Fake IDs Go High-Tech with Crypto Payments

The New York Times highlights the growing sophistication of fake IDs, now featuring holograms, barcodes, and even embedded data chips. Counterfeiters accept cryptocurrency for added anonymity, with operations often based overseas. Indianapolis resident James Watt was caught mailing 30,000 fake IDs, earning 14 Bitcoin ($1.3M) before pleading guilty to money laundering. Fake IDs are not just illegal to produce but also a felony to possess in states like Florida, with severe penalties. While biometric security may reduce counterfeiting, technology evolves, keeping illegal markets alive as long as there’s profit to be made.