Fake ID Cards How to Protect Your Organization » Advantidge, Inc.

Fake ID Cards


Is your organization’s security at risk due to counterfeit reproduction of your ID Cards? Despite the technological advances that have been made in the ID card printing industry, the threat of fraudulent ID card production remains a relevant one. Fake ID cards can be purchased online or made at home following step-by-step instructions and tutorials that are easily found on the web, using graphics editing software and affordable printing materials.

Using an existing ID card template is the easiest way to start making fake IDs. A personalized template can also be made by scanning an ID card into a computer for manipulation and personalization of the text and photo fields. Barcodes containing personal information can be added for increased authenticity of ID card appearance as well as magnetic stripes for creating magnetic name badges, which can be encoded and made readable for scanning. Holograms add a further layer of authenticity to fake ID cards, and generally generic holograms such as a Globe, Shield or Key design work well, as well as transparent rainbow holograms which become visible when viewed at an angle. Fake IDs can be printed on PVC cards and laminated to mimic a professional and durable finish.

This information is for educational purposes only and Advantidge would like to remind you that it is illegal to make, sell or use fake ID cards.

To ensure your organization is protected from the threat of counterfeit ID card production consider designing a custom holographic overlaminate for your cards. These one-of-a-kind creations are very hard to duplicate and therefore offer extra security to an organization. To learn more about custom holograms please call 1-800-965-5932 to speak with one of our industry experts about custom holographic options! Advantidge maintains the highest level of confidentiality and your Secure Custom ID Card Holographic Overlaminate, as well as company information, will remain securely protected with us. This information is never shared with other departments or organizations.

Advantidge offers these tips for accurately spotting fake ID cards:

  • Feel card for raised edges, glue lines or bumpy surfaces by the photo or birth date. Uneven surfaces often indicate tampering. Feel for cut-out or pasted information.
  • Check the thickness of the card, and see if it has been re-laminated after tampering.
  • Look at the photo and compare it with the person in front of you? Pay attention to the eyes, nose and chin.
  • Do the height and weight stated on the ID match that of the customer?
  • If the card contains a State seal check that it is it in the correct place.
  • Does the person in front of you look to match the age on the ID?
  • Check the expiration date. Expired IDs are unacceptable.
  • Ask the customer for their middle name, zodiac sign or year of high school graduation. If the customer has to think about the answer to any of these questions, their ID may be fake.
  • Ask the customer their birth month. If they respond with the number of the month rather than its name, they may be lying.
  • If the customer is with a companion, ask the companion to quickly tell you the customer’s name. Any hesitation may indicate deception.
  • Ask the customer to sign his/her name and then compare the signature to that on their ID. If the ID is false the customer may sign his/her real name, rather than the one on the card.

To protect your organization from fraudulent and counterfeit ID card replication/alteration consider using one of Advantidge’s high-quality ID card printers with lamination capabilities:

  • HID Global Fargo DTC550 with Lamination Creates professional full color, edge-to-edge single-sided cards with clear or holographic overlays.
  • HID Global Fargo HDP5000 Creates ID cards with a superior print quality, higher reliability and durability, and greater security.
  • Evolis Securion Fraud-proof security with a cutting-edge lamination station that applies any type of film: patch, varnish, holographic or regular.
  • Datacard SP75 Plus Increases card security with its lamination capabilities, applying a clear or holographic patch on your dual-sided ID cards.
  • Zebra P630i Dual-sided printing with single-sided lamination. Designed for the creation and printing of secure, durable ID cards.
  • Magicard Tango+L Incorporates standard and custom anti-counterfeiting Holokote watermarks and seals into your custom ID cards.

If you are interested in printing secondary ID cards for your organization please see Advantidge’s ID Card Systems.