The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) defines a red flag as "a pattern, practice, or specific activity that indicates the possible existence of identity theft.” The term identity theft means a fraud committed using the identifying information of another person without their authority.
Red flags require the completion of an ID Verification Red Flag Discrepancy form.
The most effective way to identify an issue with a Driver's License (DL is to look over your current own license so you are familiar with how it should look for your state. Get to know your states specific security features, ID number format, alignment and overall look. If there is a concern that a fake DL or ID has been presented, ask for another form of identification. Typically the individual will not be able to show another type of legitimate card or ID if they are presenting a fake.
See the tabs below for ID red flag indicators and indicators of possible identity theft.
ID Red Flag Indicators
Look for the following ID red flag indicators:
Holograms
- Drivers license have holographic images that shine in the light or when the ID is moved back and forth.
- If this is not present it is more than likely fake.
- Hologram image does not match the state it was issued in.
Laminate and Card Texture
- Laminate feels thin and can be easily bent.
- DL has square edges instead of round edges.
- Edges feel ragged, sharp or uneven.
- Air pockets or bumps under the laminate.
Picture
- Picture is blurry, out of focus or not aligned correctly.
- Picture does not look like the individual.
- Most states have a second lighter picture on DL.
- If there is not a second picture it is more than likely fake.
- Picture does not look digital.
Front of DL
- Font in uppercase and lowercase.
- Most DL font is ALL uppercase.
- Flag image does not match the state the DL or ID was issued in.
- Background is plain, no variation.
- Information is not aligned correctly.
- Signature is missing, crooked, not in the correct place or out of alignment.
- Information is missing, expired or ALL of the information does not match what is in the system.
- Format does not match the state or county requirements.
- Height does not match individual.
Back of DL
- Barcode and/or magstripe is NOT present.
- Does the state listed on the back match the state that issued the DL?
ID Size
- DL's and ID's are typically a specific size.
- If the size seems unusual, it is more than likely fake.
Identity Theft Indicators
- Client reports not receiving bank statements
- Concern expressed by a client over a family member or acquaintance obtaining or using personally identifiable information
- Documents provided for identification appear to have been altered or forged
- Falsified change of address request via post office or stolen mail
- Giving out personal information over the phone or internet (to include email)
- Lost or stolen personal information (for example: wallet, checkbook, social security card)
- Notification of an account opened under false pretenses
- Other ID or personal information provided is not consistent with:
- documentation or personal ID information already on file (for example: signature card)
- information provided by the person opening the account
- other personal ID information provided by the client (for example: the date of birth and social security number range do not correlate)
- Photo does not seem consistent with the client's appearance
- Returned mail
- SSN provided is the same as that submitted by other persons opening an account or other clients
- Unusual phone calls where the caller does not sound like someone born in the same era or of the same sex
- Unusual activity on an active-duty military account
See Handling Identity Theft for more information.