Spotting Fake ID
There are a number of people willing to make, supply and use fake proof of age. The most likely form of fake ID will be a card with which you are not familiar.
Falsifying official documents is a serious offence and is extremely difficult to do. Therefore Passports and Driving Licences are reliable forms of ID. However be aware that they can be doctored.
It is also possible although rare that accepted proof of age cards have been falsified. These schemes invest heavily in security and fakes should be identifiable.
Photos on these cards are thermally-imaged not laminated on the card. Run your thumb and forefinger over the photo. If the photo is raised from the face of the card then it is far less likely to be genuine.
You should no longer be caught out by fake ID. Since September 2005 all retailers should only be accepting Proof of Age Standard Scheme (PASS) hallmarked cards. The leading PASS approved commercial proof of age card is CitizenCard (above). ACS is a founding Board member of this card scheme and recommends it to our members.
Free Point of Sale and Card application materials are available from CitizenCard call 0870 240 1221 or visit their website.
IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE PERFECTLY WITHIN YOUR RIGHTS TO REFUSE A SALE EVEN IF SOMEONE HAS SHOWN ID.