Methods of “fake ID” obtainment and use in underage college students

Abstract

Fake IDs are highly prevalent among underage college students, and are strongly associated with heavy drinking. However it is not currently known how exactly fake IDs are most commonly obtained and used, and how often individuals are caught. Such information could aid law enforcement and school personnel in their enforcement responsibilities, and might further elucidate the extent and means by which students “make ethical compromises” to gain illegal access to alcohol. A cross-sectional online survey of 1098 underage students at a large Midwestern university indicated that comparable to previous findings, 21.0% reported possessing a fake ID (which was strongly associated with past-month frequent heavy drinking; OR = 4.84, 95% CI = 3.41–6.86). Of those with fake IDs, 93.5% reported having used them, and 29.1% reported having been caught. Greek (i.e., fraternity/sorority) members were more likely than others to obtain them through a Greek organization ( OR = 8.02, 95% CI = 1.81–35.54). Also, men were more likely than women to buy ( OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.57–4.77), yet less likely to be given them ( OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.31–0.90). Future studies might examine whether and how fake ID capture reduces (or exacerbates) drinking over time.