You can't fool us! Now bouncers can 'zap' underage drinkers' fake IDs with new smartphone app



A new app has been developed to snare underage drinkers who think they can fool bouncers with fake or borrowed IDs.

BarZapp gives smartphones the power to read the bar-coded information on the back of U.S. driver's licenses and instantly reveals the person's name, date of birth and ID validity.

As well as bar and restaurant owners, its makers say it can be used by store clerks selling other age-restricted goods such as alcohol, cigarettes, movies and firearms.

Making a bouncer's life simpler: BarZapp gives smartphones the power to read the bar-coded information on the back of a driver's license and instantly reveals the person's name, date of birth and ID validity

The piece of technology was invented by Dr Nelson Ludlow, who acts as CEO of Washington-based software company, Intellicheck Mobilisa.

It works by reading the code on the back of ID cards, which is referred to as a PDF 417.



After reading the series of small dots the app displays the age and name of the person being checked, leaving out the address.



A fake license will either return nonsense or the wrong data.



If a person doesn’t want to have their ID scanned, the app provides a database of pictures that show what various licenses look like to help detect duds.

Dr Ludlow said that the majority of realistic-looking fake IDs obtained by those under the age of 21 are manufactured in China.

Easy-to-use: The new smartphone app instantly pulls up information from the ID and can be used in dim light

High school and college students eager to get into bars are willing to pay up to $300 for the sophisticated counterfeits.



This trend poses a major problem for bar, restaurant and nightclub managers who are penalized for underage drinking on their property.



Indeed, Bob Cady, owner of the Cougar Cottage, in Pullman, Washington, told The Columbian that his bar often receives fake IDs.



'We're under heavy scrutiny, and the Liquor Control Board is down here all the time,' he said.

'We are susceptible to that risk of people serving to minors, but our staff is constantly trained.'



BarZapp also allows security staff to check how many times a person has visited a venue, if they were banned previously, or if they are on a VIP list.