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* At the start of ''Film/HotFuzz'' when Constable Nicholas Angel walks in and shows his badge to the audience, CGI is used to make his scowling face be the same one displayed as his ID photo.
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* In one level from ''VideoGame/{{Poptropica}}'', you get a fake [=PDC=] badge from Bert Shell, a crazed conspiracist. Dr. Lange sees through your badge, but lets you in anyways because she couldn't find any other willing volunteers. The reason she knows your badge is fake? It's written in crayon.
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* ''Series/{{Friends}}'': In one episode Phoebe finds a genuine police badge in the couch cushions at Central Perk and starts using it to scold people for minor offenses she doesn't approve of, such as a woman who puts her cigarette out on a nearby tree. This backfires on Phoebe when she tries to scold a man for parking on a curb only to discover he's the cop whose badge she's been flashing around.
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[[AC: Literature]]
* In ''Literature/ATreeGrowsInBrooklyn'', Sissy hears about an immigrant family starving their pregnant daughter in the hopes that she and the baby will die in childbirth and thus avoid the shame of her illegitimate pregnancy. Sissy pins a badge to her coat and angrily demands to be let in. The frightened mother let's her in, assuming that she's from immigration, but because she's illiterate, she doesn't realize that the badge actually reads "Chicken Inspector".
* In ''Literature/ATreeGrowsInBrooklyn'', Sissy hears about an immigrant family starving their pregnant daughter in the hopes that she and the baby will die in childbirth and thus avoid the shame of her illegitimate pregnancy. Sissy pins a badge to her coat and angrily demands to be let in. The frightened mother let's her in, assuming that she's from immigration, but because she's illiterate, she doesn't realize that the badge actually reads "Chicken Inspector".
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* In ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'', an impersonator once used a cardboard badge in an attempt to pass as Phoenix. This actually works, despite the fact that when we finally meet the impersonator he is literally orange and has the [[BrooklynRage heaviest Brooklyn accent]] you've ever heard.
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* In ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'', ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyTrialsAndTribulations'', an impersonator once used a cardboard badge in an attempt to pass as Phoenix. This actually works, despite the fact that when we finally meet the impersonator he is literally orange and has the [[BrooklynRage heaviest Brooklyn accent]] you've ever heard.
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* ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'': In "Headhunters", Dipper and Mabel manage to get into a local BadGuyBar to interrogate Manly Dan by presenting fake [=IDs=]. These consists of pictures of themselves on white card with glitter, googly eyes, and the transparent pseudonyms "Lord Dippingsauce" and "Lady Mabelton". Also, Dipper's ID claims he's forty-five.
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Direct link.
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* In one episode of ''Series/BurnNotice'', Sam Axe stalls for time by putting together a fake badge using a wallet and a cut up beer can. Pointedly {{Justified}} in that he says it only has to look good enough to keep the bad-guys at a distance of some 50-100 feet.
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* In one episode of ''Series/BurnNotice'', Sam Axe stalls for time by putting together a fake badge using a wallet and a cut up beer can. Pointedly {{Justified}} {{Justified|Trope}} in that he says it only has to look good enough to keep the bad-guys at a distance of some 50-100 feet.
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[[AC: ComicBooks]]
* One ComicBook/DonaldDuck comic has a "doctor" get Donald out of a difficult situation with Daisy by flashing his card. As Daisy points out in the very same panel he shows it, it's a subway ticket, but by then the man is already gone, taking Donald with him.
* One ComicBook/DonaldDuck comic has a "doctor" get Donald out of a difficult situation with Daisy by flashing his card. As Daisy points out in the very same panel he shows it, it's a subway ticket, but by then the man is already gone, taking Donald with him.
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[[AC: ComicBooks]]
* One ComicBook/DonaldDuck comic has a "doctor" get Donald out of a difficult situation with Daisy by flashing his card. As Daisy points out in the very same panel he shows it, it's a subway ticket, but by then the man is already gone, taking Donald with him.
* One ComicBook/DonaldDuck comic has a "doctor" get Donald out of a difficult situation with Daisy by flashing his card. As Daisy points out in the very same panel he shows it, it's a subway ticket, but by then the man is already gone, taking Donald with him.
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** A common variation in the new series: the Doctor and his friends flash psychic paper, which lets the reader see any falsified documents imaginable, around as credentials. It doesn't always work as intended though, those that are too smart for it will wonder why they've been handed a blank piece of paper, and if the user lets their mind wonder it might instead read something else entirely. Jack's introduction had him hand Rose a sheet of psychic paper reading "I'm single and I workout" instead of his military credentials.
** A more traditional usage in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E6TheVampiresOfVenice The Vampires of Venice]]. The Eleventh Doctor goes to show his psychic paper credentials. Instead he pulls out his library card (which is so out of date it has a picture of ''first'' [[TheNthDoctor Nth Doctor]] [[MythologyGag on it along with old London address]]).
** A more traditional usage in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E6TheVampiresOfVenice The Vampires of Venice]]. The Eleventh Doctor goes to show his psychic paper credentials. Instead he pulls out his library card (which is so out of date it has a picture of ''first'' [[TheNthDoctor Nth Doctor]] [[MythologyGag on it along with old London address]]).
to:
** A common variation in the new series: the Doctor and his friends flash psychic paper, which lets causes the reader to see any falsified documents imaginable, around as credentials. It doesn't always work as intended though, intended, though; those that are too smart for it will wonder why they've been handed a blank piece of paper, and if the user lets their mind wonder wander, it might instead read something else entirely. Jack's introduction had him hand Rose a sheet of psychic paper reading "I'm single and I workout" work out" instead of his military credentials.
** A more traditional usage in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E6TheVampiresOfVenice The Vampires of Venice]]. The Eleventh Doctor goes to show his psychic paper credentials. Instead he pulls out his library card (which is so out of date that it has a picture of''first'' [[TheNthDoctor Nth Doctor]] the ''[[TheNthDoctor first]]'' Doctor on it, [[MythologyGag on it along with his old London address]]).
** A more traditional usage in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E6TheVampiresOfVenice The Vampires of Venice]]. The Eleventh Doctor goes to show his psychic paper credentials. Instead he pulls out his library card (which is so out of date that it has a picture of
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[[AC: Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/Psychonauts2'': Hollis' ID card lists her as the Lesser Head of the Psychonauts, but she crossed out "Lesser" and wrote [[InsistentTerminology "Second!"]] in its place. Exclamation mark included.
* ''VideoGame/Psychonauts2'': Hollis' ID card lists her as the Lesser Head of the Psychonauts, but she crossed out "Lesser" and wrote [[InsistentTerminology "Second!"]] in its place. Exclamation mark included.
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* ''VideoGame/Psychonauts2'': [[TheNapoleon Coach Oleander]]'s height is erroneously listed as 6'2 on his Psychonauts ID card.
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* In ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'', an impersonator once used a cardboard badge in an attempt to pretend to be a lawyer.
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* In ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'', an impersonator once used a cardboard badge in an attempt to pretend to be a lawyer.
pass as Phoenix. This actually works, despite the fact that when we finally meet the impersonator he is literally orange and has the [[BrooklynRage heaviest Brooklyn accent]] you've ever heard.
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* In the Red Rock Cider adds, Creator/LeslieNeilson discovers the cider being served is not the genuine (advertised) article, whips out a badge and shouts "Fraud Squad!". The badge actually reads Fried Squid.
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* In the Red Rock Cider adds, Creator/LeslieNeilson Creator/LeslieNielsen discovers the cider being served is not the genuine (advertised) article, whips out a badge and shouts "Fraud Squad!". The badge actually reads Fried Squid.
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* In the Red Rock Cider adds, Creator/LeslieNeilson discovers the cider being served is not the genuine (advertised) article, whips out a badge and shouts "Fraud Squad!". The badge actually reads Fried Squid.
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* ''Series/TheXFiles''. In "Pusher", the VillainOfTheWeek has PsychicPowers that give him a CompellingVoice. We discover his powers work nonverbally as well when he strolls into FBI headquarters wearing a piece of paper pinned to his chest with BADGE written on it.
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[[AC: ComicBook]]
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[[AC: ComicBook]]ComicBooks]]
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[[AC: {{Advertising}}]]
* In the 1990s, a series of TV advertisements parodied ''Series/InspectorMorse'', with Mel Smith playing the Inspector. In the accompanying print adverts, he was flashing an ID badge (with the name "E [[ParodyNames Morose]]") upside down.
* In the 1990s, a series of TV advertisements parodied ''Series/InspectorMorse'', with Mel Smith playing the Inspector. In the accompanying print adverts, he was flashing an ID badge (with the name "E [[ParodyNames Morose]]") upside down.
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[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* When [[Series/TheXFiles Mulder & Scully]] guest starred on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' Mulder flashes his FBI ID which has a photo of him in a thong bikini.
* When [[Series/TheXFiles Mulder & Scully]] guest starred on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' Mulder flashes his FBI ID which has a photo of him in a thong bikini.
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* In the ''Turnabout Storm'' [[RecursiveFanfiction fan sequel]] ''WebAnimation/ElementsOfJustice'', Phoenix is provided the exact same badge.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* When [[Series/TheXFiles Mulder & Scully]] guest starred on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' Mulder flashes his FBI ID which has a photo of him in a thong bikini.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* When [[Series/TheXFiles Mulder & Scully]] guest starred on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' Mulder flashes his FBI ID which has a photo of him in a thong bikini.
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[[AC:NewspaperComics]]
* On two separate occasions, Dogbert of ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}'' has pulled this.
** One was bluffing an incompetent security guard to the tune of, "Look fast!! There it is!! Not a pack of matches!!"
** The second was Dogbert seeing if he could "get away with crimes" by doing them with his ears up, making him look cuter, going out in a car, being pulled over for passing an ambulance on the right, and, we're told:
-->'''Policeman:''' And your license is a blank piece of cardboard. I have to give you a verbal warning.\\
'''Dogbert:''' I'll cry if you do.
* On two separate occasions, Dogbert of ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}'' has pulled this.
** One was bluffing an incompetent security guard to the tune of, "Look fast!! There it is!! Not a pack of matches!!"
** The second was Dogbert seeing if he could "get away with crimes" by doing them with his ears up, making him look cuter, going out in a car, being pulled over for passing an ambulance on the right, and, we're told:
-->'''Policeman:''' And your license is a blank piece of cardboard. I have to give you a verbal warning.\\
'''Dogbert:''' I'll cry if you do.
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* ''Series/GetSmart''. Secret agent Maxwell Smart shows his CONTROL badge to a woman he wants to interview.
-->'''Woman:''' That doesn't look like you!
-->'''Max:''' That's because it's my thumbprint! ''(RevealShot of badge displaying a thumbprint instead of a picture)''
-->'''Woman:''' That doesn't look like you!
-->'''Max:''' That's because it's my thumbprint! ''(RevealShot of badge displaying a thumbprint instead of a picture)''
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* An Creator/AgathaChristie short story has the hero accosted by a detective who flashes his badge while investigating a stolen diamond. As he later tells the diamond's rightful owner, he knew the detective was fake as he recognized the badge from his cycling club.
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[[AC: {{Literature}}]]
* An Creator/AgathaChristie short story has the hero accosted by a detective who flashes his badge while investigating a stolen diamond. As he later tells the diamond's rightful owner, he knew the detective was fake as he recognized the badge from his cycling club.
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* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Undergrads}}'', Rocko gets into a bar [[MinorWithFakeID using a fake ID]] that is just a photo of him stapled to a piece of cars with "I am 21 so drinking is yes" written on it.
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* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Undergrads}}'', Rocko gets into a bar [[MinorWithFakeID using a fake ID]] that is just a photo of him stapled to a piece of cars card with "I am 21 so drinking is yes" written on it.
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* When Ron is stopped by police for attempting to slaughter a pig in a public park in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', he claims to have a permit. The permit he produces is actually a piece of paper with the typed words "I can do what I want -- Ron."[[note]]Even though Ron is head of the Parks Department and therefore does has considerable say over permissible uses of the parks, there are almost certainly other regulations involved (those of the Health Department, for example) that the Parks Department can't just casually overrule.[[/note]]
to:
* When Ron is stopped by police for attempting to slaughter a pig in a public park in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', he claims to have a permit. The permit he produces is actually a piece of paper with the typed words "I can do what I want -- Ron."[[note]]Even though Ron is head of the Parks Department and therefore does has considerable say over permissible uses of the parks, there are almost certainly are, as explained by the officer, other regulations involved (those of the Health Department, for example) that the Parks Department can't just casually overrule.[[/note]]
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[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Undergrads}}'', Rocko gets into a bar [[MinorWithFakeID using a fake ID]] that is just a photo of him stapled to a piece of cars with "I am 21 so drinking is yes" written on it.
* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Undergrads}}'', Rocko gets into a bar [[MinorWithFakeID using a fake ID]] that is just a photo of him stapled to a piece of cars with "I am 21 so drinking is yes" written on it.
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[[folder: Displaying the wrong item entirely]]
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[[folder: Displaying the wrong item entirely]]by accident]]
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* ''Series/DoctorWho'': The Doctor and companions frequently use psychic paper to fake whatever documents they need, but it doesn't always work as intended. Such as when [[LovableSexManiac Jack Harkness]] accidentally showed Rose papers that said he was single and worked out.
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There are many circumstances where a character may need to present a badge or other official credentials. They may be entering a secure premises, performing a FlashedBadgeHijack, or presenting a permit that authorizes them to perform a restricted activity. But if the character is the TheKlutz, an UnfortunateItemSwap in the heat of the moment will leave them mistakenly flashing a similar, but irrelevant, object they might also be carrying in their wallet or on their person-- such as a gym membership card or personal photo.
to:
There are many circumstances where a character may need to present a badge or other official credentials. They may be entering a secure secured premises, performing a FlashedBadgeHijack, or presenting a permit that authorizes them to perform a restricted activity. But if the character is the TheKlutz, an UnfortunateItemSwap in the heat of the moment will leave them mistakenly flashing a similar, but irrelevant, object they might also be carrying in their wallet or on their person-- such as a gym membership card or personal photo.
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link repair
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* In ''Disney/MeetTheRobinsons'', Wilbur attempts a badge flash, but Lewis takes his "badge" and reveals that it's a coupon for a tanning salon.
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* In ''Disney/MeetTheRobinsons'', ''WesternAnimation/MeetTheRobinsons'', Wilbur attempts a badge flash, but Lewis takes his "badge" and reveals that it's a coupon for a tanning salon.
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* When Colt and Luger display their badges at the [[ScoutOut Wilderness Girls]] cookie factory in ''Film/NationalLampoonsLoadedWeapon1'', Colt's badge is sent flying and pins a hapless bystander to the wall.
to:
* When Colt and Luger display their badges at the [[ScoutOut Wilderness Girls]] cookie factory in ''Film/NationalLampoonsLoadedWeapon1'', ''Film/LoadedWeapon1'', Colt's badge is sent flying and pins a hapless bystander to the wall.
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* When Ron is stopped by police for attempting to slaughter a pig in a public park in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', he claims to have a permit. The permit he produces is actually a piece of paper with the typed words "I can do what I want -- Ron."
to:
* When Ron is stopped by police for attempting to slaughter a pig in a public park in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', he claims to have a permit. The permit he produces is actually a piece of paper with the typed words "I can do what I want -- Ron.""[[note]]Even though Ron is head of the Parks Department and therefore does has considerable say over permissible uses of the parks, there are almost certainly other regulations involved (those of the Health Department, for example) that the Parks Department can't just casually overrule.[[/note]]
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* When Frank Drebin flashes his badge in ''Film/TheNakedGun'', about twenty credit cards drop out of the wallet he keeps it in.
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* In ''Discworld/{{Maskerade}}'', where [[spoiler:Andre]] tries to show Granny Weatherwax his watch badge, he winds up dramatically pulling out his Musicians' Guild card instead.
to:
* In ''Discworld/{{Maskerade}}'', ''Literature/{{Maskerade}}'', where [[spoiler:Andre]] tries to show Granny Weatherwax his watch badge, badge to confirm that he's an undercover officer, he winds up dramatically pulling out his Musicians' Guild card instead.
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* ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'' is all about detecting visitors with falsified documents. But most egregious is Jorgi Costavas repeated attempts to finesse his way through the checkpoint, on one occasion presenting a passport that is crudely drawn with crayon.
to:
* ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'' is all about detecting visitors with falsified documents. But most egregious is Jorgi Costavas Costava's repeated attempts to finesse his way through the checkpoint, on one occasion presenting a passport from "Cobrastan" (a country that doesn't exist, even in-universe) that is crudely drawn with crayon.crayon.
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* ''Disney/{{Zootopia}}'': As the [=ZPD=] are arresting Mayor Lionheart and rescuing the missing mammals from the Cliffside Sanitarium, Nick Wilde is seen wearing aviator glasses and sipping a beverage. He thumbs his "badge" for the officers, despite it being a mere gold sticker on his shirt. This bluff fools no one, but since Nick isn't a suspect, there's no reason to detain him.
to:
* ''Disney/{{Zootopia}}'': ''WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}}'': As the [=ZPD=] are arresting Mayor Lionheart and rescuing the missing mammals from the Cliffside Sanitarium, Nick Wilde is seen wearing aviator glasses and sipping a beverage. He thumbs his "badge" for the officers, despite it being a mere gold sticker on his shirt. This bluff fools no one, but since Nick isn't a suspect, there's no reason to detain him.
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-->'''Bryan:''' [Brandishing wallet as official badge] Federal Police.
to:
-->'''Bryan:''' [Brandishing wallet as official badge] Federal Police.\\
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[[quoteright:350:[[Series/ParksAndRecreation https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ihaveapermit.png]]]]
There are many circumstances where a character may need to present a badge or other official credentials. They may be entering a secure premises, performing a FlashedBadgeHijack, or presenting a permit that authorizes them to perform a restricted activity. But if the character is the TheKlutz, an UnfortunateItemSwap in the heat of the moment will leave them mistakenly flashing a similar, but irrelevant, object they might also be carrying in their wallet or on their person-- such as a gym membership card or personal photo.
If the character doesn't actually ''have'' the necessary ID, they will present a very crude fake document of laughable quality. For example, an ID drawn in crayon, or a plastic police badge from the toy store.
Even if the document isn't blatantly fake, the character is likely to anti-climatically hold it upside down. Other variations include making a funny face in the ID photo, or the card text containing humorous or non-sensical details (usually a FreezeFrameBonus).
While the token of identification can consist of plastic ID cards, metal badges or shields, or paper-based certificates, the physical medium is not relevant to this trope. This trope applies to how the item appears, or how it is presented.
If the inadequate credentials actually pass muster and the bearer is granted entry, then TheGuardsMustBeCrazy.
If the person presents cash as a means of getting their way, see ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney.
----
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder: Displaying the wrong item entirely]]
[[AC: {{Literature}}]]
* In ''Discworld/{{Maskerade}}'', where [[spoiler:Andre]] tries to show Granny Weatherwax his watch badge, he winds up dramatically pulling out his Musicians' Guild card instead.
* An Creator/AgathaChristie short story has the hero accosted by a detective who flashes his badge while investigating a stolen diamond. As he later tells the diamond's rightful owner, he knew the detective was fake as he recognized the badge from his cycling club.
[[AC: ComicBook]]
* One ComicBook/DonaldDuck comic has a "doctor" get Donald out of a difficult situation with Daisy by flashing his card. As Daisy points out in the very same panel he shows it, it's a subway ticket, but by then the man is already gone, taking Donald with him.
[[AC: LiveActionTV]]
* ''Series/DoctorWho''
** A common variation in the new series: the Doctor and his friends flash psychic paper, which lets the reader see any falsified documents imaginable, around as credentials. It doesn't always work as intended though, those that are too smart for it will wonder why they've been handed a blank piece of paper, and if the user lets their mind wonder it might instead read something else entirely. Jack's introduction had him hand Rose a sheet of psychic paper reading "I'm single and I workout" instead of his military credentials.
** A more traditional usage in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E6TheVampiresOfVenice The Vampires of Venice]]. The Eleventh Doctor goes to show his psychic paper credentials. Instead he pulls out his library card (which is so out of date it has a picture of ''first'' [[TheNthDoctor Nth Doctor]] [[MythologyGag on it along with old London address]]).
[[AC: {{Magazines}}]]
* In Reader's Digest's "Humor In Uniform" section, a group of officers had a discussion about how the guards were on duty for long periods of time and usually didn't pay attention to security passes when presented. The officers decided to have a challenge to see who could get past security with the weakest form of identification. The winner got in with a piece of toast.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* In ''Disney/MeetTheRobinsons'', Wilbur attempts a badge flash, but Lewis takes his "badge" and reveals that it's a coupon for a tanning salon.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Holding the badge upside down]]
[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* When Lucy first meets Gru and asks him to come with her in ''WesternAnimation/DespicableMe2'', she shows her Anti-Villain Group ID badge upside down. She corrects it immediately upon noticing.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants'' episode "Scavenger Pants," [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick show their [[ItMakesSenseInContext adoption certificates]] to Squidward; Patrick is holding his upside down.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Displaying badge with funny photo or text]]
[[AC: {{Advertising}}]]
*One Microsoft ad has Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfield shopping for shoes together. When Bill presents his shoe store membership card, the photo on it is his RealLife mugshot from 1977 after being arrested for a traffic violation.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* When [[Series/TheXFiles Mulder & Scully]] guest starred on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' Mulder flashes his FBI ID which has a photo of him in a thong bikini.
[[AC: WebAnimation]]
* In ''WebAnimation/TurnaboutStorm'', Phoenix is given a special attorney's badge that is the pinkest, most girly thing possible. And yes, that's the official attorney badge in Equestria.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Displaying obviously fake badge]]
[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* In ''Film/TheBluesBrothers'' when Jake fakes flashing a badge, it's actually an empty, flattened pack of cigarettes.
* Downplayed in ''Film/JingleAllTheWay''. Howard goes to a warehouse to get a Turbo Man action figure for his son for Christmas, but gets into a fight with an army of [[MallSanta Mall Santas]] when he realizes he was sold an imitation product. When the police arrive to arrest the Mall Santas, Howard picks up a toy badge and impersonates an undercover cop to avoid arrest. This manages to fool the police.
* ''Disney/{{Zootopia}}'': As the [=ZPD=] are arresting Mayor Lionheart and rescuing the missing mammals from the Cliffside Sanitarium, Nick Wilde is seen wearing aviator glasses and sipping a beverage. He thumbs his "badge" for the officers, despite it being a mere gold sticker on his shirt. This bluff fools no one, but since Nick isn't a suspect, there's no reason to detain him.
* In the spoof film, ''Film/TheSilenceOfTheHams'', agent Joe Dee Fostar flashes a waffle to the prison security.
* ''WesternAnimation/RockAndRule'' has Omar, Dizzy and Stretch abscond Sheriff Quadhole's vehicle to drive to Nuke York City. When they arrive, the whole place is in lockdown during a black-out, and police have posted checkpoints at major arteries. Omar attempts to bluff their way in, posing as the Ohmtown sheriff bringing two scientists to alleviate the problem. Omar's credentials get examined by the LanternJawOfJustice officer, who quickly recognizes a tuna fishing license in his hand and arrests all three imposters on the spot.
[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* In one episode of ''Series/BurnNotice'', Sam Axe stalls for time by putting together a fake badge using a wallet and a cut up beer can. Pointedly {{Justified}} in that he says it only has to look good enough to keep the bad-guys at a distance of some 50-100 feet.
* When Ron is stopped by police for attempting to slaughter a pig in a public park in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', he claims to have a permit. The permit he produces is actually a piece of paper with the typed words "I can do what I want -- Ron."
* ''Series/TheGames'': In "Dead Man", Bryan explains to Jasmine how you can get past security just by being in a hurry, flashing any kind of ID, and brusquely stating the name of an agency, which they then put into practice as they barge through a secure area of the airport:
-->'''Bryan:''' [Brandishing wallet as official badge] Federal Police.
'''Jasmine:''' [Brandishing wallet as official badge] Mittagong Regional Library.
[[AC:VideoGames]]
* ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'' is all about detecting visitors with falsified documents. But most egregious is Jorgi Costavas repeated attempts to finesse his way through the checkpoint, on one occasion presenting a passport that is crudely drawn with crayon.
[[AC:VisualNovel]]
* In ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'', an impersonator once used a cardboard badge in an attempt to pretend to be a lawyer.
[[AC:WebOriginal]]
* In the ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brp-qzD07F4 crossover video]] ''Ponies Please'', Pinky Pie follows Jorji's example with a ridiculously bad forgery.
--> '''Gatekeeper:''' What is your name?
-->'''Pinky Pie:''' Pinky Pie!
-->'''Gatekeeper:''' That's not what's on your passport.
-->'''Pinky Pie:''' Oh, my passport isn't very good at spelling.
*In ''Webcomic/{{Freefall}}'' the arctic base commander shows Florence his badge over videochat. Unfortunately, the line he was using [[http://freefall.purrsia.com/ff2600/fc02548.htm belongs to Dr. Bowman]], a supergenius who doesn't like him very much.
-->'''Florence:''' I'm sorry, but being a [[{{Fartillery}} superior methane producer in the Natural Gas Rocket Rangers]] does not give you [[ThatsAnOrder direct order]] authority over me.
-->'''Commander:''' You're seeing what? Man, I hate redaction software!
[[AC: RealLife]]
* An audacious escape across the Berlin Wall was carried out by a car-load of East Germans, who rolled up in a (stolen) black car, and showed what looked like diplomatic passes to the guards. They were waved through to the American side. The "diplomatic credentials" they showed were in fact membership badges to the Playboy Club in West Berlin - which were designed to look like official credentials.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Multiple categories apply or other]]
[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* In ''Film/RushHour'', Jackie Chan's character shows up halfway through a scene to cause a distraction, by flashing the American cop's badge. The American cop is ''black'', and his picture has a big ol' afro. Then Chan drops the badge.
-->'''Chan:''' This won't work. I'm not 6'1".
** In the second film, a female Secret Service agent shows her (valid) badge which is attached to her bra strap) by basically flashing the 2 main characters. Carter tells her to "show me your badge again".
* A case of JurisdictionFriction in ''Film/MuppetsMostWanted'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFssDzmhWMk two characters pulling out increasingly larger badges]], each bigger than the other's.
* This is PlayedStraight in ''Film/OnceUponATimeInMexico''. A former FBI agent goes on a mission of revenge against the druglord who killed his partner but the problem is, his badge has been invalidated due to his retirement. He paints over the invalidation stamp and practices flashing it in the mirror in such a way that people can recognize he's FBI without taking a closer look. [[spoiler: The bad guys do catch on eventually, however.]]
* When Colt and Luger display their badges at the [[ScoutOut Wilderness Girls]] cookie factory in ''Film/NationalLampoonsLoadedWeapon1'', Colt's badge is sent flying and pins a hapless bystander to the wall.
[[AC: LiveActionTV]]
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}''
** The main characters pretend to be the FBI or police very often. Sometimes it happens that someone holds their badge upside down, or the picture shows somebody else.
** PlayedForLaughs in an episode where [[LiveActionRolePlay live action role players]] point out every flaw in their fake badges but just assume that the Winchesters are also role playing.
[[/folder]]
There are many circumstances where a character may need to present a badge or other official credentials. They may be entering a secure premises, performing a FlashedBadgeHijack, or presenting a permit that authorizes them to perform a restricted activity. But if the character is the TheKlutz, an UnfortunateItemSwap in the heat of the moment will leave them mistakenly flashing a similar, but irrelevant, object they might also be carrying in their wallet or on their person-- such as a gym membership card or personal photo.
If the character doesn't actually ''have'' the necessary ID, they will present a very crude fake document of laughable quality. For example, an ID drawn in crayon, or a plastic police badge from the toy store.
Even if the document isn't blatantly fake, the character is likely to anti-climatically hold it upside down. Other variations include making a funny face in the ID photo, or the card text containing humorous or non-sensical details (usually a FreezeFrameBonus).
While the token of identification can consist of plastic ID cards, metal badges or shields, or paper-based certificates, the physical medium is not relevant to this trope. This trope applies to how the item appears, or how it is presented.
If the inadequate credentials actually pass muster and the bearer is granted entry, then TheGuardsMustBeCrazy.
If the person presents cash as a means of getting their way, see ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney.
----
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder: Displaying the wrong item entirely]]
[[AC: {{Literature}}]]
* In ''Discworld/{{Maskerade}}'', where [[spoiler:Andre]] tries to show Granny Weatherwax his watch badge, he winds up dramatically pulling out his Musicians' Guild card instead.
* An Creator/AgathaChristie short story has the hero accosted by a detective who flashes his badge while investigating a stolen diamond. As he later tells the diamond's rightful owner, he knew the detective was fake as he recognized the badge from his cycling club.
[[AC: ComicBook]]
* One ComicBook/DonaldDuck comic has a "doctor" get Donald out of a difficult situation with Daisy by flashing his card. As Daisy points out in the very same panel he shows it, it's a subway ticket, but by then the man is already gone, taking Donald with him.
[[AC: LiveActionTV]]
* ''Series/DoctorWho''
** A common variation in the new series: the Doctor and his friends flash psychic paper, which lets the reader see any falsified documents imaginable, around as credentials. It doesn't always work as intended though, those that are too smart for it will wonder why they've been handed a blank piece of paper, and if the user lets their mind wonder it might instead read something else entirely. Jack's introduction had him hand Rose a sheet of psychic paper reading "I'm single and I workout" instead of his military credentials.
** A more traditional usage in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E6TheVampiresOfVenice The Vampires of Venice]]. The Eleventh Doctor goes to show his psychic paper credentials. Instead he pulls out his library card (which is so out of date it has a picture of ''first'' [[TheNthDoctor Nth Doctor]] [[MythologyGag on it along with old London address]]).
[[AC: {{Magazines}}]]
* In Reader's Digest's "Humor In Uniform" section, a group of officers had a discussion about how the guards were on duty for long periods of time and usually didn't pay attention to security passes when presented. The officers decided to have a challenge to see who could get past security with the weakest form of identification. The winner got in with a piece of toast.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* In ''Disney/MeetTheRobinsons'', Wilbur attempts a badge flash, but Lewis takes his "badge" and reveals that it's a coupon for a tanning salon.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Holding the badge upside down]]
[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* When Lucy first meets Gru and asks him to come with her in ''WesternAnimation/DespicableMe2'', she shows her Anti-Villain Group ID badge upside down. She corrects it immediately upon noticing.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants'' episode "Scavenger Pants," [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick show their [[ItMakesSenseInContext adoption certificates]] to Squidward; Patrick is holding his upside down.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Displaying badge with funny photo or text]]
[[AC: {{Advertising}}]]
*One Microsoft ad has Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfield shopping for shoes together. When Bill presents his shoe store membership card, the photo on it is his RealLife mugshot from 1977 after being arrested for a traffic violation.
[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* When [[Series/TheXFiles Mulder & Scully]] guest starred on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' Mulder flashes his FBI ID which has a photo of him in a thong bikini.
[[AC: WebAnimation]]
* In ''WebAnimation/TurnaboutStorm'', Phoenix is given a special attorney's badge that is the pinkest, most girly thing possible. And yes, that's the official attorney badge in Equestria.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Displaying obviously fake badge]]
[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* In ''Film/TheBluesBrothers'' when Jake fakes flashing a badge, it's actually an empty, flattened pack of cigarettes.
* Downplayed in ''Film/JingleAllTheWay''. Howard goes to a warehouse to get a Turbo Man action figure for his son for Christmas, but gets into a fight with an army of [[MallSanta Mall Santas]] when he realizes he was sold an imitation product. When the police arrive to arrest the Mall Santas, Howard picks up a toy badge and impersonates an undercover cop to avoid arrest. This manages to fool the police.
* ''Disney/{{Zootopia}}'': As the [=ZPD=] are arresting Mayor Lionheart and rescuing the missing mammals from the Cliffside Sanitarium, Nick Wilde is seen wearing aviator glasses and sipping a beverage. He thumbs his "badge" for the officers, despite it being a mere gold sticker on his shirt. This bluff fools no one, but since Nick isn't a suspect, there's no reason to detain him.
* In the spoof film, ''Film/TheSilenceOfTheHams'', agent Joe Dee Fostar flashes a waffle to the prison security.
* ''WesternAnimation/RockAndRule'' has Omar, Dizzy and Stretch abscond Sheriff Quadhole's vehicle to drive to Nuke York City. When they arrive, the whole place is in lockdown during a black-out, and police have posted checkpoints at major arteries. Omar attempts to bluff their way in, posing as the Ohmtown sheriff bringing two scientists to alleviate the problem. Omar's credentials get examined by the LanternJawOfJustice officer, who quickly recognizes a tuna fishing license in his hand and arrests all three imposters on the spot.
[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* In one episode of ''Series/BurnNotice'', Sam Axe stalls for time by putting together a fake badge using a wallet and a cut up beer can. Pointedly {{Justified}} in that he says it only has to look good enough to keep the bad-guys at a distance of some 50-100 feet.
* When Ron is stopped by police for attempting to slaughter a pig in a public park in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', he claims to have a permit. The permit he produces is actually a piece of paper with the typed words "I can do what I want -- Ron."
* ''Series/TheGames'': In "Dead Man", Bryan explains to Jasmine how you can get past security just by being in a hurry, flashing any kind of ID, and brusquely stating the name of an agency, which they then put into practice as they barge through a secure area of the airport:
-->'''Bryan:''' [Brandishing wallet as official badge] Federal Police.
'''Jasmine:''' [Brandishing wallet as official badge] Mittagong Regional Library.
[[AC:VideoGames]]
* ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'' is all about detecting visitors with falsified documents. But most egregious is Jorgi Costavas repeated attempts to finesse his way through the checkpoint, on one occasion presenting a passport that is crudely drawn with crayon.
[[AC:VisualNovel]]
* In ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'', an impersonator once used a cardboard badge in an attempt to pretend to be a lawyer.
[[AC:WebOriginal]]
* In the ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brp-qzD07F4 crossover video]] ''Ponies Please'', Pinky Pie follows Jorji's example with a ridiculously bad forgery.
--> '''Gatekeeper:''' What is your name?
-->'''Pinky Pie:''' Pinky Pie!
-->'''Gatekeeper:''' That's not what's on your passport.
-->'''Pinky Pie:''' Oh, my passport isn't very good at spelling.
*In ''Webcomic/{{Freefall}}'' the arctic base commander shows Florence his badge over videochat. Unfortunately, the line he was using [[http://freefall.purrsia.com/ff2600/fc02548.htm belongs to Dr. Bowman]], a supergenius who doesn't like him very much.
-->'''Florence:''' I'm sorry, but being a [[{{Fartillery}} superior methane producer in the Natural Gas Rocket Rangers]] does not give you [[ThatsAnOrder direct order]] authority over me.
-->'''Commander:''' You're seeing what? Man, I hate redaction software!
[[AC: RealLife]]
* An audacious escape across the Berlin Wall was carried out by a car-load of East Germans, who rolled up in a (stolen) black car, and showed what looked like diplomatic passes to the guards. They were waved through to the American side. The "diplomatic credentials" they showed were in fact membership badges to the Playboy Club in West Berlin - which were designed to look like official credentials.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Multiple categories apply or other]]
[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* In ''Film/RushHour'', Jackie Chan's character shows up halfway through a scene to cause a distraction, by flashing the American cop's badge. The American cop is ''black'', and his picture has a big ol' afro. Then Chan drops the badge.
-->'''Chan:''' This won't work. I'm not 6'1".
** In the second film, a female Secret Service agent shows her (valid) badge which is attached to her bra strap) by basically flashing the 2 main characters. Carter tells her to "show me your badge again".
* A case of JurisdictionFriction in ''Film/MuppetsMostWanted'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFssDzmhWMk two characters pulling out increasingly larger badges]], each bigger than the other's.
* This is PlayedStraight in ''Film/OnceUponATimeInMexico''. A former FBI agent goes on a mission of revenge against the druglord who killed his partner but the problem is, his badge has been invalidated due to his retirement. He paints over the invalidation stamp and practices flashing it in the mirror in such a way that people can recognize he's FBI without taking a closer look. [[spoiler: The bad guys do catch on eventually, however.]]
* When Colt and Luger display their badges at the [[ScoutOut Wilderness Girls]] cookie factory in ''Film/NationalLampoonsLoadedWeapon1'', Colt's badge is sent flying and pins a hapless bystander to the wall.
[[AC: LiveActionTV]]
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}''
** The main characters pretend to be the FBI or police very often. Sometimes it happens that someone holds their badge upside down, or the picture shows somebody else.
** PlayedForLaughs in an episode where [[LiveActionRolePlay live action role players]] point out every flaw in their fake badges but just assume that the Winchesters are also role playing.
[[/folder]]
