How are fake ID cards scanned?

Identification cards have become a crucial part of modern society, serving as proof of identity as well as age and residence. However, some individuals may require a fake ID, such as underage individuals looking to drink at a bar or individuals seeking to bypass legal restrictions. But how can the authenticity of these fake IDs be ensured? Technology has advanced to the point where the barcodes on fake IDs can now be scanned, making them appear more genuine. This raises the question: how are fake ID cards scanned?

To understand how our fake ID cards are scanned, it is crucial to comprehend how information is stored in IDs. The PDF417 barcode is arguably the most vital feature of modern IDs and driver's licenses, as it contains a wealth of information, including:

Cardholder’s name
Address fake ids
Date of birth (used for age verification)
Height
Weight
Gender

etc.

The information contained in these fields is classified as PII, which stands for Personally Identifiable Information, as it can be used to identify a person. Most ID scanning systems and hardware rely on the 2D barcode to verify the age and identity of the individual. The 2D barcode is also utilized for software parsing of the IDs, such as in CRM or POS, as each field can be uniquely identified. The ID scanning software scans the 2D barcode on the back of the ID to instantly extract the PII data, check the date of birth against the current date, and verify the ID's expiration date.

IDpapa Fake Connecticut IDs

In addition to the 2D barcode, many IDs also have a 1D barcode that includes the state code and ID number. Some IDs also feature a magstripe, but this symbology is becoming less common as it is considered less reliable and is being gradually eliminated in many states.

What is the definition of a "scannable" fake ID?

In simple terms, a fake ID is considered scannable if it can be recognized and processed by 2D barcode scanning or parsing software. For a fake ID to be scannable, it must have a barcode that is properly formatted and can be easily read by the scanning software. Creating a scannable fake ID is relatively simple, as a manufacturer can use an existing ID with a functioning barcode and modify the information on the front of the ID. Alternatively, they can create an exact copy of a known working barcode. These are two commonly used methods for creating scannable fake IDs with minimal effort.

Matching of fake ids front and back

The information printed on the front of an ID card is nearly as crucial as the PDF417 barcode. Ideally, all the details stored in the barcodes would match the information printed on the front of the card, but this is where counterfeit IDs can be exposed.

When forging fake IDs, fake IDs makers often market them as "scannable fake IDs" because this is a vital function. However, printing the front information on a fake ID is much easier than replicating a PDF417 and 1D barcode. As a result, when these counterfeiters purchase IDs to duplicate for others, they often buy genuine IDs that have already been encoded with barcode information. They simply re-print the information on the front of the card to match the purchaser, who is often underage. So how can you detect a mismatch between the information printed on the front and the barcodes?

This is where ID scanning technology comes in. An ID scanning/parsing software can read the encoded barcode information while simultaneously capturing a picture of the front of the ID. The software uses optical character recognition (OCR) to compare the picture and text on the front of the ID to the information stored in the barcode. If these details do not match, the ID is likely to be not a premium fake ID. However, this does not imply that the software can catch fake IDs 100% of the time, as it is impossible. Therefore, choosing a high-quality fake ID card is particularly important, as a genuine card can better help you achieve your goals.

Holograms and Watermarks

Holograms and watermarks are additional security measures that can be used to verify the authenticity of an ID. These features create a 3D effect on a flat surface, achieved through the use of nanostructures that manipulate light in a particular way to create the illusion of depth. Because this technique requires specialized lab equipment, it is difficult to duplicate, some manufacturers can replicate almost realistic holograms.

Cards without a workable hologram “are a red flag,” says Sullivan’s Bar bouncer Mario Moreno.

Photo Editor /The Omaha News

2D Barcode Security Checks

Ensuring front/back matching is an effective way to identify fake IDs that are simply copying an existing 2D barcode. However, advances in AI technology now enable us to perform deeper checks directly on the barcode itself. By analyzing the encoded data, we can uncover hidden "tells" that indicate an ID may be fraudulent or suspicious. For instance, if an Idaho ID lists "BRN" instead of "BWN" for Eye Color, that's a red flag.

Additionally, different states have their specific data storage formats, such as the order in which they list first and last names. Our AI has been trained to recognize these patterns and flag any IDs that don't conform to known standards.

Some ID scanning software processes a large volume of IDs every month, enabling them to train the AI to detect these subtle barcode irregularities. They claim they can perform hundreds of 2D barcode security checks on every scanned ID, even without authentication hardware, allowing them to catch some fake IDs that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Some ID card manufacturers may feel helpless in this regard, as their customers often handle the cards roughly like in a game of speed and excitement. In response to advances in scanning technology, IDpapa's card production technology has also advanced. We have now completed the decoding of the ID card's back barcode (available in some states) and barcode double code, which is unique globally. This will greatly increase the scan-passing rate in certain scenarios, such as older supermarkets, remote areas, and financial systems. Currently, the states where double code scanning has been implemented are:

UV Checking

Another effective security measure that is difficult to forge involves the use of UV ink. This specialized ink is used to conceal state-specific text and images on an ID that can only be seen under specific lighting conditions, such as infrared, ultraviolet, or white light. Some software works in conjunction with a scanner machine at these different light wavelengths and checks for the presence of UV ink. If the scanner/software fails to detect the UV ink, the ID is likely a fake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fake ID cards are commonly scanned using a combination of hardware and software technology. These technologies are designed to verify the authenticity of the ID by comparing information on the front and back of the ID, examining the 2D barcode and magnetic stripe, and detecting security features such as UV ink, holograms, and watermarks. However, despite these advanced measures, it is still possible for skilled fake ID manufacturers to create fake IDs that can pass these checks. As such, businesses and organizations need to stay up-to-date on the latest security technologies and best practices for verifying IDs to protect themselves.