One traveler was busted by TSA for having several fake ID's. And it is all thanks to his gaming console.
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The traveler checked one of his bags at New York City's LaGuardia International Airport. When his bag was put through the scanner, his luggage was flagged. Due to an XBOX gaming console being inside. But the XBOX led to a much more alarming discovery by a TSA supervisor.
Traveler Busted By TSA For Traveling With Fake IDs at LGA
Because the XBOX caused the luggage to be flagged, it was selected for additional screening. While searching the contents of the bag, Transportation Security Officer Christopher Ramos noticed a plastic bag next to the gaming console. Inside were several fake photo IDs.
"I noticed various driver's licenses with different dates of birth and different class types. But all with the same photograph," Ramos explained via a release from the TSA's official website. "I was focused on following our screening procedures and paying close attention to anything that appeared unusual. When I discovered the fraudulent IDs, I knew it was important to report the situation through the proper channels."
Upon the discovery, Ramos immediately alerted TSA Manager Caleb Bienne. Upon arriving at the checked bag resolution area, Bienne confirmed that the IDs were indeed fake. And alerted the authorities. The passenger was arrested shortly after, before he was able to board his flight.
TSA LGA Federal Security Director John Essig praised the officers for responding to the incident and preventing the passenger from boarding his plane.
"STSO Christopher Ramos' strict adherence to standard operating procedures, diligence, and situational awareness prevented the fraudulent IDs from entering the airport's secure area," Essig said. "Identifying fraudulent IDs is an important part of TSA's layered security approach. It helps ensure that people entering secure areas of the airport are who they claim to be and supports the safety of the traveling public."
In New York City, simply carrying or displaying a fictitious, borrowed, or altered license can be handled as a traffic violation, which carries a fine of up to $300, 15 days in jail, and a mandatory driver's license suspension.
