Counterfeit U.S. Passport Cards BOLO (PDF)

Diplomatic Security Service Las Vegas Resident Office Informational BOLO Counterfeit U.S. Passport Cards The U.S. passport card is a REAL ID compliant...

Diplomatic Security Service Las Vegas Resident Office Informational BOLO Counterfeit U.S. Passport Cards The U.S. passport card is a REAL ID compliant identity and travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It can be used for purposes of identity, proof of U.S. citizenship, domestic air travel, and land and sea border crossings from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. In contrast to the U.S. passport, the U.S. passport card is targeted more by counterfeiters because it is a lesser-known identity document and cheaper to produce passable counterfeits. Individuals and organized criminal groups are using counterfeit passport cards with increasing frequency in identity theft and related fraud schemes targeting financial institutions (e.g. banks, credit unions, etc.) and retailers (e.g. cell phone stores, big-box retailers, etc.), resulting in millions of dollars in losses throughout the Tri-State and Mid-Atlantic region. They often work in pairs with one in the car and the other at the counter, could be on a cell phone, and utilize homeless individuals as money mules. Useful tips if encountered: When law enforcement arrives, if the suspects’ phones are taken, switch them into airplane mode, as the handlers may delete messages. Suspects are typically bonded out by the handlers - so the bond agencies are a good source for identifying handlers. Handlers typically sit in a rented vehicle in a near-by parking lot. Following the suspect to a waiting vehicle or utilizing CCTV of the establishment or surrounding establishments can identify the handler’s vehicle. Any law enforcement agency encountering a suspected counterfeit U.S. passport card as proof of identity is encouraged to contact the Diplomatic Security Service’s Las Vegas Resident Office Email: [email protected]  Diplomatic Security Service Las Vegas Resident Office Fraud Indicators and Security Features Authentic U.S. Passport Card Counterfeit U.S. Passport Card ✓ The photo is crisp, square, and ✘ The photo often has a white blends into the card. blurry border or a dark gray square surrounding the photo. ✓ The microprinting in the background artwork reads ✘ Under magnification counterfeit “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. biodata will have distinguishable cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ✓ The optically variable device (CMYK) dots instead of pure (OVD) on the lower right of the colors. photo reads “Department of State” and “United States of ✘ If there is an optically variable America” (in a circular formation) device (OVD) it may contain with a rectangular shape on the incorrect language or images (e.g. right that reads “USA” vertically. “U.S. Supreme Court” laminate). ✓ On the front of the card, the date ✘ The counterfeit may lack light of birth, serial number, and some reflecting, closely set, vertical letters in “USA” on the right side lines that are placed behind the of photo should feel raised; on OVD. the back of the card, the card number should feel raised. ✘ Under UV light there will be no images or text, or incorrect ✓ Under UV light, the front of the images and/or text. passport card shows a red eagle surrounded by blue stars and text ✘ The date of birth, serial number, that reads “FROM SEA TO and other data fields on the card SHINING SEA” are printed rather than laser etched / raised. ✓ When dropped on a non-metallic surface, striking an edge, it will ✘ When dropped on a non-metallic make a metallic sound. surface, striking an edge, it will not make a metallic sound. Any law enforcement agency encountering a suspected counterfeit U.S. passport card as proof of identity is encouraged to contact the Diplomatic Security Las Vegas Resident Office