Fake ID's & Potential Long-Term Problems for Young People
Lately the LCSO has been dealing with multiple fake ID's that were originally obtained by young people using the altered identification to purchase alcoholic beverages and/or marijuana. This has always been illegal but in today's world our young people are risking so much more with the law and technology.
Typically younger people who want their identification altered are going online to websites that are usually out of the United States and paying anywhere from $70 to a few hundred dollars, submitting their personal information such as date of birth, driver's license information, address and photo to these criminals who in return provide them with their fake identification.
These young people think all is good when heading to the liquor or weed shop with their forged document. Missouri statute on forgery under chapter 570 RSMO shows presenting an altered document is a potential class D felony (prison time offense). Many young people claim having a fake ID is a misdemeanor and it typically is filed as such under chapter 311 RSMO and first offense is up to $500 fine on those cases. However, a prosecutor still may have the option of filing a felony forgery case should someone use their fake ID for any illegal activity.
Major problems which young people do not consider is they are actually doing business with a professional criminal. Do you really think the criminal who is most likely not in the United States is going to be an upstanding citizen? No! Many will keep the young person's information and sell it on the dark web and issue fake identification to other criminals using that very same information and photo. Meaning if Jane Doe in Chillicothe purchases her fake ID online so she can buy some beer before being 21 gives up her personal information, that same information could be sold by Mr. Forger on the dark web for more money to a real criminal in anywhere USA or the world. Suddenly in let's say California can now have a legitimate appearing identification with Jane Doe's name and personal data and even photo on fake ID there. That ID gets used to scam others, fool a cop on a stop, open a checking or credit account and defrauds people which results in authorities becoming involved and suddenly an arrest warrant could be issued in California or any other state for Ms. Jane Doe of Chillicothe, MO! A warrant which the sheriff of that California County will extradite nationwide. Wow, then we arrest Jane Doe and ship her to California on this warrant. All for what? A fake ID to buy some beer or weed. WOW.
Yes the real criminal is the forger but they are typically overseas, in China, Jamaica, or some other country where the United States has no authority. You think these people care about what happens to any American citizen? Not a chance as they are too busy spending your money and laughing about you being the fool.
Please talk with your kids and grandkids, explain the dangers, and have them read this article. We have seized a few fake ID's in our community recently and know that many other teens probably have used the same websites, all in thinking they are cool to be able to buy.
In closing, keep your personal information private no matter your age. Keep your money and your identity as this type of theft is a fast growing issue and not just in the United States.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message from the Sheriff. We appreciate all the good people in our county!
Respectfully,
Sheriff Steve Cox