A quick search of state computers also would show it to be a fake. Trained eyes also detect slight differences on the exterior of the card, according to BMV officials who declined to elaborate so as to not tip off their adversaries. When the bar code on the back is scanned through a reader, it indicates the card originated from a Chinese company. The Chinese IDs are not perfect knockoffs, however. “This is a national and international problem, not just an Ohio problem,” Rankin said. He is hopeful that “legal and diplomatic” approaches can be found to deal with the Chinese counterfeiters.įake IDs not only enable underage drinking but are key to illegal immigration, identity theft, credit-card fraud and other financial crimes. Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registrar Mike Rankin is worried enough about the problem that he asked for it to be discussed when motor-vehicle administrators from across the U.S. Internet companies typically charge $100 per license, though it can be less with bulk purchases. “Our greatest concern is the ease at which these high-quality fakes can be ordered over the Internet,” said David Murphy, Chicago field operations director for the Customs agency. In March, seven Ohio University students were sentenced to suspended jail time after Cincinnati customs officials in January intercepted a package containing 20 high-quality fake driver’s licenses from Hong Kong.Īccording to a search-warrant affidavit, the fakes were “professional quality” and “excellent,” with holographic printing and working magnetic strips. A majority were addressed to college students throughout the country - some in envelopes, others hidden inside boxes of jewelry, toys and electronic devices. Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago this year have seized more than 1,700 Chinese-produced counterfeit driver’s licenses for the states of Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and South Dakota.

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