How to Spot a Fake UK Licence
A growing issue A growing problem, fake UK licenses pose a serious risk to safety on the road and personal identity. To combat the problem, it is necessary to establish more rigorous verification measures, as well as public awareness campaigns.
Examine the quality of the printing: Blurred or fuzzy images could be a sign of counterfeiting. Also look for watermarks that are clear and consistent.
What is a fake UK license?
A fake UK licence is an identity document that has been designed to look like a genuine licence. It is used to commit crimes such as purchasing alcohol, entering nightclubs or applying for an employment. Fake ID documents are an issue for businesses who employ drivers and carry out right-to-work checks. Businesses can guard themselves against fraud and save money by understanding how to spot a fake UK licence.
Certain fake documents look like genuine documents and can be difficult to spot without the proper tools. However, some things to look for are watermarks that appear blurry or is not consistent with the rest of the document. Verifying the images for consistency and examining microtext may also be helpful. The text of a valid license should be read with an magnifying lens. Any difference between a legitimate and fake document could indicate fraud.
The DVLA warns against buying or using a fake licence is a serious offence which could result in a large penalty, including prison time. The DVLA suggests that drivers buy a driving licence from the DVLA's website or authorized outlets. It is a good idea for people to keep a copy of their driving licence with them whenever they are required to provide proof of their age.
A person who has an unauthentic license is at risk of being involved in a car crash or may face other consequences including losing job. The DVLA is concerned that individuals are buying and using fake documents to avoid taking a driving test which they believe is essential for safety on the roads.
Teenagers are usually the target of fake IDs as they attempt to buy cigarettes or alcohol. Many retailers have a challenge 25 policy, where they ask anyone who looks less than 25 to show a valid form of identification.
In most cases, it is difficult to determine whether a person is using fake IDs since the fakes have been made so well that they are almost indistinguishable from a genuine license. However, a few easy checks such as examining the postcode and photo, and checking the holograms and UV markings can tell the difference.
How to spot a fake UK Licence
Many people show fake ID documentation in order to gain access to situations, goods or services that they are not entitled to. It is a very common problem, and there are a myriad of ways to be scammed, from gaining entry into age-restricted venues to gaining employment or securing a tenancy the UK. But, it's often difficult to determine if the piece of ID documents is authentic or not.
The majority of legitimate ID documents have features that make it difficult to copy. For instance, the UK driving licence is constructed of polycarbonate, a very durable material that can stand up to laser printing and etching. In addition, the plastic is coated with special materials that make it glow under ultraviolet light. This is why the hologram of a real driving license appears to move when moved, something that counterfeiters cannot replicate accurately.
The text on a genuine UK driving license is a raised type. This means that you can feel bumps when you run your fingers across it. A fake will look smooth and flat, so this is a straightforward check to make. Examining for evidence of tampering on the photo, making sure that the hologram is part of the license as well as looking at smaller details like dates and codes is also crucial. If the date or code isn't in line with the person presenting the card, this is another indication that it might be fake.
You could request the person to provide their check number, and then use this to verify your license online. You can do this at no cost on the DVLA's website. This is important, especially if you have concerns about the validity of a government document. This will ensure that you won't be taken into the hands of an armed criminal.
While it is possible to buy fake driving licenses on websites, the vast majority are for novelty purposes and should not be used as identification. It is worth remembering that it is against the law to create and use fake ID documents If you happen to be approached by anyone selling one, it's recommended to report them. This will not only deter criminals from using them, but may also prevent legal or insurance issues for you and your company.
How to Order a Fake UK License
The internet has allowed many companies to promote fake UK driving licences as a novelty item. These items are not an exact replica of the genuine UK driving licence since they have features that make it easier to identify fakes, like the surname letters have not been raised / embossed and the hologram on the back isn't working. This makes it difficult to show when people have to show their ID.
Authentic UK licences are made with security features that make them very difficult to create. These include raised surfaces tactile engravings, changing colours and complex background designs. Some fakes bear UV markings to detect them when viewed under UV light, however this is no longer sufficient for counterfeiters as some have devised methods to remove or avoid these markings.
Other security features of the UK license include the date of issue, the photo expiry and the issuing authority (DVLA in Northern Ireland). A valid photo (black and white on the latest photocards) with a hologram of a steering wheel, which is affixed to the driver's photo that 'turns' as the card is moved. The lettering indicates the categories of entitlements that are defined under the European Community Directive, and the national categories in a smaller font.
A valid driving license will also include any endorsements the holder has received. A fake driving licence will have incorrect or missing endorsements. However, this is not always the case as some people fail to update their driving license when they move.
To verify the validity of a license number, run an online check, or contact the DVLA directly. You can also request that the person present additional proof of identification. It could be a recent utility bill that is no more than six months or a building society statement or passbook showing their address and name, or a current UK driving licence, or an old style provisional licence.
You could report a fake UK license to the DVLA if you suspect it. This will be reported to the police and a criminal investigation could be initiated.
Why would you want to purchase a fake UK Licence?
If you operate a business where staff drive vehicles on company business, it is vital to ensure they are legally permitted to do so. If employees are caught with fake or falsified identification, employers can be held criminally accountable.
A number of companies have been selling UK driving licences without requiring any test, and it's important to be aware of how to identify these documents. A few simple tests, like placing the document under ultraviolet light or examining whether the holograms move, are able to identify a fake.
A poor print quality is a further red flag. Buy UK driving licence online are clear, sharp images and text. Also, fakes typically contain blurred or mismatched photos. Check for watermarks on the licence they should be clear and consistent. Check the fine print. A fake license will have misspellings or typos.
Drivers who are exchanging an old-style European driving license for the new format of photo-cards must provide two original forms of identification. The documents must be current (not more than six months old) and include the name, date of birth, and address of the person who is requesting an exchange. In addition to a valid driving licence and a valid passport, you may also submit the bank, building society or credit card statement, or passbook containing the name and address of the person who is applying to have their licence changed.
Many believe it's easy to purchase a fake UK driving licence. However, this could be a serious risk for the buyer as well as other drivers. It's not only not legal and can be dangerous, but it could cause accidents that can result in serious injuries or even death. The purchase of a fake license can also lead to other crimes like identity theft or money laundering.
The BBC obtained messages between license sellers and their customers, and discovered that they can charge up to PS600 (£600) for the UK driving permit with no test. The vendors will encourage their customers to contact them privately on WhatsApp for more information, and the text messages show the vendor asking customers for their full name address, address, date of birth, and passport photo. These information is used to make an authorization.