Teenagers who use fake identification are being warned that they face prosecution under the Fraud Act.

Officers covering the West Heath area of Farnborough have learned that young people are using false cards to obtain cigarettes and alcohol from local shopkeepers.

Youngsters who use fake ID can be arrested for fraud offences and could face a fine or a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

PC Liz Asplin said: “Cigarettes and alcohol carry an age limit for a reason and shops are increasingly put under pressure to check people’s ages.

“These identification cards on first glance look fairly genuine but on closer inspection there are clear signs they are not.

“These cards can be obtained via the internet at very little cost and inconvenience. Many of these internet sites state these cards are ‘legal fake ID’.

“There is no ‘legal’ fake ID. In many cases the person’s date of birth has been altered to make them old enough to legally buy cigarettes and alcohol.

“These ID cards are not genuine and cannot be used as a proof of age. As ‘legal’ as these internet sites may appear, the use of one of these cards to obtain cigarettes and alcohol is an offence under the Fraud Act.

“In addition, anyone carrying one of these cards is also committing an offence.

“If you are caught with one of these cards on your person, or found using a card of this type, then you will be dealt with robustly.”

For more information about policing in your area visit the local policing pages of Hampshire Constabulary at www. hampshire.police.uk