Secrets Of A Back Alley ID Man: Fake Id Construction Techniques Of The Underground Paperback – September 1, 2001

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*).

It's a good informational resource to let you know how these sort of scams were once conducted, and whilst there are some amateurs still using these techniques, things are more complex and evolved now. This is a great way for those interested in detecting and deterring fraud to learn the basics, but you have to understand that the information is really dated. I used it as a resource a Fraud Detection course, and it was acknowledged that some of these techniques may still be employed, but only by the most basic crooks.

Something should be said about how outdated the material really is. It's not exactly prevalent in even the worst computer you could buy since the start of this decade. The author literally states that you should "consider using a Word Processor because some computers can't handle 2400dpi which takes around 5MB of memory." This was written when Photoshop had come out with layers and transparency tools(which have been around for ages now).That being said, it's a fast read, and totally necessary for anyone interested in(and the author makes it certainly clear that this is what the book was for) the study of ID's, and document forgery history. It's practical, but again, not very up-to-date.

Purchased for friend he liked it.

I was expecting more, but maybe it's just not as cut and dry or clear as I'd like. Overall it's a great resource, just some things I felt I had to fill in the gaps.

Good primer, but technology has far outstripped this book. So it's outdated. Good introduction to the subject though. If it's cheap why not? :>)

Its a good place to start..........but making a convincing fake takes artistic skill that many people simply do not have.

This is a great book and was delivered in excellent shape quickly. I will do business with Amazon again! I ordered this from the used department. I am now making novelty IDs like I born to do it. A little techie at times but very explanatory.

A+