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Beware of Novelty ID Cards

Posted on Jul 23, 2007 by Tom Fragala

The other day I came across a web site that sells “novelty” identity cards of many types. Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, diplomas, birth certificates, work permits, contractor certifications, you name it. I saw it mentioned in a forum where people were posting about how to replace a lost Social Security card. Some folks needed a replacement Social Security card right away so they paid this company for one. (I am not posting the website address). A few people even reported success in getting their cards quickly and easily from this website*. I visited the web site of the ID card company and noticed a few things.

They only accept cash currency or international money orders (not regular or postal money orders) and they must be made out to “T. Cash” and mailed to a drop box in Canada.

Now, as bad as government bureaucracies can be, ordering fake ID’s like this is a horrendously bad idea. First, this is unlawful activity. Second, how likely do you think it is that the proprietor of this website is named “T Cash”? Do you think they might add a little “o” next to the “T”?  And would you really trust a company that operates this kind of business with your money, name, address and SSN?

And you can get a replacement card usually fairly easily, although it probably requires going to a local Social Security Administration office, since the SSA essentialy requires original documents, not copies. Yes, sometimes this means a long wait; sometimes not.

It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway: never buy a novelty identity card using real identifying information (and don’t be surprised if they disappear with your money).

*I bet these were fake postings.