Some new college students arrive on campus equipped with the fake IDs along with their dorm-room supplies. "It's a major problem," said Daniel F. Pokaski, chairman of the Boston liquor-licensing bureau. "Computer technology out there is huge. Kids are doing this in their dorm rooms."

Some students have turned making fake IDs into a cottage industry, asking up to $80 for a sophisticated forgery. ''As the technology gets better, we have students who are in the business of making these fake IDs, and the technology makes them very hard to detect," said Boston Police Captain William Evans.

Boston police and bars seize thousands of fake IDs annually, but students can easily get another online or from classmates. ''But every year we're confiscating a lot [more]," said Pokaski. "The liquor stores and the bars, for the most part, are very vigilant."

Those who get caught using a fake ID face felony charges carrying up to 5 years in prison, as well as having their school and the motor-vehicle department informed of their offense.

The head of the Massachusetts chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving says many liquor stores aren't careful enough about checking IDs, but Blanchard Liquor in Allston takes a novel approach to the problem: IDs that don't pass muster with the store's barcode scanner are posted on the front door of the shop. "We confiscate the ID and we'll hold it here," said owner Joe Gomes. "If they want it back, they have the option of calling law enforcement themselves, or we can call for them."

Police also patrol liquor stores looking for underage buyers. "When we see a young student who we believe is underage and they present an ID, we ask them what their name is and date of birth and check that," said Evans. "If they're found using a fake ID, we'll lock them up."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.