Mainland police have launched an investigation into free software, which enables the user to create convincing looking digital ID cards, that is widely available for download from mainland-based websites, state media report.
The software, which appears to have enormous potential for identity fraud, can be found on tens of thousands of internet pages and discussion forums - though some appear to have started deleting links in response to the investigation.
Internet searches in Chinese for 'ID card photocopy generator' on Baidu.com, the mainland's most popular search engine, resulted in more than 41,000 hits on Monday, and Google tracked down over three times as many pages.
Similar searches yesterday produced just 8,200 hits on Baidu, but over 320,000 through Google's Hong Kong-based engine - suggesting mainland internet censors have started clamping down.
The freeware consists of a simple interface that allows the user to input any photograph and personal details onto both the front and reverse of a blank mainland ID card. The resulting image looks almost identical to the digital scan of a genuine ID card.
The program has become a hot topic on internet forums, and has been used by internet users to produce mock ID cards for a variety of celebrities - including US President Barack Obama. However, the device can also clearly be used for considerably more nefarious ends, turning a few moments' effort into potential identity theft.