The Real Counterfeit ID Act: Survey

Wednesday May 18, 2005 — Calgary, Canada — Based on worldwide counterfeit enforcement activity (investigations, raids, seizures, arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, civil litigation, public announcements) for the first quarter of 2005, as reported through the DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence Report, more than 36 countries reporting counterfeit identification activity were analyzed.

The most common uses of counterfeit identification:

1. Immigration violations, 20.7%.
2. Theft, 19.6%.
3. Fraud, 17.4%.
4. Identity Theft, 12.5%.
5. Weapons violations, 7.6%.
6. Drug trafficking and possession, 6.0%.
7. Terrorism, 4.3%.
8. Burglary, prostitution, evading capture, murder, assault, driving infractions, money laundering, DUI, and obtaining controlled substances, 11.9%.

For more information: http://www.goldsec.com/Security_Research.htm

The most common form of fake ID:

1. Passports, 25.3%.
2. Drivers licenses, 23.4%.
3. Other government identification, 22.3%.
4. Social security cards, 6.4%.
5. Visas, 5.3%.
6. Birth certificates, 3.8%.
7. Green cards, 1.9%.
8. Resident alien cards, 1.5%
9. Police identification, death certificates, military ID, permanent residency permits, and work permits, 10.1%.

The most common equipment used to manufacture false identification:

1. Computers, 42.0%.
2. Printers, 18.8%.
3. Scanners, 14.5%.
4. Laminators, 10.1%.
5. Cameras, 5.8%.
6. Embossers, 2.9%.
7. Card readers, encoding/decoding devices, skimmers, and typewriters, 5.6%.

The top 8 countries where counterfeit identification is most commonly reported (based on enforcement incidents):

1. USA, 50.3%.
2. India, 13.8%.
3. UK, 4.6%.
4. Australia, 4.6%.
5. Malaysia, 3.1%.
6. Thailand, 2.6%.
7. Canada, 2.1%.
8. Mexico, 1.5%.

For more information: http://www.goldsec.com/Alleged_Counterfeit_Suspects_Entities.htm

Other countries include Brunei, Czech Republic, Pakistan, Spain, UAE, Yemen, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, and Uganda.

In summarizing the first quarter of activity, Glen Gieschen, Managing Director of Gieschen Consultancy stated "An ever growing number of illegal and unwanted activities are using counterfeit identification ranging from less serious crimes, to significant financial losses, organized crime and terrorist activity. In the analysis of 195 fake ID incidents related to losses of $12.7 Million, it was found the average net gain per incident was $65,000 which represents a modest profit from the use of a single piece of identification. However, a larger issue is the human cost of lives which have been lost as a result of this activity. The ability to board a plane, purchase weapons, enter a government facility, and move freely between countries or flee a country to avoid prosecution has contributed to well documented deaths. Without being able to positively verify an individuals authenticity before entering a high risk location or potentially harmful situation an unacceptable probability remains for serious financial harm or physical losses.

One tool to reduce the risks associated with deception is identification which assists in verifying an individuals authenticity. The most common forms are passports and drivers licenses which are frequent targets of counterfeiters. The challenges in creating a secure form of identification are not easy to overcome as is currently being experienced by the United States in standardizing and securing the issuance of drivers licenses through the recently approved, Real ID Act. The ability to prevent the use of breeder documents, such as counterfeit birth certificates, matricula consular cards, social security documents, proof of residency, and work permits, is paramount to its success. If such document requirements are not standardized and verified, the issuance of a higher form of identification will be compromised. However, as with all control systems, other checks and balances must be implemented to prevent, identify and track abuses as a means to strengthen the system over a period of time.

Identification is a valuable tool in preventing deceptive behaviour. Combined with a secure issuance system, appropriate security features to prevent counterfeiting and forgery, verification systems and public education, it will remain a most effective and the least intrusive method to verify an individuals authenticity."

About Gieschen Consultancy

Gieschen Consultancy, provides counterfeit intelligence analysis and security research relating to documents, products and intellectual property. Gieschen Consultancy educates clients regarding counterfeiting issues, and assists in developing anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and enforcement solutions. Providing the knowledge of the criminal Modus Operandi (methods of operation), legal and political issues, security technology, industry reports and statistical information, effective strategies can then be developed, implemented and monitored.

For more information visit http://www.gieschen.com/.

About DOPIP SCI Reports

DOPIP is a powerful source of information regarding illegal activities such as counterfeiting, forgery, product tampering and diversion. It provides current news reports, information and analysis relating to document, product and intellectual product security. Security technology providers, enforcement agencies, trade organizations, and brand owners will find this information indispensable for detection, deterrence and prevention. Standard or Premium DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence memberships are available as an annual subscription for $295 USD and $835 respectively.

For more information visit http://www.goldsec.com/Security_Updates.htm.

Contacts

Glen Gieschen
Counterfeit Intelligence Analyst
Gieschen Consultancy
Glen@Gieschen.com
Phone 403-256-5680
Calgary, Alberta Canada