We recognise the concern that fake identification causes for the pub trade and the wider night-time economy, and we appreciate the work that Pubwatch schemes and premises are already doing to promote good practice, including Challenge 21/25.
It’s been suggested that the use of fake identification could fall under the Fraud Act 2006 where there is intent to deceive, and might also fall under the Identity Documents Act 2010, which covers the possession, manufacture or supply of false identity documents.
However, for practical purposes it’s doubtful that your local police will be willing to prosecute any young person for this type of offence or to be honest, even be willing to provide a ‘bailment’ service to receive seized documentation and interview the offender.
We have every sympathy with the day-to-day operational pressures faced by the police, but young people still seem to consider that getting into pubs and clubs and purchasing alcohol is some kind of ‘rite of passage’; without any thought to the venue operator who might face a licensing review.
The situation is not helped by the many scam online website offering fake ID and hiding behind the suggestion that they are providing documentation for ‘novelty’ purposes.
So, despite it being a frustrating process, we urge you to stay vigilant and keep seizing fake ID, and where possible involve the police in local initiatives to confront this misuse of fake documentation.
And perhaps, local Pubwatch schemes might also take the fight to the scam operators as well?
We strongly recommend that any suspected scam websites offering fake identification are reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC’s Active Cyber Defence programme removes tens of thousands of malicious and fraudulent websites each year, helping to disrupt the online supply of fake IDs. Suspected scam websites can be reported via the NCSC reporting page.
For physical identification documents such as fraudulent driving licences, pub and venue operators should report these directly to the DVLA. Reports can be made using the DVLA fraud reporting service, by phone on 0800 096 0825, by email at fraud@dvla.gov.uk, or by post to Intelligence Unit (FCU), DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AH.
Additionally, instances of fake ID use should be reported to Report Fraud, the UK’s national reporting service for fraud and cybercrime. These reports are recorded as intelligence and contribute to building a national picture, helping to safeguard others and inform enforcement activity. Report Fraud can be contacted by phone on 0300 123 2040 or through the Report Fraud website.
