Using a Fake Passport to Pass Verification | Experiment
TLDRIn this experiment, Bradley attempts to use fake documents to bypass various online identity verification systems. He creates a false identity and modifies a passport using Photoshop, testing it on multiple platforms. Despite his efforts, he is consistently blocked by advanced verification tools that detect fraud, such as liveness checks and machine-readable zones. The experiment highlights the strength of modern identity verification technologies, which successfully prevent fraudulent activity. Bradley emphasizes the importance of these protections in the online world while warning against potential scams.
Takeaways
- 😀 The video is an experiment about identity verification systems and their effectiveness in detecting fake documents.
- 🔍 The host, Bradley, creates a fake identity and passport to test various identity verification services.
- 💡 The experiment aims to demonstrate the robustness of modern technologies in protecting online identities and to warn about potential scams.
- 🖼️ The process of creating a fake passport involves photo editing to swap out the photo and preserving the holographic security film.
- 📄 The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) on a passport is crucial for verification and is attempted to be replicated in the fake document.
- 🚫 Not all identity verification services are fooled; some detect the fake documents and deny account verification.
- 🤖 Advanced technologies like anti-Photoshop tools and liveness checks are used to enhance the accuracy of identity verification.
- 🌐 The experiment shows that different verification services have varying levels of security and effectiveness in detecting fraudulent documents.
- 🔒 The video concludes that despite the existence of scams, there is a robust KYC (Know Your Customer) infrastructure in place.
- ⚠️ The video serves as a reminder for individuals to be cautious with their online identities and a warning for those attempting fraud.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the experiment conducted in the video?
-The main purpose of the experiment is to test the effectiveness of modern identity verification systems by attempting to fool them with fake documents.
What is the role of identity verification services in online transactions?
-Identity verification services ensure that the documents provided are legitimate and that the person presenting them is who they claim to be, which is crucial for transactions like renting a car or opening a crypto wallet.
How does the presenter create a fake identity for the experiment?
-The presenter uses an online tool to generate a fake identity and then manipulates a passport photo in Photoshop to create a fake document.
What is the significance of the machine-readable zone (MRZ) on a passport?
-The MRZ is a crucial security feature on passports that contains essential information about the passport holder, such as the issuing authority, nationality, name, and surname. It can be scanned using specific technology to verify the authenticity of the passport.
Why is it challenging to create a convincing fake MRZ?
-Creating a convincing fake MRZ is challenging because it requires precise formatting and encoding of various details, including the issuing authority and nationality, which can be easily detected by verification systems.
What is the outcome of the presenter's attempt to verify their fake identity on Zipme?
-The presenter fails to get verified on Zipme as they do not receive the verification code, which the video suggests might be due to the system detecting the fake document before the verification process is complete.
How does the presenter's fake identity fare with Wirex's verification process?
-The presenter's fake identity is detected by Wirex's verification process, resulting in the closure of the account due to the detection of fraudulent activity.
What is the role of liveness checks in identity verification?
-Liveness checks play a critical role in identity verification by ensuring that the person presenting the document is alive and not a mask or photo. This helps to match the person to their documents and prevent fraud.
What happens when the presenter tries to verify their fake identity with their own face?
-When the presenter uses their own face for the verification process, they still fail to get verified by the systems, indicating that the document itself was flagged as fraudulent.
What is the final conclusion of the experiment regarding the robustness of KYC systems?
-The experiment concludes that the KYC systems are robust and effective in detecting fraudulent identities, as the presenter's fake identity could not get verified by any of the tested services.
Outlines
🔍 Introduction to Identity Verification Experiment
The video begins with the host, Bradley, introducing an experiment aimed at testing the efficacy of identity verification services. These services are crucial for confirming both the authenticity of documents and the identity of the individuals presenting them. Bradley plans to create fake documents, including a passport, to challenge various identity verification providers. He emphasizes that the experiment is for educational purposes and to highlight potential online scams, not for malicious intent. The process of creating a fake identity is demonstrated, including obtaining a passport photo and manipulating it in Photoshop to include a fake Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), a critical security feature in passports.
📑 Attempting to Fool Identity Verification Services
In this segment, Bradley attempts to register with different services using his fake documents. He first tries Zipme, where he encounters issues with the verification process, including not receiving a verification code. Moving on to YX, he successfully receives a code and proceeds with the verification process, which includes scanning a QR code and uploading a video selfie. Despite the initial success, he later receives an email from Wirex, another service, stating that his account has been closed due to failed verification checks. Bradley also tries Uphold, but faces technical issues that prevent him from completing the verification process. Lastly, he attempts to verify with Mercury, where he is quickly denied, indicating that the service detected discrepancies between his live selfie and the photo on the fake document.
🔄 Second Attempt with Personalized Fake Documents
Determined to improve his chances, Bradley decides to use his own face in the fake documents to see if it will increase the likelihood of passing identity checks. He starts with YX, where he uploads a photo ID and completes a video selfie as part of the verification process. Despite his efforts, YX eventually detects the fraud and sends a rejection notice, citing regulatory compliance as the reason for account closure. Bradley then moves on to B Sharp, where he faces a different challenge: the system cannot accept a screenshot of his passport and questions the authenticity of his details. The final attempt with Mercury results in another rejection, with the service suggesting potential fraudulent activity and advising against reattempting verification.
🛡️ Understanding KYC Toolkits and Document Verification
The final part of the video delves into the technical aspects of how KYC (Know Your Customer) toolkits verify documents and identities. Bradley explains that these systems analyze document pixels for edits, use anti-Photoshop technology to detect copied elements, and check for security features like stamps, signs, fonts, and holograms. He acknowledges the challenges in accurately verifying documents, especially when the image quality is poor. Liveness checks are highlighted as a crucial part of the verification process, ensuring that the person is both human and matches their documents. Bradley concludes by emphasizing the robustness of KYC systems and the importance of these measures in maintaining security in the digital world.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Identity Verification
💡Fake Documents
💡Holographic Security Film
💡Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
💡Photoshop
💡Liveness Checks
💡Anti-Photoshop Technology
💡KYC (Know Your Customer)
💡Fraud Detection
💡Blacklists
Highlights
Experiment to test the efficacy of identity verification systems using a fake passport.
Identity verification services are crucial for confirming legitimacy of documents and identity.
The experiment involves creating fake documents to assess the robustness of verification providers.
A disclaimer is provided to clarify that the experiment is for demonstration purposes only and not for causing harm.
The process of creating a fake identity is demonstrated using an online tool.
Challenges in creating a convincing fake passport photo are discussed.
The importance of preserving the holographic security film in a fake document is highlighted.
The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) is identified as a critical component of a passport.
Attempts to register with various services using the fake identity are detailed.
The video demonstrates the failure to receive a verification code from Zipme, suggesting advanced detection mechanisms.
Wirex's verification system detects the fake document and closes the account.
Uphold's verification process is explored, but the system freezes, preventing completion.
Mercuryo's verification system quickly identifies the fake document and denies access.
A second attempt using the experimenter's own face in the fake document is described.
YX's verification system detects fraud and blocks the account.
B Sharp's system requests additional information after detecting discrepancies.
Mercuryo's system again identifies potential fraud, demonstrating the robustness of KYC tools.
The video concludes with an overview of the document verification process used by companies, including anti-Photoshop technology and liveness checks.
The importance of a multi-layered approach to identity verification is emphasized.