Counterfeit or Altered Driver's License/ Identification Cards
You can expect stepped up enforcement in Massachusetts for countefeit or altered driver licenses or identification cards!
Recently, the Massachusetts State Police, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Campus Law Enforcement Agencies organized together to deal more effectively with the problem of identity theft and the production of counterfeit forms of identification. Law enforcement officials have determined that oftentimes, the sources of counterfeit IDs available to under-aged college students are the same sources that criminals use to obtain false IDs as well.
Counterfeit driver's licenses are often used by criminals to obtain other forms of official identification and are often used in credit and other financial scams. Fugitives sometimes purchase airline tickets using a counterfeit driver's license. The widespread production and distribution of counterfeit driver's licenses is now recognized as having a significant negative impact on the Homeland Security effort.
Students should expect increased enforcement efforts by state, local and campus police. Wheaton Public Safety Officers, pursuant to Massachusetts General Law c. 9-'22 (e), will seize counterfeit or altered driver's licenses/IDs from any state. Officers will then submit an affidavit along with the license/ID to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Registry of Motor Vehicles will then schedule a hearing. The hearing may result in the suspension of a person's right to operate a motor vehicle.
Students are reminded that the possession or distribution of altered or counterfeit driver's license or identification cards may result in criminal penalties as well.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Assitant Director Paul Meade.