his student loans are paid off and he has a paying job. “Sometimes I freak out that I could get caught by the cops,” Alex said. “But I’m really careful. Friends refer people to me through an alias last name and everything is sent to me via a fake Gmail account. When I mail the IDs off, I never send them from my house so nothing can be traced back to me. As long as I’m careful, I’m safe.” For Aviana Vergnetti (CGS ’15), the “as long as I’m careful, I’m safe” mantra only worked for so long. On Valentine’s Day 2014, Vergnetti was written up by undercover Boston Police officers for possession of a fake ID and the illegal purchase of alcohol. Vergnetti was aware of the ramifications for buying alcohol underage but didn’t realize that the consequences for having a fake ID could be even more serious. In Massachusetts, conviction for possession of a fake ID can result in a $200 to $300 fine and a possible three-month prison sentence. Vergnetti was given 1.5 years of probation in Massachusetts and had to pay a $250 fine to BU. Like Vergnetti, Elana Axler (Questrom ’17), was not aware of the seriousness of fakes in Massachusetts. “I figured I would use a copy of my older sister’s ID because I didn’t want to buy a fake ID,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine the consequences would be too serious if I got it taken away. Maybe a ticket? A fine? I doubted they would even contact the school.” In reality, fake ID offenses often are reported to the university. The Boston University Police Department upholds the laws of the state of Massachusetts and the school can expel a student for possessing a fake ID, as it directly violates the university’s code of conduct. According to the BU Student Lifebook, students in violation of state law will also be subject to probation and other penalties, such as fines and residence separation. However, Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said the
university handles fake ID violations on a case-by-case basis. “It all depends on the circumstances. If they had it just to have it or were using it to provide alcohol to their underage friends, all those kinds of things will make a difference
...I ask myself, ‘Am I scared?’ And I say ‘no’ because I’m focused on making money. Not going to lie, I feel kind of powerful doing what I do. overall,” Elmore said. “The policy is we expect students to follow the law. If you have a fake ID, you’re violating the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” Stephanie* did not know this as she approached the House of Blues with her fake ID on Oct.17. Already on probation for having alcohol in a BU residence, Stephanie was risking severe disciplinary action from the school. “The bouncer asked for my ID and I gave it to him and then he asked me for a second form of identification, so I handed him my credit card,” Stephanie said. “The ID is actually a real one—it’s my brother’s girlfriend’s ID—and the credit card was also hers, but it is now expired. Then, the bouncer took out a legal pad and asked me to sign my name. I signed it and even though it matched, he didn’t quite believe it because the picture isn’t of me.” The bouncer called a police officer over, but Stephanie fled, choosing to lose her ID over facing an arrest. Falsifying identification is a criminal offense and a national security issue. Using a fake ID is a misdemeanor, and those caught face hefty fines and the possibility of a six-month driver’s license
suspension, even if there is no conviction. If an individual possesses an ID with a false name, that person can be charged with a felony and up to five years in prison. Even cashiers at local liquor stores must abide by the law, as they risk unemployment and significant fines. “We double-check every ID; that’s just a store policy,” said James Trubiano, a BU graduate and a cashier at notoriously strict Blanchard’s Liquors. “Since we’re the busiest liquor store in Massachusetts, we have to be really strict on IDs because the state is very strict on us, and they’re always checking to make sure we’re following the policies. That’s why we double-check and train all our employees to be able to see if an ID is fake or not.” Even after probation with the state of Massachusetts, Vergnetti continues to use fake identification. In total, Vergnetti has now purchased eight fake IDs and has spent upwards of $400. If her current ID gets confiscated, she is willing to purchase another one. “I don’t regret purchasing the fake IDs,” Vergnetti said. “They’re worth the good time I have.” *Names has been changed to protect identities.
THE BUZZ | SPRING 2015