Find out how crafty counterfeiters stay one step ahead of the bureaucrats and security professionals and readily replicate driver's licenses, birth certificates and other supposedly "secure" identity documents. In Secrets of a Back-Alley ID Man, Sheldon Charrett (The Modern Identity Changer and Identity, Privacy, and Personal Freedom) will show you the most effective "new school" and "old-school" techniques for new IDs, as well as poor man's tricks for those on a tight budget; the latest printers, scanners, cameras, software and other equipment used to forge IDs; groundbreaking research in hologram reproduction; simple and quick methods for producing do-it-yourself templates for licenses and official seals; ways to make composite IDs using a standard 35mm camera; and the availability of ready-made IDs on the Internet and other sources. Plus, for the first time ever in print, are precise instructions on how metallic holograms and repetitive lettering are done at home. Also included are difficult-to-find driver's licenses backs, which are nonexistent on the Internet and ignored in other ID books.

Average Customer Review: ( 6 customer reviews )
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MUCH ATTENTION was paid to creating holograms (something we actually need to learn).

The research was obvoiusly thorough and comprehensive. The author does not take credit for ideas that aren't his. All his sources are properly credited (though usually anonymously by request of the source). But, hey, it shows CLASS.

VERY REFRESHING slant for a genre that has of late been falling into the trap of selling titles. This book as REAL SUBSTANCE.

An excellent reference source for anybody interested in this art. Also great for writers who need to research underworld maneuvers for their "villain" characters.

Thank you, Mr. Charrett!!!!

19 of 19 found the following review helpful:

Excellent book, but not quite modern enoughOct 27, 2005
By Alfonso Dee "guru guy"
I really did like this book, it does have a wealth of information which can be APPLIED to more modern techniques, and generally just gets you thinking in different directions as a book like this should. But given todays climate and the fact that every state has improved security tremendously around IDs and ID cards and even birth certificates, unless you want to try your hand with a laminated Maine ID and or birth certificate printed on improper paper (and probably end up in jail), this may not be the best resource to follow word for word any longer. I didnt like the fact that he barely delved into the new world of teslin and pvc credit card hologramed high quality state IDs (if at all actually) as I feel that you would have to in a book of this nature today, but overall there are some worth while "ideas" in this book that have helped me get a bit better in the real world. Id recommend, but with a bit of caution depending on what your planning on doing, or not doing (*wink*).

16 of 16 found the following review helpful:

A Good ResourceMay 28, 2003
By Keven W Culp
This is an excellent book for someone wanting to delve into id replication, and techniques. The author is very knowledgeable on the topic he discusses in this book. From start to finish, it leaves you with a very clear understanding of the methods used to create a means of identification. Fair warning, and as he states in the book, it isn't meant for someone attempting to purchase or obtain alcohol. The book does not go into detail on every state, better yet, it focuses on information that will actually help you make an id. Full of resources and techniques, this book is an EXCELLENT guide for someone with the incentive of making an id.

11 of 12 found the following review helpful:

Info is totally new. Great ideas & techniques. Best yet.Oct 01, 2001

I've read many similar books and they all basically tell you to print out a template on your computer and "find a hologram."

This book delves into the subject in a much deeper way. Mr. Charrett shows you how to make a rainbow (and other) hologram step-by-step with readily available materials. It also discusses non-computer, or "old school" techniques -- some of which produce better results than a computer.

... I feel it was well worth it and I will refer to this book again and again.

8 of 9 found the following review helpful:

Informative, Interesting Tome Delivers The GoodsMar 28, 2005
By J. Abate
I just finished reading this book, and I loved it! I must admit I was skeptical before I ordered because we have all been scammed at one time or another. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had NOT been ripped off this time! This book lives up to the hype and does not disappoint the reader. The knowledge of the author is complete on the subjects discussed, detailed instruction is given, and (most importantly!) common pitfalls are exposed. I found myself exclaiming out loud "Wow, THAT little tidbit alone is worth the cost of this book." about six or seven time throughout my reading. I also would like to add that if you are interested in this kind of thing, this book is a great learning tool, a good place to start. Thanks Sheldon, for a well written, (often hilarious) informative, eye-opening book.

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