How to Report a Fake Birth Certificate

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: July 19, 2021 References

In most states, it is a crime to possess a fake birth certificate. Fake birth certificates are also used to commit a variety of crimes, such as illegally immigrating to the United States. If you suspect that someone has a fake birth certificate, you can call law enforcement and share your suspicions. You might also contact the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if you think the birth certificate was used to gain entry into the U.S.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Gathering Helpful Information

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Identify if the birth certificate is fake. It may be difficult to tell whether a birth certificate is authentic or a fake just by looking at it. However, you can look for the following details:^{[1]
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- An authentic birth certificate should have a seal on it. The seal is often raised or multicolored. It can also be impressed into the paper. If the birth certificate doesn’t have a seal, then it could be fake.
- Check to make sure that the certificate was signed. It should be signed by the city, county, or state registrar.
- A genuine birth certificate should also have the person’s full name, as well as the place and date of birth. If this information is missing, then the birth certificate may be fake.
- Also make sure the birth certificate has a filing date on it.
2
Get a copy of the birth certificate, if possible. If you have the fake birth certificate, then you should hold onto it or make a copy, which you can share with law enforcement. If you don’t have a copy of the birth certificate, then don’t worry about it.
- As you gather information, remember not to break the law. Don’t sneak into someone’s home to find the birth certificate or hack into their computer. Let law enforcement investigate.
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Write down where the person lives. Law enforcement also needs to know where the criminal is located.^{[2]
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Research source} Write down the address, if you know it. If you don't know where he or she lives, then find a work address, if possible.
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Document other important information. Also look for other helpful identifying information, which you can report. For example, if you suspect the criminal used a fake birth certificate to illegally immigrate into the U.S., then find the following information about the person:^{[3]
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- Social Security Number
- country of origin
- country of birth

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Reporting to Law Enforcement

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Choose whether to report anonymously. You can generally choose to report a crime without giving your name. For example, you may be afraid of the criminal and not want to get involved in the investigation. However, if you report anonymously, then the police can’t ask you to testify.^{[4]
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- To report anonymously, you should look for an online complaint form. Many law enforcement agencies have them.
- You might also call a hotline. However, some people are afraid that the call might be traced, so you should probably call from a pay phone.
- You might also want to report using Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.^{[5]
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  Research source} Crime Stoppers is a national organization that collects anonymous tips. Many cities have their own individual Crime Stoppers phone number, which you can find online.
2
Contact your local police. Birth certificate fraud is a felony in about half of all states and a misdemeanor in about half.^{[6]
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Research source} Chances are that someone who gets a fake birth certificate is also using it to commit other crimes, so you should certainly report your suspicions to local law enforcement.
- You can find the police phone number online or in your phone book.
- You can also find an online complaint or tip form by searching the Internet for “your city” and “police tip form.”
3
Report to the FBI. It is a federal crime to commit fraud in connection with identification documents, such as a birth certificate.^{[7]
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Research source} The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) investigates federal crimes. Your local law enforcement might forward your complaint onto the FBI. However, you could also contact them yourself.
- You can find the number to your nearest FBI field office by visiting the website.^{[8]
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- You can also provide a tip using the online form.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Contacting ICE

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Call ICE. False birth certificates are often used to help someone enter the country illegally. You can report an illegal immigrant to ICE by calling toll-free at 866-347-2423.^{[10]
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- ICE allows you to report anonymously as well.
2
Report online instead. You only need to make one report to ICE. If you prefer, you can report online instead of reporting by phone. Visit the complaint form and provide the following information:^{[11]
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- your name
- your phone number
- your email
- whether you are located in the U.S. or outside the country
- the suspected violation
- where the crime has been committed (i.e., where the criminal lives)
- details about the crime
- whether you have reported the crime to another law enforcement agency
3
Receive a monetary award. ICE has the power to give you a monetary award, though this award is discretionary. They don’t have to award one.
- You shouldn’t expect ICE to keep you updated on the investigation.^{[12]
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  Research source} However, if they contact you to request additional information, then you should provide it as soon as possible.