Fake ID Ownership More Than Triples in Recent Months: Police

The use of fake IDs is on the rise in Naperville and surrounding communities, police said. 

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During a recent initiative to curb underage drinking, police said they saw a 72 percent year-over-year increase in the use of fraudulent identification cards and a 380 percent increase from October 2012 through January, compared with the year prior, according to the Naperville Police Department. The intitiative included the period of time when college students are on winter break.  

The initiative, which increased training and enforcement at bars in the downtown area, was launched in October by the Naperville Liquor Commission, Illinois Secretary of State Police, Naperville Police Department and the Downtown Naperville Restaurant Association, according to police.

Year-Over-Year Fake ID Increase:

Initiative: Oct. 1 Through Jan. 7:

Police said a "new wave" of counterfeit identification is "sophisticated" and can be easily purchased over the internet from overseas companies. 

A quick Google search for "fake ids" or "novelty ids" brings up countless websites to purchase fraudulent identification as well as how to create them in "how to" YouTube videos.

Using a fake id, driver's license or someone else’s identification can lead to a suspension or revocation of driving privileges, fines from $2,500 to $25,000 as well as jail time, according to police.