With fake IDs on the rise, retailers selling age-sensitive products feel the squeeze to work smarter to protect their licenses. Specifically, bars, restaurants, tobacco outlets, and marijuana dispensaries must accurately check IDs in a fast-paced environment.
Like an insurance policy, the combination of ID checking tools, like an ID scanner combined with human judgment, ensures retailers stay in business with their licenses intact.
Believing that a machine alone is the panacea to catch all fake IDs can bring a false sense of security and put the business in jeopardy. ID security features are deterrent and not foolproof, so putting up the safety nets to protect yourself from that rainy day is crucial.
Smarter ID Checking
Did you know that ID theft and ID fraud are more common than you think? In particular, the accessibility to fake IDs by underage kids is challenging local businesses every day.
We’ll look at how common fake IDs are, how businesses can operate smarter using an ID scanner, and how to spot fake IDs. After all, retailers selling age-sensitive products and services of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol, rely on their license and reputation in their community to not only stay in business but thrive. If the neighborhood they serve senses neglect or abuse, the ABC (Alcohol and Beverage Control) board will respond to all complaints whether warranted or not.
What Are Some Common Fake IDs?
ID fraud is a form of identity theft that comes in many forms and is a crime. For instance, if a real ID is borrowed from a friend or relative or perhaps stolen and used as your own, it is considered identity theft. The ID presenter is guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the state.
Also, altered IDs are a common form of fake ID and occur when a government-issued ID is altered. The date of birth is altered to appear of legal age. In the process, the security features will also be altered, affecting the ID's appearance when looked at closely. The special fonts, colors, and textures will be affected, which can be visually detected via various ID-checking tools.
Finally, there is the purchased fake ID, which may include stolen information with a photo of the forged ID holder - an area where knowing how to spot fake IDs becomes essential. They may have holograms or even barcodes encoded with matching or non-matching information. ID Scanner can be used to scan the barcode for authentication and documentation of the ID presented.
What Constitutes a Smart ID-Checking Policy?
Businesses selling age-sensitive products and services should implement a strong ID-checking policy that empowers employees to be competent and work smarter.
Regular training and the right ID-checking tools can be used to combat fake IDs. For instance, ID checking tools like an ID scanner for age verification along with hologram light can provide instant verification and documentation to the ID checking process for accuracy and efficiency. Also, human judgment is always necessary and assisted by ID-checking tools, not the other way around.
Some considerations to make during the ID checking process include:
- Ask for the ID card, scan the barcode, and check whether the information has been encoded. If the ID passes this authentication process, then it should match the face of the ID card. Check both the magnetic stripe and 2D barcode for comparison.
- Closely inspect and feel the ID. Start by checking the print quality and then look for the security features that are in use in your state. For instance, does the cardholder’s signature or date of birth have laser engraving for a tactile feel? Check the edges around the ID. Does it have rounded edges, which are harder to replicate, or is it uneven? If an ID has ragged edges, consider rejecting the ID, and don’t be afraid to refuse service.
- When observing the date of birth and expiration date on the ID card, do the math correctly! An ID scanner for age verification can eliminate any errors. This remains the most prevalent reason for tickets and suspensions, so addressing this risk is important.
- If you’re still unsure about the legitimacy of the ID, consider using an ID scanner to document the transaction and ask your customer to sign a form that attests to their identity. Otherwise, ask for a second form of ID, such as a credit card. An ID scanner can scan the credit card as well as the ID card for comparison.
- Most importantly, don’t be afraid to reject the ID and refuse service. An employee’s judgment should be supported. Your business is more important than a sale to a minor.
Conclusion
Fake IDs are prevalent and here to stay, making it important to understand how to spot fake IDs effectively. It is essential to incorporate tools like an ID scanner and a hologram light and to always use human judgment as the foundation for a comprehensive ID-checking policy.
Like an insurance policy, the combination of ID-checking tools and human judgment will ensure retailers stay in business with their licenses intact. Believing that a machine is a panacea to catch all fake IDs can bring a false sense of security and put the business in jeopardy. After all, ID security features are deterrent and not foolproof, so putting up the safety nets to protect yourself from that rainy day is crucial.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user, or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Source: California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/licensee-education/checking-identification/
