The accuracy of face-based identity verification technology is once again being called into question in the wake of a high-profile case of identity fraud. In the case, a New Jersey man was allegedly able to steal roughly $900,000 from the state of California by using fake driver’s licenses and a red wig to trick the state’s facial authentication system.
Eric Jaklitsch’s scheme specifically targeted California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), which is responsible for handling unemployment claims. He is believed to have filed at least 78 false claims with the department, roughly 68 of which were ultimately granted. Each case represents an instance of identity fraud, since Jaklitsch was using stolen personal information (including Social Security numbers) to file false claims in the names of his victims.
The nature of those claims changed each time, with Jaklitsch claiming to be everything from a fitness instructor to a zookeeper. In each case, he stated that he had lost his job due to COVID-19, and had therefore lost a salary that exceeded $100,000.
The problem, from a security perspective, is that California’s identity verification system never spotted the duplicates, the fake IDs, and the evident fraud, even though Jaklitsch used the same distinctive red wig for every single identity. Jaklitsch was using his own face on his fake IDs, so the fact that his selfies matched is not a problem in and of itself. However, his actions should still have raised more red...
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