Although the “Real ID Act” is just out of the door of the U.S. Congress, dubious “U.S. Citizen ID” cards have been circulating in the city’s immigrant communities. These IDs are produced by people who have no authority and are simply looking to make a profit. Although it costs up to $100 dollars to purchase these fake IDs, the schemers have no difficulty in finding costumers.

These colored cards with National ID printed in bold-letters on it, include personal information, such as name, address and birth date. Also printed on the cards are emblems similar to the official U.S. national symbol.

In order to attract customers, flyers and posters are given out in the immigrant communities encouraging people to buy these cards. The official look of the cards is easily fooling many unsuspecting immigrants, who believe they are buying a government-issued identity document.

State Senator Martin J. Golden, (R-Brooklyn) has received many inquiries in his office from immigrants who want to know if these IDs are issued by the federal government. Kittie Wong, Golden’s Chinese Community assistant, said that many Chinese have bought the IDs, found something wrong with them and brought them to the office for inspection.

According to Golden, this is a very serious problem; crooks are swindling people even before legislators have had the chance to discuss the issue. Golden reiterates that no government agency, bank or company accepts these IDs. Although the fine print on the cards indicates that the cards are not issued by any U.S. government agency, the look of the cards is very misleading.

Wong said that she tracked down one of the issuing companies from the telephone numbers on the poster. The company claimed it is all legitimate business and that the card is selling for $85. In response, Golden’s office contacted federal governmental agencies to find out more about the cards. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office confirmed that the company has patented a “U.S. National Identity Card” and claimed that the agency has no authority to investigate if a company is conducting a legitimate business or not.

Golden’s office sent a letter to the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. The Department said that it is very concerned about vulnerable people being cheated and will look into the posters to see if they violate any city laws.

Golden’s office warns people not to buy these IDs and informs people that the U.S. Government does not issue IDs through private companies.