FORGERY

Forgery, as described under criminology, is the act of filling in the blanks of a document as your own since it already has a valid signature, or the process of materially altering an existing document.

Forgery is viewed as a felony which is punished through fine or imprisonment, and sometimes both. It may occur through several methods such as via handwriting, typewriting, engraving or even printing. Forgery must be claimed through an effective proof that someone attempted to pass on a document that is fake intentionally.

This paper attempts to understand the various items that can be forged, as well as the methods which are commonly used, and how a forensic document examiner can identify forgery.

Both the signature and passport can be forged. According to statistics, millions of consumers are impacted every year as a result of identity theft. Although most of these tend to occur mainly in the virtual world, there are still some cases of signature forgery whereby criminals try to impersonate someone else.

In most cases, signature forgery occurs as an attempt to steal money, which will require signed checks or other important personal documents featuring signatures.

Passports, on the other hand, are also forged as many individuals who do not qualify to enter into a country end up stealing the documents of those who have already been accepted. Unfortunately, the market for forged passports is increasing. This tendency is observed since 2016.

This increase in demand for false passports can be attributed to several issues that are currently challenging the society. First, the European refugee crisis has led to many losing their documents which would have been used to move around in search of greener pastures. Second, the issue of terrorism and other criminal activities has also encouraged the growth of this market as individuals need false identities to conduct criminal behaviors without getting caught.

Human trafficking is also a contributor as the traffickers create fake passports for these individuals who are being sold to other parts of the world.

One of the important documents needed during a forgery of passport and signature is the Birth certificate. This is one of the most difficult forms of forgery ever experienced as there are many legal versions doing rounds today. Therefore, it is impossible to tell whether one is legitimate or not. The certification of report of birth is also a document that is frequently forged. The names of the child can be changed, or a signed notification can be obtained for a child who is non-existent. All that is required is the access to the blank documents. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad is also very easy to forge. This is a citizenship document offered to a child who is born abroad to the U.S citizens. These parents can easily choose a newborn baby, probably even kidnap one, and apply for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Diplomas and the corresponding diplomatic credentials are also among the most commonly forged documents. This is because of the competitive nature of the employment industry. Those people who never got to pursue higher education are looking for various ways to also appear as competitive as those who have valid degrees. This boosts their chance of getting employed in well-paying job positions.

Title documents are also forged to show that one owns something, or is a part of a group or anything related. For instance, a vehicle title may be forged for one that is stolen, and the criminal wants to make a quick sale. Documents that enable one to move from one country to the next are also quite popular for being forged. This is because people always seek an easier way out of gaining access to several resources that are cheaper in other countries. Also, there are those who feel like they need to gain an access to the better opportunities in developed countries such as the U.S. Examples of these documents are Visas, border crossing cards, Canadian travel, citizenships and immigration documents.

Lastly, documents representing an individual’s identity are also forged so one can assume an identity that is not his or hers. This is often because they are trying to hide something in their background. Examples of such documents are photo manipulation, identities, social security card and number, and also the Mexican ID cards.

An erasure can be either mechanical or chemical.

In a mechanical erasure such as with the traditional ‘’rubber’’ eraser, an abrasive movement is made upon the writing to be erased. In many cases of standard writing materials, abrasion of the paper can be seen either with a microscope or side light. As a general rule, the better the paper, the less visual sign of erasure, particularly when the action is done gently. (Microscopic examination can often show signs of fiber movement and traces of the erasing ‘’rubber’’).

In a chemical erasure, a solution is placed on the writing. This will not be effective if the ink is permanent. In any case, evidence of the use of a chemical erasing compound can frequently be found by viewing the document in UV (both long and short wave); metallic salts have the tendency to retain the erasing solution at a UV wavelength. Common substances to effect a chemical erasure are hypochlorites, dilute acids (hydrochloric, citric, oxalic), potassium permanganate, sodium hydrosulfite. In many cases these substances remove the ink dye or color agent, but they leave chemical reactions, if not the entire original writing, in the fibers; the object of an examination is to restore those reactions to visibility, i.e. to read the obliterated writing.

Alterations

On numerous occasions documents are altered during their preparation or after their completion with full knowledge of all parties concerned and without an attempt to perpetrate fraud. However, there are other instances in which an addition or other alteration is made with intent to cheat some party in an otherwise fair and legitimate transaction. When such an act has been committed, or is suspected, a document examiner may be consulted in the hopes that he can reveal evidence that will disclose the fraud. Since these calls for assistance are not infrequent, effective techniques have been devised through extensive research and experimentation not only to disclose evidence of the alterations or additions, but also to demonstrate what has been changed and was the original content.

How to Detect Forgery Fraud?

To detect forgery fraud, forensic experts may review handwritten samples of a potentially forged document such as a passport, driver’s license or birth certificate.

The height, curvature, length or visible inclination in a person’s manuscript can distinguish their identity.

So, the goal for a forensic document expert is to detect and distinguish a legitimate document from a fraudulent one, through using effective forensic skills, accounting, and fraud scrutiny.

The format refers to the margins, the position of the letters in the line, the spacing between lines and words, and the spacing between letters.

The shape of the letter includes appearance such as the size, the appearance of connecting lines between letters, the inclination or angle of the letter, the curvature of the letters and their shape.

The line shape must do with the darkness of lines and the faintness of the letters; is the result of pressure, speed and even the selection of the writing instrument.

The manuscript of each person exhibits natural distinctions. The following are the 12 major traits:

When examining a handwritten sample, the experts use the following three steps:

1. The document in question and the model, or standard document, are both examined and visible traits and notable differences are listed.

2. The obvious traits or attributes of the questioned document are carefully compared to the model.

3. The objective of the expert is to examine which traits are useful in judging the genuineness and authorship of the item in question.

When comparing the two items, experts should be able to effectively detect apparent discrepancies between the questioned document, example: a passport or birth certificate, and the standard document.

When conducting an examination, a forensic expert should keep the following in mind:

1. The suspect should not be allowed to look at the document being examined.

2. He / she should not be informed about spelling or punctuation.

3. The paper and writing utensil should be similar to those of the item in question.

The process to detect forgery or fraud in documents such as passports, birth certificates, immigration documents, vehicle documents and driver’s licenses involves the following three phases or stages:
1. Examination or determination of discriminatory element: The questioned document and the standard model or document must, by careful investigation and examination, be condensed to the object of distinction or discrimination of its characteristics.
2. A detailed comparison of the questioned item and the standard document: As discussed above, the differences or distinctive features of the two items should be listed.
3. Final evaluation: The similarities and distinctive features between the two documents will have a specific value for evaluation purposes.

When examining important documents such as birth certificates, vehicle documents, driver’s licenses, travel documents, military IDs and Social Security cards, which can be used as source documents, examiners or experts use the following three well-known systems:

FISH system: The Handwritten Forensic Information System (FISH), created and used for the first time by German law enforcement officials, enabled an interactive work with the forensic expert to facilitate retrieval of the most similar document from a large sample archive handwritten.
WANDA architecture: American and German experts came together to work on an improved handwritten forensic and signature recognition system known as the WANDA Work Platform. This forensic technology is an open software and a system architecture that has the following functions:
1. It has an open connectable feature to support computer-aided inspection and recognition processes to be developed by companies and research entities;
2. It allows future updates with new and more developed technologies; and
3. It allows the incorporation of computer-based systems and capabilities currently used in forensic laboratories.
CEDAR-FOX system: This particular system entails a series of tools and applications currently in use for interactive research of manuscripts and author confirmation, author recognition and tie of signatures.
1. The purpose of the identification procedure is to recognize the writer of a document in question given the storage of standard documents of numerous known writers.
2. The purpose of verification is to confirm whether a questioned item and a known item were produced by the same writer.

Ink Examination

A good and experienced document examiner knows how to inspect all the physical characteristics and elements of a questioned document, not just the suspicious signature and the manuscript.

When investigating a document or a signature, the examiner considers a series of components and aspects, which include the writing utensil used, watermarks, the age of the paper or the ink and the surface on which it is written. This concept or type of examination applies to all types of vital documents such as passports, birth certificates, travel documents and immigration documents. The visual appearance of inks is only one clue to their composition. Sometimes two inks can look identical to the naked eye but further tests may be able to distinguish between them. Where possible non-destructive tests are used.

Differentiating inks can be important in cases where a document is suspected of having been altered. A classic example is where a zero is added to a cheque making the value ten times as much. Additionally, entries which have been obliterated may be readable using these methods, for example by rendering the obliterating ink transparent under a particular light source. Care must be taken when inks are deemed to be indistinguishable using any testing method. The fact that two inks are indistinguishable does not prove that they both came from the same pen as a large number of pens are likely to hold indistinguishable ink either because they originate from the same manufacturer or because, by chance, they contain closely similar ink.

The ‘dating’ of inks is a hugely complex area and depends to a large extent on the conditions used to store the document that bears the ink. Many factors affect the apparent ageing of ink including: exposure to light, heat, humidity and thickness of ink line. For these reasons a direct dating of ink lines is seldom carried out by a laboratory. Nevertheless, other methods for providing relative dating of documents can be carried out. An example of this is the relative sequencing between two different ink strokes (i.e. was one stroke written before or after another). Examination of the intersection between the ink strokes or the intersection between an ink stroke and an indented impression may provide evidence as to the order in which they were written. One of the forensic systems that can be used by examiners to review questioned birth certificates, passports, SS cards, travel documents, among others, is the comparative analysis of ink. This type of analysis involves examination in a laboratory of chemicals or substances specific to certain types of components. By a process known as thin layer chromatography, an examiner can recognize the type of ball source pen used. This method involves the use of a visible ultraviolet photodiode which allows the rapid isolation of the coloring elements.

Chromatography

Chromatography TechniquesChromatography is a laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture. The mixture is dissolved in a fluid called the mobile phase, which carries it through a structure holding another material called the stationary phase. The various constituents of the mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to separate. The separation is based on differential partitioning between the mobile and stationary phases. Subtle differences in a compound’s partition coefficient result in differential retention on the stationary phase and thus affect the separation.

Chromatography may be preparative or analytical. The purpose of preparative chromatography is to separate the components of a mixture for later use, and is thus a form of purification. Analytical chromatography is done normally with smaller amounts of material and is for establishing the presence or measuring the relative proportions of analytes in a mixture. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Chromatography Techniques

Thin-layer Chromatography
Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is one of the simplest and oldest forms of chromatography that uses a solid stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase. It is employed to compare questioned inks against known ink standards found in writing instruments and to determine if the same inks were possibly used in preparation of two or more documents. While it lacks the sensitivity and resolving power of more sophisticated analytical separation techniques, it is beneficial because of its ease of use, low cost (minimal materials required) and portability.

Related skills which would benefit the user of this equipment include a theoretical understanding of the knowledge and principles of TLC and separation methods, a practical ability to use TLC equipment and associated operating procedures and extensive experience with preparative techniques.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Also known as high pressure liquid chromatography, HPLC is a separation technique used frequently to separate, identify and quantify compounds based on their idiosyncratic polarities and interactions with the column’s stationary phase. Common HPLC applications in document examination include the analysis of dyes in writing inks and inkjet inks.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS is a separation technique using a solid stationary phase (the so-called column) and a gas mobile phase. Preparation of the sample to be examined can be performed by extraction, thermal desorption or pyrolysis. Components of the samples (ink, paper, toner) are separated in the column. Different detectors are available to be coupled onto the system. One of the most efficient and commonly used detectors is the mass spectrometer (MS), allowing reliable identification and quantification of components. This equipment is used to examine photocopy toners and inkjet inks.

Infrared Comparison

Through infrared photography and infrared imaging, examiners can now determine the authenticity of immigration documents, military IDs, travel documents, driver’s licenses and other types of public instruments.

The science and techniques behind infrared technology are quite simple. We all know that the human eye can grasp the reflected section of the spectrum of light. However, there are things that even the human eye cannot perceive. These things or colors that are not perceptible to the eye are the ultraviolet and infrared portions.

In order to transform the ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths of the light spectrum into perceptible images, the examiners use forensic image spectrometers and video spectral comparators.

Infrared Techniques

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

When infrared radiation of the proper energy strikes a molecule, absorption will occur and chemical bonds within the molecule will start to vibrate. Each different bond within a molecule will have its own characteristic vibration frequency, and an arrangement of bonded atoms can undergo a number of different kinds of vibrations (e.g. symmetrical and asymmetrical stretching, scissoring, rocking, wagging and twisting). The energy source to provoke these vibrations is the irradiated infrared-beam. The absorption of characteristic wavelengths is measured. This is a powerful technique for the comparison and identification of toners.

Multi-spectral Imaging Techniques

Multi-spectral imaging techniques use a combination of a camera, specialized light sources and filters that cover the visible, ultraviolet and near-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ability to observe and capture document features non-destructively makes this system beneficial for document examinations. Oblique lighting may be used to detect indented impressions and mechanical erasures or distinguish printing processes.

Examination in near infrared (NIR) allows for differentiation of inks and, thus, for recognition of alterations (e.g. wet stamps, signatures, etc.) as well as chemical erasures. Security features can be analysed using transmitted, UV, visible, or infrared light both with and without magnification. Advanced security features such as holographic overlays, optical variable inks and security fibres embedded in the paper may be detected using magnification and a combination of specific light sources and filters.

Electrostatic Detection Systems

Electrostatic detection systems are used to visualize indented impressions on paper or other substrates. Indentations occur when a writing instrument, typewriter, or impact printer transfers impressions from the surface of the paper to the substrate below. Information contained in indented impressions can provide information valuable to investigations or intelligence. On occasion, handwriting examinations of recovered handwriting impressions may be performed.

The electrostatic detection systems use a humidifier, toner, plastic film and archival sheets to capture results. It is beneficial to have an awareness of humidity conditions (optimal and destructive) and the need for adequate ventilation or the use of a fume hood if prolonged operation is envisaged.

UV Lamps for Fraud Detection

A paper currency that is authentic will fluoresce when illuminated by longwave ultraviolet light. The embedded stripe will fluoresce as shown in the example below, in accordance to the color chart.

A driver’s license that is authentic have markers that fluoresce when illuminated by long wave ultraviolet light.

Why UV Lamp?

Ultraviolet lamps use longwave UV to check the authenticity of signatures, documents, tickets, passports, currency and credit cards. Ultraviolet lamps are used by law enforcement, forensic scientists, banks, retail stores and many others for the following reasons:

Instant document verification

Banknotes and checks verification

Currency verification

Credit cards verification

Speed up customer service

Detecting criminal actions

Easy to operate

Easily detect forged documents, currency and signatures

Safe to use.

Types of UV Lamps

Mini UV Lamp:

Mini UV Lamps are lightweight, small enough to fit into your pocket, and as easy to use as a small flashlight. A nylon strap is attached for easy handling. Mini UV Lamps operate on 4 AA batteries (not included). Excellent for checking documents, currency and driver’s licenses.

SL-2M Signature Verification Lamp:

Pass the item in question under the longwave ultraviolet. Invisible inks or altered documents fluoresce when exposed to the UV Lamp. Excellent for checking documents, currency and driver’s licenses.
EL Series Lamps:

UVP’s newest longwave (365nm) lamp group is composed of four, six, and eight watts ultraviolet EL Series lamps in a variety of configurations. The lamp housing is manufactured of rugged, scratch resistant, powder-painted metal.

All EL Lamps can be placed in the J-138 Lamp Stand for hands-free operation. This stand is particularly useful for maintaining the UV lamp in its proper position, while examining documents, currency or driver’s licenses.

Compact UV Lamp:
Compact 4-Watt longwave (365nm) UV Lamps fit comfortably in the hand or can be mounted on hands free J-124 stand. Durable plastic construction. Excellent for checking documents, currency and driver’s licenses.

Light Source
Many security features can be seen when using a normal light source, such as a lamp or office lighting. Viewing some security features requires a different way of holding the paper. There are four basic lighting sources that are helpful when examining documents.
- Normal lighting: This involves illuminating the document evenly from above. The document rests flat on a surface while the light source, typically positioned overhead, casts light directly onto it. This setup is ideal for a preliminary examination, allowing the verifier to observe the document’s overall appearance, color consistency, and overt security features like watermarks and intaglio printing. The uniform illumination can also accentuate any surface irregularities or alterations, making them more noticeable.
- Direct backlighting: In this method, light is projected from behind the document, effectively illuminating it from the reverse side. This technique is particularly useful for revealing intrinsic features of the paper material itself, such as watermarks and security threads, which are embedded within. By placing the document against a strong light source or on a light table, any inconsistencies in paper thickness, due to alterations like erasures or additions, become readily apparent. Direct backlighting is instrumental in assessing the paper’s integrity and detecting any concealed modifications.
- Transmitted lighting: Similar to direct backlighting, transmitted lighting involves passing light through the document. However, the focus here is on scrutinizing the transmitted light’s interaction with the document’s material and embedded features. This method highlights the internal structure of the paper, including the density of the material and any embedded security elements like threads or watermarks. It’s a powerful technique for confirming the homogeneity of the paper and for identifying areas that may have been compromised or altered.
- Oblique lighting: With oblique lighting, the light source is positioned at a shallow angle relative to the document’s surface. This angled approach casts shadows and creates highlights, which can significantly enhance the visibility of embossed seals, indentations, or other textured features on the document’s surface. By holding the document at a corresponding angle to the light source, fine details and subtle surface anomalies, which might be overlooked under normal lighting conditions, are brought into sharp relief, facilitating a more detailed examination.