YOUNGSTERS are being warned they could face having a criminal record if they are tempted to buy fake ID.

The warning comes after two recent incidents in which teenagers were caught with forged identity cards.

Underage young people are tempted into buying fake ID on the internet so they can get age-restricted goods such as alcohol and cigarettes.

But many do not realise they are committing a criminal offence and leaving themselves open to having their own identity stolen as many of the internet sites are outside the UK.

A 17-year-old girl was recently arrested while trying to buy alcohol at a Bexleyheath newsagent using a fake ID, after being challenged by the shopkeeper.

She has been referred to the borough’s Youth Offending Team.

And last week a 19-year-old girl received a caution for possessing a forged ID card with the intention of fraudulently using it.

She bought it on the internet for £10 when she was 17.

Police say they know the practice is widespread among young people and they are investigating a number of forged ID cards.

And shopkeepers are advised they should only accept a passport, driving licence or nationally accepted proof-of-age cards.