Credit-card companies use the software to spot recidivists applying for new cards under modified names. (Names are cross-referenced with addresses, dates of birth and other data.) Developers and users are hesitant to discuss costs.

ECONOMIST: Computing: What's in a name? | The

The company uses a series of algorithms to cross check personal data such as name, date of birth and voter registered address against publicly held data such as the birth registry, voter lists and passport details.

BBC: Tackling under-age online sales

America's weak economy, and the falling birth rate in Mexico further reduce the incentives to cross.

ECONOMIST: The Republicans are fretting about a disappearing problem