How to Spot a Fake UK Licence
A growing problem, fake UK licences pose serious risks to road safety and personal identity. To tackle the issue, enhanced security measures and public awareness campaigns are needed.
Examine the quality of printing: Blurred or fuzzy images may be a sign of counterfeiting. Check for watermarks that are clearly reproduced and consistent.
What is a fake UK Licence?
A fake UK licence is an identification document that has been designed to appear like a genuine licence. It can be used for illegal reasons such as buying or selling alcohol, entering a nightclub or using it to get a job. Fake ID documents can be an issue for businesses who employ drivers and conduct right to work checks. Businesses can protect themselves against fraud and save money by understanding how to spot a fake UK licence.
Some fake documents look very similar to real documents and are hard to spot without the proper tools. However, some things to look for are watermarks that appear blurry or is not consistent with the other elements of the document. Checking the photos for consistency and looking at microtext can also prove helpful. The words on a legitimate license should be visible under a magnifying lens. Any difference between a real and a fake document could indicate fraud.
The DVLA warns against buying or using a fake license is a serious crime that could result in a large fine and even prison time. The agency suggests that individuals purchase their driving licences through the DVLA website or at approved outlets. It is a good idea for people to carry a copy their driving license whenever they are asked to show proof of age.
Someone with an unauthentic license could be in danger of being involved in a car crash or could face other repercussions like losing job. The DVLA is worried that some individuals are buying fake documents and using them to avoid taking a test. They argue that this is crucial to ensure safety on the road.
Fake documents are frequently used to target teenagers who want to purchase cigarettes or alcohol. Many retailers have a challenge 25 policy, where they require anyone younger than 25 to show a valid form of identification.
In many cases it is impossible to tell if someone is using a fake identification because the fakes are so designed and manufactured that they can be almost unrecognizable. However, a few simple checks such as checking the photo and postcode and taking a look at the holograms as well as UV markings can help determine the authenticity.
How to Identify a Fake UK Licence
Many people present fake ID documents to gain access to situations, products or services they aren't entitled to. It is a very common problem, and there are a myriad of ways for people to be scammed, from gaining entry into restricted venues for older people to getting a job or securing a lease in the UK. But, it's often difficult to determine if the piece of ID documents is authentic or not.
Most authentic ID documents have characteristics that make it difficult to copy. For instance, the UK driving licence is constructed from polycarbonate, which is an extremely durable material that can stand up to laser printing and etching. Additionally, the material is coated with special substances that cause it to glow under ultraviolet light. This is the reason why the hologram on a genuine driving licence will appear to move when moved, something counterfeiters cannot replicate accurately.
Furthermore the text on the genuine UK driving licence is printed in raised type, meaning that if you run your finger across it, you will feel bumps. A fake license will appear smooth and flat, so this is a very easy test to do. Inspecting for signs of tampering or alteration to the image, ensuring that the hologram is part of the license, and scrutinizing the smaller details like dates and codes are crucial. If the code or date does not match the person who is giving the card, this could be a sign that it's a fake.
It is an excellent idea to ask the person for their check code and use it to verify the license online. This can be done on the DVLA website and it is completely free. This is particularly crucial if you're concerned about the validity of a document since it will ensure that you do not be a victim of a criminal.
While it is possible to buy fake driving licences on websites, the majority of them are for novelty and should not be used for identification. It is important to remember that it is illegal to create and use fake ID documents, so if you do happen to be approached by someone selling one, it is recommended to report them. This will not only stop them from committing crime however, it could also avoid legal or insurance issues for you and your business.
How do I get a fake UK License
The internet has enabled a number of businesses to market fake UK driving licenses as a novelty item. These licenses aren't an exact copy of authentic UK driving license since they contain features to identify fakes, like the surname letters are not embossed or raised and the hologram on the back does not work. This makes it difficult for you to show in a situation where people have to present their ID.
Authentic UK licenses are crafted with security features that make them difficult to forge. These include raised surfaces tactile engraving changing colours and intricate background designs. Certain fakes are marked with UV marks which can be identified by UV light. However this isn't enough anymore since counterfeiters have developed methods to eliminate or avoid the UV markings.
Other security features of a UK licence are the date of issue, the photo expiry date, and issuing authority (DVLA in Northern Ireland). A valid photograph (black and white on modern photocards) with a hologram of a steering wheel over the driver's photograph that 'turns' as the card is moved. learn the facts here now indicates the categories of entitlement under the European Community Directive and national categories in smaller letters.
A genuine driving licence will also include any endorsements that the owner has received. Incorrect or missing endorsements are a sure sign of a fake, but this isn't always the case since some people fail to update their driver's license whenever they change addresses.
To verify the validity of a license number, run an online check or contact the DVLA directly. You may also ask the person to provide additional proof of evidence of identity. You can ask the person to show an unopened utility bill (not older than six months) or a bank account statement or passbook from the building society or bank with their name and address, or a UK photo-card licence or an old style temporary license.
If you suspect that you have found an unauthentic UK license, you can call the DVLA to report it. The issue will be reported to the police and a criminal investigation may be launched.
Why Buy a Fake UK Licence?
It is important to check whether your employees are legally permitted to operate company vehicles. If employees are caught with fake or falsified identification, employers can be held criminally responsible.
It's important to be able recognize these documents. Simple tests like placing the document under UV or verifying that the holograms appear to be moving can help identify fake documents.
Poor print quality is another warning sign. Real licenses have sharp, clear images and text. Fake licences are often characterized by blurred or mismatched images. Check for crisp, consistent watermarks. In the final step, take a look at the fine print - a fake license may have misspellings or typos.
Two original documents of identification are required by drivers who want to swap their old-fashioned European driving license to the new photo-card format. The documents must be current (not more than six months old) and include the name along with the date of birth, and address of the person requesting an exchange. You may also submit an active driving license along with a bank statement or credit card statement or a passbook that reveals the name and address of the person who wants to change their license.
Many believe it's easy to purchase a fake UK driving license. However, this can be a serious risk for the purchaser and other drivers. It's not only illegal, but can also cause accidents that can cause serious injury or death. The purchase of a fake license could also result in other crimes like identity theft or money laundering.
The BBC has obtained messages between licence vendors and their customers that reveal they charge as high as PS600 for a UK driving licence that does not require a test. The vendors advise their customers to message them privately on WhatsApp for more information, and the text messages reveal that the vendor is asking customers for their full name and address, as well as date of birth and passport photo. These details are used to create a license.