Fake IDs are purchased via computer on the Net

Angie Leventis
Champaign U-Wire

CHAMPAIGN (U-WIRE) - Fake IDs purchased on the Internet is one route to alcohol access for underage students - if the penalties that come with confiscation are not a deterrent.

More than 20 online sites sell false identification, including fake drivers licenses and college IDs.

Photo ID Canada, located at www.photoid.com, sells college IDs for $49.95 and all other custom-designed IDs for $89. Official seals or holograms can cost an extra $25.

Photo ID Canada advertises identification "professionally designed by former DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) employees with more than 25 years experience."

All IDs are shipped to the purchaser in a plain white envelope. Online information stresses that the ID be defined as a "novelty item" on the order form. U.S. Customs will seize any forms that use the phrase "drivers license."

Sgt. Scott Friedlein, Champaign's liquor enforcement officer, said the number of IDs purchased online that have been confiscated throughout campus is minimal.

"We confiscate 500-plus IDs a year," Friedlein said. "If we get 25 (online IDs) annually, that's pretty rare. Most students make IDs on their own."

Friedlein said false identification purchased online usually differs from cards made at individuals' homes because the professional IDs are one-piece while other IDs are usually multicomponent.

Friedlein said most companies are afraid of the legal and financial ramifications, so they place a disclaimer in fine print on the back of all their cards.

"Once we found a really good quality ID from Indiana," Friedlein said, "but once you turn it around and read the fine print, it's obvious that they're false."

Friedlein added that distributors caught violating copyright laws have been fined millions of dollars in the past.

Online false identification distributor,www.secretknowledge.com, advertises online with the following disclaimer: "You are solely responsible for the way in which you complete our cards and certificates. Our cards and certificates can be used legitimately for fun - they must not be used to mislead."

Friedlein said punishments for using fake identification begin with an alcohol-based fine of $260. The offender's authentic drivers license is seized by the secretary of state and insurance rates usually triple for up to seven years.

Use of false identification is also a felony, and penalties include one to three years in prison or fines of up to $25,000.

"Obviously we're very concerned about the issue of fake IDs," Friedlein said. "We've expended a lot of resources on the issue."

"My question is why kids want to take these risks," Friedlein added. "What's the point of pursuing your education at U of I (University of Illinois) if a felony conviction will keep you from ever getting a high-paying job?"