Hundreds Of Fake IDs Seized By Customs Agents In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – Sorry college kids: your fake ID may not be coming, as Customs and Border Protection agents in Philadelphia seized hundreds of fake IDs recently.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized nearly 500 fake state drivers’ licenses in international air cargo that arrived in Philadelphia since May.

CBP officers seized the latest shipment, which contained counterfeit Connecticut and Nigerian driver’s licenses Aug. 15.

In addition to Connecticut, the fake ID’s included licenses from more than 20 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Washington, Florida, Vermont, and more, according to CBP.

The fake IDs shipped from locations in Canada, China, and from countries in Southwest Asia, CBP said.

"Counterfeit drivers licenses have historically been used by those under 21 years of age for the illegal consumption of alcohol, but fake IDs have also been used in criminal enterprises, such as identity theft cases and immigration fraud," said Casey Durst, CBP Director of the Baltimore Field Office. "Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance during trade enforcement operations and we remain committed to the safety and security of our nation every day."

The quality of the licenses ranges from obvious fakes to very good quality that can be scanned with barcode readers.

CBP turned many of the licenses over to state and university police investigators. The remaining licenses will be destroyed.

Images via Customs and Border Protection