The green cards are good for 10 years, and the INS predicts that the old cards will be out of circulation by 2008, says Strassberger. In 1996, all green cards prior to 1979 became obsolete. Strassberger also says that green cards that have raised photos may be forgeries. The easiest way to check green cards and work status is to contact your local INS office. This documents shows, in color, what a proper I.D. should look like.
General tips Be suspicious of cards and documents with fuzzy printing.
Many of the other documents the INS uses are less frequently counterfeited. Photocopy all the documents a prospective employee gives you. This will help show your good faith effort, says Strassberger. Doing so proves that you at least asked for the proper documents. It also may show that the documents appeared legitimate.