Many ID vendors advertise their fakes as “scannable” but they may not be. It is fair to ask if a fake ID can be caught by an ID scanner.

To grasp the contrast between the ways in which ID scanners detect and forgeries bypass security, it’s important to understand the workings of various ID scanners and the tools that fraudsters utilize for this purpose.

A common test employed by consumers to authenticate their ID involves scanning the barcode or magnetic strip on the ID.

What are barcodes and how do they work

ID scanners typically authenticate an ID by reading the information from a barcode or magnetic strip and checking whether the data is in the correct format. While these features serve the purpose of ID scanning, they aren’t considered foolproof security measures.

Generating barcodes and magnetic strips with encoded identity details is relatively simple, as the necessary technology is easily accessible online.

Even though basic ID scanners can detect some fake IDs, forgers often ensure that the barcodes or magnetic strips on their IDs appear authentic. This means that most legitimate IDs will register as valid when scanned. Many online platforms serve as hubs for the sale of counterfeit IDs from various parts of the world.

As most ID scanners rely solely on these methods, many fake IDs in circulation manage to pass the scanner’s test.

For robust detection of counterfeit government IDs, advanced technology capable of analyzing the ID’s facial features and identifying subtle differences in the complex security elements embedded in official IDs is necessary.

By using both a comparison engine and a pixel-level processing algorithm, an ID scanner can compare fake IDs to real IDs and detect false IDs. Many other systems fall short in this comparison.

Pattern matching and some other content-matching concepts

What are the consequences of someone “faking” their ID

Official identity documents are incredibly challenging to replicate due to their unique fonts and intricate designs.

The use of sophisticated typefaces, microtext, and seamless inkblots in these documents necessitates a secure reproduction process that is not easily accessible to unauthorized print shops.

In the case of more advanced fake IDs, which can deceive most human inspections, forgers often utilize just a few pixels to create the forged mark.

Thanks to Patronscan’s special pattern-matching technology, we’re able to examine 4,500 distinct IDs to accurately identify a cardholder. Pattern-matching is our go-to method for detecting fake IDs with our ID scanners.

Unfortunately, fake IDs have become more common and accessible with the introduction of new, affordable technology. This rise in counterfeit identity documents has led to significant financial losses for businesses worldwide due to identity fraud.

To combat this, ID scanners now utilize innovative features like overlays and holograms to perform a comprehensive third test, ensuring that an ID remains authentic under various light sources and angles.

Let’s talk about holograms and their role in security!

Holograms and fluorescence overlays serve as an extra layer of security that can be examined under white or UV light.

Although these security features are relatively easy to verify, modern counterfeiters strive to closely replicate them. They either imitate these features or use genuine versions from authentic IDs to deceive the system.

Today, an ID scan can quickly determine if an ID is genuine or fake. At Patronscan, we utilize specialized lighting and advanced hardware sensors for thorough identity checks, enhancing the accuracy of our scanners.

However, with the increasing sophistication of holograms and fluorescent overlays used in fake IDs, relying solely on these tests can sometimes give a false sense of security.

Each situation is unique!

Even if fake IDs manage to sneak past ID scanners with occasional success, a robust signal could intercept them before the final security check blocks them. The scanning engine, which processes the data gathered during a scan and verifies an ID, plays a critical role.

Developing a dependable scanning engine is a gradual process that requires regular updates. By maintaining accuracy akin to human judgment and adhering to an up-to-date schedule, the system devises algorithms that effectively authenticate IDs within cutting-edge counterfeit detection tools.

How to use a fake ID online safely

Ensuring your ID scanners can detect forgeries requires the right mix of ingredients. By comparing how a scanner scrutinizes even the tiniest details on an ID card, you can fortify your product against potential counterfeit threats.

Machine learning and deep neural networks play a crucial role in verification, as they can analyze and decipher intricate patterns. Some ID scanners utilize outdated hardware that may not match the capabilities of AI, resulting in reliability issues, false alarms, and unreadable IDs.

Ever wondered how a fake ID scan looks?

With Patronscan’s exclusive scanning technology, the odds of a successful forgery are slim.

Detecting fake IDs can be challenging, but PatronScan tackles them swiftly with an efficient AI system that has your back. Schedule a demo today or simply visit their website to discover why they are the trusted choice for foolproof verification.