Fake documents are becoming increasingly common, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, from obtaining employment to committing fraud. For individuals and businesses alike, it’s essential to be able to spot a fake document. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the key things to look out for when determining whether a document is genuine or not.
Types of Fake Documents:
Fraudulent individuals and extremist groups frequently utilize both authentic and counterfeit identification and travel papers to execute their unlawful actions. Bogus documents can be classified into three categories: counterfeits, which are an unauthorized duplication of an authentic document; forgeries, which are modified genuine documents; and pseudo documents, which are documents that are not officially recognized. In contrast, genuine documents can be fraudulently acquired, or an imposter can misuse authentic documents. or they can be categorized as followed:
- Fake identification documents
- Fake academic certificates
- Fake financial documents
- Fake immigration documents
- Fake legal documents
Common Signs of Forgery:
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Slow and Methodical Strokes
- Forgery often involves copying someone else’s handwriting or signature in a slow and careful way to get everything just right.
- Writing in this way creates very even strokes with little to no mistakes seen in the way they write.
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No Variation in Pen Pressure
- In genuine writing, there is often variation in pen pressure because the writer is writing quickly with little thought to it.
- When someone tries to copy writing or a signature, they will form the characters more carefully, creating even lines with no variation in pen pressure.
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Unnatural Tremor
- An unnatural tremor can be an indicator of document forgery.
- Tremors can happen because someone was nervous when they were writing.
- When comparing original handwriting to forged handwriting, you can spot a difference when there is an unnatural tremor caused by stress, fear, a medical condition, or other factors.
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Substituted Pages
- Substituted pages are forgeries found in multi-page documents.
- A forger may take a page out and try to change text or signatures on the page and then replace the whole page in the document.
- Substituted pages can be revealed by looking at certain characteristics of the pages throughout the document, such as paper thickness and the type of paper used.
Tips to Detect Forgery:
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Familiarize Yourself with the Document
- Examine the document to determine if it is familiar or not.
- Check for inconsistencies, such as incorrect dates or signatures that look different from other documents.
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Compare Handwriting or Signatures
- Compare the handwriting or signature in the document with other known handwriting or signatures.
- Look for differences in size, shape, slant, pressure, and spacing.
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Use Technology
- Use a magnifying glass or a microscope to examine the document.
- Consider using forensic technology, such as ultraviolet light or infrared imaging, to detect alterations or hidden markings.
- Contact the issuing organization
- Check for watermarks, holograms, or other security features
What to Do if You Suspect a Document Is Fake
- Report the document to the appropriate authorities
- Preserve the document as evidence
- Do not use or accept the document
Conclusion:
Being able to spot a fake document is an important skill for both individuals and businesses. By knowing what to look for and how to verify the authenticity of a document, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure that your documents are legitimate. Remember, if you ever suspect that a document is fake, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities and not use or accept the document.
References:
- “Fake Documents: A Growing Problem” by John V. Parachini and Samuel C. Berger. RAND Corporation, 2005.
- “How to Spot a Fake Document” by Frank Abagnale. AARP, 2021.
- “Document Fraud: A Guide for Document Examiners” by Michael N. Tennant. CRC Press, 2014.
- “https://www.westernforensicdocumentexaminer.com/document-forgery/“