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Fake ID’s
Easy to Get, Use
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By Robert Seith
CWK Network
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“A lot
of people give (fake ID’s) away and there are a lot of
places that make them for you.”
-Christine, Age 18.-
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“There it is,” says 18-year-old Brandon,
as he displays the fake ID he uses to get into bars and buy
alcohol. He got it from a friend who is 10 years older.
Brandon says bouncers at the door rarely question it, and if
they do, “I’ll be like, ‘look, I’ve got
a second ID with my name on it,’ a Triple A card, and that
will usually work.” The second ID, of course, also belongs
to his friend.
According to the Department of Justice, among underage kids
who drink, almost two thirds of them are able to buy
alcohol themselves…. oftentimes with a fake ID.
“A lot of people give them away and there are a lot of
places that make them for you,” says 18-year-old Christine.
Those places are often small shops tucked away in flea markets.
You’ll often find teenagers looking through the phone book
so they can select a name for themselves. Then they write in
on the application a birth date that makes them appear to be
over 21. Forty dollars, and they’ve got an ID that looks
a lot like a driver’s license.
Kids can also get on the Internet and buy kits, complete with
a card laminator, to make their own ID’s.
“I have a friend that actually used to and then he got
caught so he couldn’t,” says 18-year-old Brittany.
Experts say parents should make it clear to kids why underage
drinking is dangerous, and then inform them that in most states
getting caught with a fake ID can mean jail time.
“Punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of a
thousand dollars,” says psychologist Dr. Betsy Gard.
And if parents discover their child has a fake ID, the experts
say, first, take it away. Then explain, if they get another
one and get arrested, they’re on their own.
“And I think that’s a very strong message to a youngster,
‘hey I’m not backing you up,” says Gard, “you
get in trouble with this, you do it again, you get another fake
ID, and you’re on your own.” |
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Stiff Penalties for Phony
ID’s
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By Sally Atwood
CWK Network
Though it is illegal in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia to drink or purchase alcohol when under the age of
21, many young people use fake ID’s to gain access to
liquor. Thanks to modern technology, fake ID’s are easier
than ever to come by. Online sites sell false identification,
including false driver’s licenses and college ID’s.
The technologically savvy can use their personal computers,
scanners, digital cameras, and laser printers to manufacture
their own ID’s.
In addition to counterfeit ID’s young people use borrowed
or stolen ID’s and altered ID’s. Attempting to use
a fake ID, no matter what form, can result in severe penalties.
Loss of your driver’s license, fines and jail time are
all very real possibilities if caught with a fake ID.
For example, in the state of Virginia, an underage drinker
with a fake ID can face the following penalties:
- Loss of his or her legal driver’s license for up
to a year
- A misdemeanor charge on a criminal record
- Fines up to $2,500
- Imprisonment up to 12 months
There can be serious consequences for those making fake ID’s
and for those who loan their own ID’s to underage drinkers.
For example, in the state of North Carolina, it is a felony
charge to manufacture or loan false identification.
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Long Range Implications
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In addition to the immediate consequences of getting caught
with a fake ID, young people need to consider the long range
picture.
- Any conviction of possessing, manufacturing, using or
selling fake ID’s will appear on a permanent criminal
record.
- A police record can result in being denied certain professional
licenses.
- A police record can negatively affect your ability to
get a job in the future.
Employees of bars are being trained to be on the lookout
for fake ID’s. In Columbia, Missouri, tavern owners are
instructing their employees in what is known as the ‘FEAR
approach:’
- Feel—the employee feels
for raised edges around the photo, bumpy surfaces by the
picture or birthdate, irregular lamination surface cuts
and pinholes.
- Examine the photo and physical
description in good light to make sure they match the person.
- Ask the person about the
address, date of birth, zip code and spelling of the name
of the ID.
- Return the ID if satisfied
that the ID is legitimate.
If there is any doubt about the legitimacy of the ID, the
employee has the right to refuse to serve that person.
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Resources
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North Carolina Bar Association www.barlinc.org
Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control www.abc.state.va.us
University of Missouri web.missouri.edu
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