Forged PAX Badges

Fireshard · August 2011

Hey, so i was wondering what PAX is doing if someone is found to have a forged PAX badge. I know some people who forged passes last year, and despite me telling them they were stupid to do so, they decided to forge passes again this year. This really irritates me, because I paid my money for my passes, and it doesn't really strike me as fair if people with forged passes kinda get a get out of jail free card.

Thoughts?

akThera · August 2011

I suggest they be brought before Wil Wheaton himself, in front of everyone, for breaking the Law.

Serious dick move.

Willeth · August 2011

If you want to report them to an Enforcer they'll be able to deal with them and ban them from the con. Whether you want to do that subtly or overtly is up to you.

Fireshard · August 2011

Yeah, but how do I go about doing that? "Hey, see that nerdy lookin guy over there? yeah he has a forged pax badge" suddenly 86% of the con is banned....

Moe Fwacky · August 2011

Well they're not just going to take your word for it, they're going to actually go over and check his badge. If he runs or refuses, that will also be a dead giveaway. Report anybody you know who has a forged badge and they will be ejected.

Also, if your friends get caught, they may be facing more than just ejection from the convention center.

Fireshard · August 2011

sweet, now i just have to find them at the con, get them to stand around while i find an enforcer...... go go gadget distracting line or something!

Fireshard · August 2011

also, thanks a bunch for the info

Moe Fwacky · August 2011

You could also just provide their pictures to the enforcers and they will put security on the watch for them.

FireWater · August 2011

I hope that any forgers are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

tsrblke · August 2011

FireWater wrote:

I hope that any forgers are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Which in most states is pretty harsh actually. If PAX is considered an "Event" (like an MLB game or concert) states tend to take pretty hard lines against those. (IANAL)

Liger · August 2011

If you have their photos, or descriptions of what they look like (especially if they'll be cosplaying), PM them to Tango. Also me. I'll be seeing a LOT of attendees this year and I can keep my eyes peeled.

Out of curiosity, how did they forge their passes? How convincing are they?

Fireshard · August 2011

They actually didn't show them to me, I think because they know I'd prolly grab em and destroy em, but apparently they were convinceing enough last year to get one of the people into the League of Legends tournement.

EmptyAy · August 2011

If it's anything like MY forged badges, nobody will ever figure it out.

But seriously, I remember reporting some guys last year who were throwing glowsticks from the back of Benaroya into the front seats, and Enforcers swept in and took care of it. Those guys are amazing, so I'd just give them a heads up and I'm sure they'll handle it.

pillarofdawn · August 2011

EmptyAy wrote:

If it's anything like MY forged badges, nobody will ever figure it out.

But seriously, I remember reporting some guys last year who were throwing glowsticks from the back of Benaroya into the front seats, and Enforcers swept in and took care of it. Those guys are amazing, so I'd just give them a heads up and I'm sure they'll handle it.

This made me lol pretty hard!

but is this really an issue that you have ran into in the past? I've never heard of anyone having a counterfeit pass. It would be funny to see someone try and counterfeit a BYOC pass and try to get in lol.

LexiconGrrl · August 2011

I'd like to see someone try to counterfeit ANYTHING and get it past Big Red.

Liger · August 2011

A few people were caught with counterfeit badges last year. It happens, and PA/[E] do their best to prevent that kind of silly gooseness.

@Fireshard, thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. Fake passes directly violate Wheaton's Law as well as rules 2 and 4 of PAX and ya know, laws 'n stuff. When someone discovers a fake pass, they alert security. Security takes the fake pass and escorts the culprit from the building.

If anyone sees a fake pass at the convention, I urge you to please go to the nearest Enforcer and let him/her know.

FatherFletch · August 2011

Liger wrote:

A few people were caught with counterfeit badges last year. It happens, and PA/[E] do their best to prevent that kind of silly gooseness.

@Fireshard, thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. Fake passes directly violate Wheaton's Law as well as rules 2 and 4 of PAX and ya know, laws 'n stuff. When someone discovers a fake pass, they alert security. Security takes the fake pass and escorts the culprit from the building.

If anyone sees a fake pass at the convention, I urge you to please go to the nearest Enforcer and let him/her know.

+1 And to report someone just get a good description, take a picture if you can (be subtle, there are lots of legit reasons to take a picture), their current location, or where they were headed if you can overhear or figure out, then let the nearest Enforcer know, give them the details and we are happy to take it from there. You can also let convention security know, they are good, but often tied to one location in ways Enforcers aren't.

mentok1982 · August 2011

Next year's badges should be like the key cards in Doom. You have to swipe them at the door to get in and they come in a variety of different colors.

Caldvan · August 2011

To echo Liger:

Just flag your nearest Enforcer and we will handle it from there. Forged passes happen, but we do our best to catch them when alerted.

On a similar note (that note being dicks at PAX), don't leave your badge unattended; it may be stolen. Also, try not to wear it on your hip; it's easier for it to be lost or stolen.

Teletheus · August 2011

FatherFletch wrote:

+1 And to report someone just get a good description, take a picture if you can (be subtle, there are lots of legit reasons to take a picture), their current location, or where they were headed if you can overhear or figure out, then let the nearest Enforcer know, give them the details and we are happy to take it from there.

Also, if you have a camera on your phone, it's a relatively simple thing to pretend to text or check e-mail on your phone as your cover for taking the picture. (Just be sure to show some frustration at the way the cell towers are being slammed with signals and you'll be golden.

)

groove · August 2011

Just remember to be civil and polite when dealing with anyone with a potentially forged pass. Some of these might have bought them not knowing. To echo what others have said, let an enforcer know, and let us handle it. Last thing you need is to get yourself involved in a situation you don't want to be in.

Liger · August 2011

And remember: Don't Be A Dick. The bearer of the fake pass may in fact be innocent - someone who unknowingly bought a forgery from another shady person. Unlikely as that may be, it's better to treat everyone respectfully. PAX is not for making enemies.

Edit: Damn you Groove.

Tango · August 2011

Not much further to add on what to do about forged badges. Tl;dr - report it.

On the subject of badge theft, which unfortunately does sometimes happen: please, please, please secure your passes. Wearing them clipped onto a belt loop on your waist or etc. just makes it easier for someone to yank them, if they're of a mind. Be extra careful to secure your badge when in crowded areas, such as Expo, the theaters or, to be honest, much of PAX!

Also, it's not a bad idea to avoid having your badge(s) on display when in public areas (Sheraton lobby, entrance of the WSCC, and so on), if you can. Be sure to have it on display before you try to enter any of the areas of PAX, though!

Dreamwriter · August 2011

It's rather risky to forge PAX passes - as I understand it, legally that's considered counterfeiting, which is a federal offense.

Optimusbry · August 2011

May I just suggest zip tying your badge to your lanyard. I've had mine pop right off my lanyard clip before. Keeps you from losing it or someone nabbing it while you're in line

Mattaui · August 2011

Optimusbry wrote:

May I just suggest zip tying your badge to your lanyard. I've had mine pop right off my lanyard clip before. Keeps you from losing it or someone nabbing it while you're in line

Hey, that's a really good idea. I've had issues with badges and lanyards in the past. Time to pack some zip ties!

jaberwockynmt · August 2011

Mattaui wrote:

Optimusbry wrote:

May I just suggest zip tying your badge to your lanyard. I've had mine pop right off my lanyard clip before. Keeps you from losing it or someone nabbing it while you're in line

Hey, that's a really good idea. I've had issues with badges and lanyards in the past. Time to pack some zip ties!

You don't need any zipties. you can just loop the other end of the lanyard through the hole and effectively have a really strong Cow Hitch knot (http://www.realknots.com/knots/hitches.htm#cow) holding your badge.

spydey · August 2011

Optimusbry wrote:

May I just suggest zip tying your badge to your lanyard. I've had mine pop right off my lanyard clip before. Keeps you from losing it or someone nabbing it while you're in line

Good call. I always worry about that.

TOGSolid · August 2011

spydey wrote:

Optimusbry wrote:

May I just suggest zip tying your badge to your lanyard. I've had mine pop right off my lanyard clip before. Keeps you from losing it or someone nabbing it while you're in line

Good call. I always worry about that.

Yeah, those lanyards are kinda butts. I hadn't even thought of the zip tie idea, good shit sir.

Liger · August 2011

I still have some spare lanyards that haven't sold, if you really want durability. PM me for more info.

MagnifiedX · August 2011

Liger lanyards are always a good investment! Can't wait to pick up mine in a couple days.

Optimusbry · August 2011

I'll try to remember to bring a few packs of ties with me that we can pass down the queue line on Friday for anyone who wants one.

Beker · August 2011

jaberwockynmt wrote:

Mattaui wrote:

Optimusbry wrote:

May I just suggest zip tying your badge to your lanyard. I've had mine pop right off my lanyard clip before. Keeps you from losing it or someone nabbing it while you're in line

Hey, that's a really good idea. I've had issues with badges and lanyards in the past. Time to pack some zip ties!

You don't need any zipties. you can just loop the other end of the lanyard through the hole and effectively have a really strong Cow Hitch knot (http://www.realknots.com/knots/hitches.htm#cow) holding your badge.

Pics of how to secure your badge to lanyard using cowhitch. Or come by Info booth and we'll help you with the fancy knot.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8890063/badge-cowhitch1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8890063/badge-cowhitch2.jpg

Eyes5 · August 2011

I've seen people lose their badge because the top thin part of the badge breaks. Cuz of that, I tend to keep my badge both tied to me and in a pocket unless I have to display it.

LexiconGrrl · August 2011

I've had my badge surgically implanted into my upper epidermis.

Just to be safe.

Wingedillidan · August 2011

LexiconGrrl wrote:

I've had my badge surgically implanted into my upper epidermis.

Just to be safe.

Flip it over please...

Apreche · August 2011

I have a custom d20-lanyard that I paid a artsy crafty friend to make for me. It's extra comfortable and extra nerdy. I suggest you go on etsy and also try to find nerdy lanyards that are better than the crummy ones provided by the convention. Also, it's worth it for me because I go to a lot of conventions.

LexiconGrrl · August 2011

Wingedillidan wrote:

LexiconGrrl wrote:

I've had my badge surgically implanted into my upper epidermis.

Just to be safe.

Flip it over please...

What, my epidermis? Ewww!!!

jaberwockynmt · August 2011

Eyes5 wrote:

I've seen people lose their badge because the top thin part of the badge breaks. Cuz of that, I tend to keep my badge both tied to me and in a pocket unless I have to display it.

If your badge does break in this way, come to the Info Booth and we can punch a new hole in your badge in a different location so it doesn't break again.

mcmax3000 · August 2011

pillarofdawn wrote:

but is this really an issue that you have ran into in the past? I've never heard of anyone having a counterfeit pass. It would be funny to see someone try and counterfeit a BYOC pass and try to get in lol.

I've never seen or heard of forged badges in the past but I have heard of people who have managed to get into the show with the previous year's badge since, from any kind of a distance, they look almost identical.

Hypatia · August 2011

There's nothing to be done about it after the fact, is there? One year during button trading after PAX on Sunday, a guy was standing in front of the convention center bragging about how his pass was fake and how no one had noticed all weekend.

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