Politics & Government

VIDEO: Schumer Seeks Crackdown on High-Tech Fake IDs

Calls on wire transfer companies to block payments to Chinese distributors.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, called on major wire transfer services to work with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and block cash payment transfers to operators in China who peddle fake drivers' licenses that are indistinguishable from the real thing.

Schumer made the announcement at RVC's Kasey's Kitchen and Cocktails on Tuesday afternoon.

The IDs include features like holograms, watermarks and magnetic strips, making them almost identical to driver's licenses issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The IDs, manufactured in China, are shipped throughout the country and hidden in shoeboxes and other packaging to disguise their contents and evade authorities.

The IDs are sold for anywhere between $100-$300. 

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The consequences of underage drinking are too severe and too heart-breaking to allow this to go on unchecked," Schumer said. "By identifying the source of these IDs and cutting off funding, we can ensure that Long Island families aren't forced to deal with the tragedies that often result from underage drinking."


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