Special Agent Entrance Practice Exam

What did Mr. Hermann note was missing from the identification card?

1. A signature

2. A watermark

3. A date

4. A photo

The correct answer is: A watermark

In the context of identification verification, the absence of a watermark can significantly undermine the card's authenticity. Watermarks are security features embedded into documents to prevent forgery and counterfeiting and are typically difficult to replicate. They act as a safeguard that assists law enforcement and other officials in confirming the validity of an ID. When identifying a valid piece of identification, it is crucial to recognize these features, as missing watermarks you can lead to questions regarding the document's legitimacy. A signature, date, or photo, while also important, may not serve the same level of security or verification purpose as a watermark. Each of these other elements contributes to the overall reliability of an ID, but missing a watermark raises a more immediate concern about potential fraudulent activity.