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SYRACUSE, N.Y — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning New Yorkers that using fake IDs is not only a crime, it can lead to identity theft that can cause a lifetime of problems.
The warning, published on Monday, October 27, comes as more than 300 young people were cited during summer concerts for attempting to buy alcohol with fake IDs during DMV’s annual Operation Prevent enforcement detail.
“Young people should think carefully about sending their most sensitive, personal information online to someone who has already proven they are willing to break the law,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Buying a fake ID online is an invitation to have your identity stolen and to put your future in jeopardy.”
According to ID verification company Veriff, 32.2 percent of college students have admitted to owning a fake ID, which they ordered online.
Young people purchasing fake IDs often do not realize they are sending their personal information to criminals who plan to sell the buyer’s personal data on the black market, or use it to commit other crimes, according to the NYS DMV.
The sellers of fake IDs are often located out of the country, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down.
Counterfeit IDs are used to establish false identities, enable white collar and organized crime, conduct online financial fraud, support hijacking of shipments, establish shell companies and accounts, and enable physical check fraud, according to the Document Security Alliance, a group of more than 100 organizations, including NYS DMV, focused on combatting counterfeit documents.
Conducted each year, the Operation Prevent enforcement initiative seeks to prevent the use of fake IDs while also discouraging underage drinking and driving. Throughout the year, with a focused effort during the summer months, DMV will check for fake IDs at concert venues and other places young people gather across New York State. While most of the enforcement is at concerts, DMV also focuses on bars and restaurants.
This year, 313 people were cited and 343 fake IDs were seized. Central New York saw 45 citations and 46 Fake ID seizures.
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