CBP Officers Seizes Thousands Of Fake ID Items In 2020

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 10:31 AM

Most of the fake items originated in China and Hong Kong.

Photo by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - Thousands of fake identification items were seized by Cincinnati Border Protection officers in 2020.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday that CBP officers in Cincinnati seized 14,504 fraudulent identification items, in the form of licenses, holographic stickers or seals, laminates, social security cards, passports, visas, and other types of identification.

Officers found that the holographic stickers, laminates, and seals were often shipped with blank cards showing intent to manufacture fake credit cards and IDs to be sold on the black market.

CBP officers say over 97 percent of all fake documents seized at the Port of Cincinnati originated in China and Hong Kong.

“Fake IDs are used to facilitate underage drinking, which is dangerous in and of itself,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “The story can get even darker, however. Fake documents are associated with identity theft, public benefit fraud, and human trafficking, and terrorists use them to evade travel screening measures. Our officers and specialists are trained to recognize fake identification documents and they are dedicated to protecting innocent civilians.”

For more information, visit www.cbp.gov.