Tricks and Treats for Spotting Fake IDs This Halloween

Halloween is one of the most exciting and challenging nights of the year for bars and nightclubs. With crowds in costume, louder music, and longer lines, it’s the perfect setup for one classic trick: fake IDs. 

Every year, underage patrons try to sneak past door staff and bartenders disguised as ghosts, ghouls, or just 18/19/21-year-olds “who forgot their passport.” And while fake IDs are getting harder to spot, the consequences of missing one, such as fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges, are scarier than any haunted house. 

That’s why, at Patronscan, we’re sharing a few tricks and treats to help your team stay sharp this Halloween. 

Trick #1: Don’t Get Fooled by the Costume 

Elaborate costumes can make facial recognition harder, but eye contact and consistency are your best friends. 

• Ask patrons to remove masks or face paint that obscure key features. 

• Compare the photo and eye color carefully. People assume you won’t look twice. 

• If the photo shows someone clean-cut but the person in front of you is sporting zombie makeup, take a second to confirm. 

Even small mismatches can be the difference between a valid ID and a clever fake. 

Trick #2: Feel for the Flaws 

High-quality fake IDs can look real under low light, so train your team to feel the surface. 

• Legitimate IDs have micro-textures, raised text, and embedded holograms. 

• Fakes often feel too smooth or flimsy. 

• A quick thumb swipe or corner bend can reveal a fake faster than a visual check. 

Trick #3: Watch the Behavior, Not Just the ID 

Sometimes, the ID isn’t the only giveaway - the person is. 

• Does the guest hesitate when asked for their birthday? 

• Do they hand you their ID upside down or avoid eye contact? 

• Are their friends watching a little too closely? 

Behavioral cues can expose nerves that a fake ID can’t hide. 

Treat #1: Use Technology to Take the Guesswork Out 

Manual checks work, but even the best-trained eyes can be tricked. That’s where Patronscan comes in. Our ID scanners verify age and authenticity instantly, detecting even the most convincing fakes that slip past the human eye. 

With real-time verification, digital flagging, and a shared Flag Network between venues, Patronscan helps you: 

• Spot fraudulent IDs before they cause trouble 

• Identify repeat offenders across multiple locations 

• Protect your liquor license and your staff 

This Halloween, let the tech do the scaring — not the fines. 

Treat #2: Keep Everyone on the Same Page 

A great system is only as strong as the team using it. Before the Halloween rush: 

• Hold a 5-minute refresher huddle on ID policies. 

• Remind your team to scan every guest, no exceptions. 

• Review what to do if an ID fails: stay professional, alert management, and never argue with the guest. 

Preparation turns a chaotic night into a confident one. 

Trick #4: Don’t Let Fake IDs Haunt You Year-Round 

Fake IDs aren’t just a Halloween problem. They’re a year-round issue that costs venues thousands in fines and puts licenses at risk. 

The best defense is consistency: scan every guest, every night, every location. That’s how top venues use Patronscan; not just to stop fake IDs, but to build safer, smarter guest experiences. 

Final Treat: Learn More with Our Guide 

Fake IDs may come and go with the seasons, but your reputation and liquor license last all year. Give your team the tools they need to stay confident and compliant, even on the busiest nights of the year. 

Did you catch Trick #4 in this blog? 🎃

Train your team to recognize the red flags of fake IDs: How to Spot Fake IDs: A Guide for Bartenders and Security Staff