for training use.

June 5, 2018 Getting a will certainly help you learn methods for spotting fake IDs at your workplace. Here are 6 tips: 1. Know Your State’s Card Features Every state has its own set of security features for its driver’s licenses and identification cards. Common features may include: • Watermarks • Holograms • Specially printed images • Unique font colors or sizes You can even order a copy of the online to learn what to look for in each state. UV Light (or tilting the ID) is Your Friend Many licenses and ID cards have security features that are visible under ultraviolet light. You may also be able to see them by tilting the ID to view it at an angle.

On the Texas Driver License, you’ll see the state seal and three stars on the front of the card. Feel the surface of the ID By simply running your thumb over the card, you might be able to catch a fake. If any portion of the ID is particularly thick or bumpy, this could be a sign. If the edges of the card are peeling or rough, that could be a sign as well.

Misspellings Many fake IDs are made in a hurry, and this is another reason why being familiar with the Texas DL and ID cards is vital. This knowledge will help you spot spelling errors or other mistakes that would be a sure sign the ID is fake. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions If you have any reason to believe an ID is fake or has been tampered with, then don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people don’t use their real names on fake IDs and won’t remember the information on the card. Don’t hesitate to ask the customer for their name, date of birth, or address.

If they hesitate or get it wrong, then refuse the sale. Watch your Customer Every time you check an ID, take a good look at the person’s face and compare it to the photograph and physical description on the ID. Of course, the photo isn’t required to match the person perfectly because certain aspects our appearance change over time, like our weight, hair length and color, etc., but the photo needs to be consistent with the person giving it to you. If the photo and physical description are not consistent with your customer’s appearance, then you should refuse the sale.