Many people know that Manhattan is a hotbed for obtaining fake ids. However, beware of who you are dealing with because you may get more than you bargained for... you may get mugged or robbed.

Scenario

1. Someone approaches you and asks if you want to purchase a fake drivers license or ID. They will usually claim that it can be done in 15 minutes, or so.

2. You give the money to them and they claim that they are going to check if the money is real.

3. They tell you to wait outside a shop and pretend to give the money to the shop keeper.

4. They leave, saying that they will be back with the ID in a few minutes. Of course, they do not return.

How to avoid this

• Do not deal with people who approach you on the street, they are the ones who are most likely to try to grab your money and run.

• Give cash on delivery.

These security tips have been graciously contributed by Gard Eggesboe Abrahamsen.