Thread: Why the FSA advice against using FAL as ID

I was advised by NZ Police detective handling the case against parties that had obtained a copy of my FAL from Quest on Hobson in Auckland when I stayed there for a work event in 2019.
They had produced a copy with my name, FAL number and modified year on DOB. Picture updated to reflect users ethnicity
& tattoos.
This was identified through seller of 4 rifles via T/me registering transfer and my response to FSA along the lines of “what 4 rifles did I pick up in Auckland?”
Fortunately the seller had kept good notes and pictures and could confirm appearance of purchaser, this was easily able to be shown that it wasn’t me (not on same island, seriously different appearance).
So, the register may have picked up one lot of criminal, but not strawbuyers.
Crims may have had access to ID printing equipment (this wasn’t a simple cut & paste job).

The ID was apparently part of a feast of copied ID from the same location.

I now have a new version of my FAL, but can still see issues- Trademe only needs the main FAL number…

Don’t give out your FAL as ID if you can avoid it, if you do, don’t let it leave you (maybe ok with police).

If you have ever stayed at Quest on Hobson in Auckland, check your records.

Don’t trust anyone.