MA shows ease of obtaining fake IDs
An MA investigation has shown how easy it is to order realistic-looking fake ID from the internet.
Last week trade leaders hit out at the fake ID card producers for hampering pubs' attempts to cut underage sales. They mirror the look of well-known cards but have different lettering.
This week MA reporter John Harrington filled out a form from on-line card producer Phatism ID, posted it with a photo, and received a "Check It! Age card" within days. It cost £12 plus £5 for next day delivery.
A fake name, Mike Mildmay, and age, 18, were given to show how easy it is to
disguise identity. The card has a hologram, a red circle and a grey background. Name, date of birth and an ID code are included and the photo fills about one third of the card.
Portman Group's genuine Proof of Age card has the same basic features but details are different.
For example, the fake ID's hologram says "CHECK IT!" and Portman's says "PASS".
Liverpool-based Phatism ID says it provides "the most effective novelty fake IDs".
The disclaimer on Phatism's website, accessible by clicking on a link at the bottom of the webpage, says: "Misuse of any card may be illegal, whether as a result of misrepresentation, fraud, abuse, or other."
Phatism UK is breaking no laws by producing these IDs.
But the MA believes that cards such as these do encourage children to try to buy alcohol and hamper attempts by pubs to crackdown on underage sales.
The MA contacted Phatism UK for a response to these accusations but received no reply.
Carriers Will Be Prosecuted
Police have vowed to prosecute youngsters who use fake ID to try to buy alcohol at pubs in Calderdale, West Yorkshire.
Police and Calderdale Council have launched a crackdown on the use of fake ID which they say is "widespread".
Youngsters who use the cards face prosecution under charges of obtaining property by deception and forgery.
"We've recovered a fair number of fake cards," said the council's Nightlife Initiative co-ordinator Andrew Sloman.
