An ID may be considered tampered with when it shows inconsistencies in formatting, as this can indicate that information has been altered or that it was not produced by a legitimate source. Inconsistent formats might include variations in font size, alignment, or the layout of information that is not typical for valid IDs, signaling potential forgery.
Additionally, if the photo does not match the customer presenting the ID, this raises immediate concerns about the authenticity of the identification. A mismatched photo suggests that someone may be using an ID that belongs to another person, which is a common method of attempting to misrepresent oneself.
Ink smudging, while it can reflect poor printing conditions or wear and tear, is a less definitive indicator of tampering compared to formatting inconsistencies or a mismatch in personal details. However, in certain contexts, smudging might also raise suspicions about the ID's legitimacy.
Thus, recognizing all these potential indicators together leads to a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a tampered ID, confirming that all the listed scenarios contribute to the overall assessment.