SECURITY FEATURES

Understanding and identifying the various printing methods and security features is crucial in ensuring the authenticity and integrity of secure documents. Secure documents, such as passports, government IDs, and banknotes, often employ a combination of sophisticated printing techniques and embedded security features to prevent counterfeiting and tampering.

Here’s an overview of common printing methods and security features you should be familiar with:

 

Printing Methods:

 

  • Intaglio Printing: Used primarily for currency and high-value documents, intaglio printing involves engraving the design onto a plate. When ink is applied and the paper is pressed against it, the result is a distinctive tactile feel. The raised texture can be felt on features like portraits and lettering.

  • Offset Printing: Offset lithography is a printmaking technique perfect for producing large quantities of secure documents. It feels smooth to the touch and can be used to produce background, border design and text.

  • Letterpress Printing: Similar to intaglio but less commonly used, letterpress printing leaves a relief impression on the paper. It’s sometimes used for serial numbers or other specific document information. 

  • Rainbow Printing: Is a countermeasure against document fraud that involves using color gradation techniques to create a smooth transition between multiple colors on a document. This complex printing process is difficult to replicate without access to advanced printing technology and expertise, making it an effective deterrent to counterfeiting. It’s frequently used in high-security documents like currency and official identification papers, where authenticity is critical.

  • Screen Printing: Used for adding specific security features like optically variable inks or thick layers of ink for tactile marks.

 

Security Features on Paper:

  • Watermarks: Embedded during the paper manufacturing process, watermarks are visible when the document is held up to light. They are extremely difficult to replicate accurately without access to the original paper-making technology.

  • Security Threads: These are thin metal or plastic threads embedded into the paper, often visible as a straight line or with a broken pattern. Some threads are magnetic, fluorescent, or have microprinting. This are longer and ticker than security fibers and extend from edge of document to opposite edge.

  • Security Fibers: Security fibers are small fibrous particles that are incorporated into the paper at the time of production. These fibers can be visible or invisible under normal light on both sides and come in various colors. The presence of these fibers can be randomly distributed or arranged in a specific pattern. They are typically luminescent when exposed to UV light and serve as a quick authentication feature that is not easily replicated.

  • Microprinting: Tiny, almost invisible text that can be read only with magnification. When copied or scanned, microprint often blurs and loses clarity, making it a good security feature against reproduction.

  • Planchettes: Planchettes are small, colored, disc-shaped pieces of plastic or paper that are added to the document’s paper before the sheet is formed. They are similar to security fibers but are typically larger and can be more easily seen with the naked eye. Planchettes can be plain or printed with intricate designs. They may also be fluorescent and become visible only under UV light. Their size, color, and pattern add another level of complexity to the document, further deterring counterfeiters.

  • Holograms and OVDs (Optically Variable Devices): These features display different images or patterns when viewed from different angles. They are highly complex to produce and are commonly used in passports, IDs, and credit cards.

  • UV and Infrared Features: Certain inks or fibers in the paper will only be visible under ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light, providing an additional layer of security that is not apparent under normal lighting conditions.

  • Guilloche Patterns: Intricate, repetitive line patterns that are difficult to replicate without access to specialized printing equipment. They often appear as background designs on secure documents.

Learning to define and identify these printing methods and security features is a fundamental skill for anyone involved in the production, verification, or handling of secure documents. Each feature is designed to add layers of complexity, making unauthorized reproduction, alteration, or counterfeiting significantly more challenging. Familiarity with these elements not only aids in recognizing genuine documents but also equips professionals with the knowledge to spot potential fraud.

Additional security measures are constantly being developed and refined to stay ahead of counterfeiters. Each feature serves a specific purpose in the multi-layered defense strategy of document protection. Here are some of these measures:

  • Latent Images: 

    These are images or patterns that are not immediately apparent at first glance and only become visible when the document is viewed at a specific angle or under certain lighting conditions. They are usually produced with intaglio, and can be comprised of numbers, letters or objects. Are best seen using oblique lighting.

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    Pantographs:
    Pantographs include a background design or pattern that appears on photocopied versions as a solid area or reveals a hidden word such as «VOID,» «COPY,» or «UNAUTHORIZED COPY.» The purpose is to prevent unauthorized copying of a document.

     
     

    Safety Block: A safety block refers to a background design composed of fine lines or patterns that are printed in such a way that they interfere with photocopiers and scanners. This can cause distortions or make it difficult to produce a clear copy, protecting against fraudulent reproductions. Attempts to change the protected data will result in a disturbance of the safety block design.

     
     

    Microprinting: Microprinting involves printing text or patterns so small that they appear as a solid line to the naked eye and can only be read with a magnifying glass. It’s a common security feature on banknotes and other high-security documents because it’s extremely hard to reproduce accurately with standard printers or copiers. They can vary in size and there is usually produced using offset lithography.

     
     

    Anticopy Linework: This refers to complex patterns or sets of fine lines that are designed to reproduce poorly on copiers or to produce a moiré pattern when scanned or copied. This type of security feature is often used in conjunction with other features to create a comprehensive security profile for sensitive documents.

    Each of these security measures adds a layer of complexity that helps to ensure the authenticity of a document and makes counterfeiting significantly more difficult. They are often used in combination to provide a comprehensive security strategy that addresses various forms of potential fraud.

    Secure Document

    A secure document is a meticulously crafted official paper or card that incorporates a multitude of advanced printing techniques and embedded security features. These measures are designed to authenticate the document’s validity and protect against counterfeiting, tampering, and unauthorized duplication.

    A secure document is the product of extensive research and development in security technology, designed to stay ahead of the evolving tactics of fraudsters. It embodies a harmonious blend of art and science, where aesthetic elements meet cutting-edge security measures. The complexity and sophistication of these documents play a pivotal role in safeguarding personal identities, national security, and institutional integrity.

    Here are some examples of secure documents, each designed with a combination of advanced security features to prevent fraud and unauthorized duplication:

    • Passports: These are essential for international travel and are equipped with numerous security features such as watermarks, security threads, intaglio printing, holographic images, and a machine-readable zone. Many modern passports also include a biometric chip containing the holder’s data, making them highly secure.
    • Driver’s Licenses: Issued by governmental authorities, driver’s licenses include features such as holograms, UV-sensitive elements, microprinting, and complex background patterns. Some also contain encoded information and digital photos for quick verification. 
    • Banknotes (Currency): Currency is heavily protected against counterfeiting. Features include watermarks, security threads, color-shifting ink, raised printing, and microtext. Many countries use polymer banknotes that are more durable and incorporate advanced security features.
    • Credit and Debit Cards: These cards contain security features like holograms, EMV chips, and magnetic stripes. The cardholder’s information is also often printed or embossed in secure ways, and CVV codes are used for added security in transactions.
    • Social Security Cards: These cards are made with paper that includes intricate designs and printing techniques that are difficult to replicate. They may include features like color-shifting ink or special patterns visible under UV light.
    • Birth Certificates: These documents are printed on special paper and may include features like a raised seal, watermarks, or embossed printing to ensure authenticity and resist tampering.
    • Stock Certificates: Used to represent ownership in a company, these documents include intricate border designs, watermarks, and sometimes holographic images to authenticate their validity and prevent forgery.
    • Visas: Similar to passports, visas are placed within a traveler’s passport and include security features like intricate printing, watermarks, and a photograph of the holder to prevent unauthorized use and duplication.
    • Educational Certificates and Diplomas: Institutions often use special paper and include embossed seals, holograms, and watermarks to protect against forgery and confirm the document’s authenticity.

    In the area of secure documents, the materials used in their construction play a crucial role in determining their security features and durability. Broadly, secure documents can be categorized into types based on the primary materials used in their creation. Following the example provided, here are the most common types of secure documents:

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      Paper-Based Secure Documents: These documents are traditionally made from special paper that is designed to be resistant to wear, water, and tampering. Security features are often embedded or applied during the paper manufacturing process. Examples include:

      • Banknotes.
      • Certificates (Birth, Marriage, Educational).
      • Legal Documents.
      • Plastic/Polymer/Laminated Secure Documents: These documents are made from synthetic materials that offer greater resistance to physical damage and tampering. The use of plastics or polymers allows the incorporation of advanced security features. Examples include:

        • Identity Cards and Driver’s Licenses.
        • Credit and Debit Cards.
        • Passports.

    Both paper-based and plastic/polymer/laminated secure documents are tailored to meet high security and durability standards, employing a range of features to protect against fraud, forgery, and unauthorized use. The choice between paper and plastic often depends on the required longevity, the nature of use, and the specific security features needed for the document’s purpose.

    What are the benefits of issuing a secure document?

    Issuing secure documents comes with a multitude of benefits, both for the issuing authority and the holder of the document. These benefits stem from the enhanced security features and the integrity of the issuing process. Here are the key advantages:

    • Prevention of Fraud and Counterfeiting: Secure documents are embedded with sophisticated security features that are extremely difficult to replicate. This significantly reduces the risk of counterfeiting and fraud, protecting both the issuer and the holder from potential financial and reputational damages.
    • Increased Trust and Credibility: When documents are known to be secure and tamper-proof, they naturally command a higher level of trust from authorities, institutions, and the public. This credibility is crucial for documents like passports, identity cards, and legal certificates.
    • Protection of Personal and Sensitive Information: Secure documents ensure that personal and sensitive information remains confidential. Features like special inks, holograms, and embedded chips prevent unauthorized access to the information contained within the document.
    • Compliance with International Standards: Issuing secure documents ensures compliance with international standards and regulations, which is particularly important for documents like passports and visas that are used globally. This compliance facilitates international travel and trade.
    • Efficient Verification Processes: The presence of distinct and sophisticated security features allows for quicker and more reliable verification of documents. This efficiency is crucial in border control, banking, and other sectors where timely and accurate verification is paramount.

    Secure Paper

    Secure paper is a specialized type of paper designed specifically to protect sensitive and valuable documents from tampering, counterfeiting, and other forms of fraud. This paper incorporates a range of advanced security features that make unauthorized replication or alteration extremely challenging. The integration of these features into the paper itself provides a robust first line of defense in safeguarding the information contained within the document.

    When an examiner is tasked with verifying the authenticity of a document printed on secure paper, a meticulous and multi-faceted approach is crucial. The examiner should employ a combination of observational techniques, physical examinations, and, if available, technological tools to ensure the document’s veracity.

    Here’s a structured approach that a document examiner should follow:

    • Begin with a thorough visual examination of the document under adequate lighting. Look for the overall quality, alignment of printed elements, and any signs of tampering or irregularities.
    • Hold the document against the light to check for watermarks. Ensure that the watermark is consistent with the standard design and placement for such documents.
    • Look for the presence of security threads. If the document is supposed to have visible threads, ensure they are present and properly embedded. Use magnification if necessary to examine any microprinting on the threads.
    • If the document’s secure paper is chemically sensitive, a predefined test can be performed to ensure that the paper reacts appropriately to certain chemicals, indicating its authenticity.
    • Use a magnifying glass or microscope to identify and verify the presence of microtext. Ensure that the microtext is clear, legible, and consistent with genuine documents.
    • Physically handle the document to feel the texture of the paper and any raised printing, especially if intaglio methods are used. The tactile feel can provide significant insights into the document’s authenticity.
    • Employ UV or infrared light to reveal any hidden features or inks that are not visible under normal lighting conditions.
    • Examine the intricate guilloche patterns for any inconsistencies or signs of alteration. These patterns should be precise and uniform, with no evidence of tampering.
    • Compare the document against a known genuine sample, focusing on the security features, paper quality, and printing techniques.
    • Carefully document the examination process and results. If any discrepancies or concerns are noted, report them according to the established protocols.

    By methodically going through these steps, a document examiner can effectively determine the authenticity of a document printed on secure paper. This thorough approach ensures that any attempt at forgery or alteration can be detected, thereby upholding the integrity and trustworthiness of the document in question.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency Quick Reference Guide and the HSI-FL for Document Security Features and Printing Techniques

    The extract of this material has been provided by the National Security Forensic Investigations Laboratory (IHS-FL), and is available on a paper copy by ICE.

    This quick guide is designed to be a practical source whose definitions and illustrations of the various security features and printing techniques can be easily referenced.

    The characteristics described are those frequently referred to by the FDL (Forensic Document Laboratory) personnel in their forensic reports, Document Intelligence Alerts, training materials, and when they assist in the field with suspicious documents.

    It is important to remember that ANY / ALL documents may be falsified or tampered with. There is no tamper-proof document. The concentration should be placed on the QUALITY and DETAIL.

    Fraudulent documents are usually grouped into one of the following three categories:

    • Genuine: Obtained Fraudulently
    • Genuine changed
    • Fully faked

    Optically variable ink

    Optically variable ink is a form of anti-counterfeiting measure used with currencies. It shifts color based on the angle of viewing and is generally very rare to find. The color change is difficult to observe for other scanned or copied notes. 

    Multiple Laser Image (MLI) and Changeable Laser Image (CLI)

    These forms of technology are used to guarantee security of smart cards. They are produced when lenticular lenses get applied to the body of a card.

    These lenses which are laser personalized from different angles ensues that the images of the card changes depending on the viewing angle of the observer. MLI and CLI are all made of polycarbonate.

    Stamping

    Stamping as a document protection enables brand owners and governments to effectively secure their documents from counterfeiting activities. The stamps have covert characteristics that facilitate easy verification and authentication. For example, the color of the stamp might change under a UV light.

    Pantographs

    A pantograph is a design or text hidden in the document that becomes visible when the document is photocopied or scanned.

    Most often, these visible images contain the word «COPY», «VOID», or a single letter, such as «V».

    Reversal of Diffusion Transfer

    Reversal of Diffusion Transfer is a security feature on cards that discourage any form of alteration. Upon any alteration attempt, the image would be produced in a position underneath the security print.

    Safety Blocks

    Safety Blocks are forms of document protection in file formats. They are a security background design. The safety blocks are the security features that protect the documents from third party manipulations. 

    Digital image

    Digital image is a form of protection and authentication for images. The image of the holder remains as an integral part of the card.

    Dry Seals

    Dry Seals are marked text or forms of logos placed on documents, letters, envelopes and certificates. They are created by additional impression of a mechanical die. The resulting image could be indented, printed or be in a raised form.

    Tip: Use side light to examine dry seals. Remember to check the back side of the print as well. Look for misalignment and / or misspellings.

    Anti-copy Linewor

    Anti-copy Linework are designs of lines visible at the background of a document. They become fuzzy and unclear when the document gets copied.

     

    Fluorescent Ink

    Fluorescent Ink can be observed in documents which fluoresce under Ultraviolet light. This reveals various features of interest to the user of the document.

    Ink-Jet Printing

    Ink-Jet Printing is a form of computer-assisted printing that recreates a digital image onto a plastic or paper document using a special type of ink stored in cartridges.

    Intaglio

    Intaglio technique produces the so-called feeling of steel. Entails raised areas in the background or borders. These are used while creating tactile latent images. As such, the images are engraved below the printing surfaces. 

    Latent Image

    Latent Image is an image within another feature in a document. It can be a letter, an image or a number. They lose variability when copied.

    A latent image is a small cluster of metallic silver atoms formed in or on a silver halide crystal due to reduction of interstitial silver by photoelectrons (a photolytic silver cluster). If intense exposure continues, such photolytic silver clusters grow to visible sizes. This is called printing out the image. On the other hand, the formation of a visible image by the action of photographic developer is called developing out the image.
    The size of a silver cluster in the latent image can be as small as a few silver atoms. However, in order to act as an effective latent image center, at least four silver atoms are necessary. On the other hand, a developed silver grain can have billions of silver atoms. Therefore, photographic developer acting on the latent image is a chemical amplifier with a gain factor up to several billion. The development system was the most important technology that increased the photographic sensitivity in the history of photography.

    Hologram

    Holograms are labels used to guarantee and safeguard the integrity of official documents. The holographic features are embedded in the documents as forms of corporate design and to enhance easy functionality and authenticity. They can be observed only from certain angle and under a light source.

    Integrated photo

    Integrated photo in documentation entails scanning of the images for storage in the database to aid in future verification purposes. 

    Fugitive ink

    Fugitive ink is a document security feature that ensures any contact of the document with an aqueous solution or water makes the ink to run and the printed area becoming smudged. This would indicate that an act of forgery or alteration was done on the document upon verification.

    Guilloche

    Guilloche is a very detailed decorative image on a document formed by interlacing curved lines. 

    Holographic Image

    Holographic Image is an image situated at the right-hand side of the card. It is often a light-dark image of the bearer of the passport created through holographic reproduction.

    Microperf

    Microperf is a secondary image that is perforated in a document only visible when the particular document is viewed against a source of light. 

    Notch («Feeling of Iron»)

    High relief printing: It is a printing process in which the image is engraved or embossed beneath the surface of the printing plate. Under high pressure, the ink is transferred to the paper. The thickness of the ink on the paper and the inverse embossing create the image of high relief that can be felt. 

    Kinegram®

    Kinegram is a technology that is trademarked and guarantees that images in a document appear to be changing, repositioning or flipping when viewed by an individual from different angles.

    Letterpress Printing

    Letterpress Printing entails use of unique numbers for each document. It is used for document controlling objectives. The printing has been done by a dual ink that can be seen or felt. These documents display a halo effect when viewed from the backside of the document under verification. 

    Offset Printing

    Offset Printing often entails a background design or text that is smooth to touch. It is always a single-color ink that is uniform throughout the document under verification. 

    Photochromic Ink

    Photochromic ink darkens, as the light level increases. Some photochromic inks change color. In fact, it is UV light that causes the darkening of the ink, which means the ink works best in natural light. This special ink has two main applications; sunglasses and spectacles. However, it is also used in novelty items such as embroidery thread and toys, where color change takes place according to light level. Nail lacquer / varnish is also available with photochromic technology.

    Rainbow Printing

    Rainbow Printing entails gradual blending of two or more colors in a document. It is achieved through offset lithography technique. 

    Secondary Image

    Secondary Image is a repeat image of a document holder reproduced in another part of the document as a portrait. Can be seen with either low or high opacity.

    Security Fibers

    Security Fibers are clear or colored fibers that are often embedded in protected documents. They are often random and multiply placed in the document. 

    Microscopic images of security fibers                              
                                   

    UV-fluorescent security fibers under UV light     

    Watermark

    Watermark is a low-opacity image that can be seen in the document paper. They are often different depending on the source of the paper or organization in question.

    Security Thread

    Security Thread is placed on a document at a fixed position. There is always one thread per document. The thread can be made of polyester of plastic. They are different from the security fibers due to their length and width respectively.

    Threads are embedded within the paper fiber and can be completely invisible or have a star burst effect, where the thread appears to weave in and out of the paper when viewed from one side. However, when held up to the light, the thread will always appear as a solid line.

    Features can be built into the thread material e.g., microprinting on a transparent plastic thread or adding materials so they fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The thread is a difficult feature to counterfeit but some counterfeiters have been known to print a thin grey line or a thin line of varnish in the area of the thread.

    Wet Seals

    Wet Seals have an ink impression on a piece of document. The mark is often left when an ink relief gets pressed on a piece of document. 

    Pre-printed Text

    Variable-printed textPre-printed Text is a document protection used in the form of printed letter heads or verifiable template documents for a specified organization.

    The pre-printed text:  
    • Is placed on the paper prior to personalization of the document.
    • Uses standard words that denote information headings such as «name», «date of birth», «VIN», etc. 

    Variable-printed text

    Variable-printed text enables printing of many documents with different elements of texts, images and graphics. For instance, similar letter layouts printed with different recipient addresses and names.

    • Is usually added during or after the transaction.
    • Provides specific information, such as name, sex, date of birth, height, weight, etc.
    Different fonts are frequently used to create pre-printed and variable-printed text. When examining secure documents, take notice if all of the fonts are the same.

    NOTE: Some jurisdictions do use the same fonts for the various layers of security features. Be sure to check with the jurisdiction if you suspect fraud.

    Clear Windows

    These are secondary images placed in some documents like driving licenses. In these windows, there are images that can be viewed from both sides of the cards or documents under consideration.

    Data Encoding

    Data Encoding entails reading of the card or document specifications. These include optical memory strips which enable reading of the back of a plastic card. The images, photos or seals may be easily seen by rotating the card in the light.

    One of the most common ways used for data encoding purposes are bar codes, which are widely used for storing basic information like date of birth, driving license number and expiry dates among others.

    Machine readable zones are areas in a document that can be read by a machine to reveal the personalized information required for verification. It also has fixed characters for each line.

    On the other hand, magnetic stripes are available with magnetic stripe cards that store information that can be read by swiping through magnetic read heads. Lastly, Microchips are computerized contact points in a card that contains a relatively fixed number of characters on each line.

    Data encoding features include:

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      Machine readable zones (MRZ): Is an area on a document that can be read with or without the aid of a machine. The MRZ may be located on the front or back of the document. An MRZ contains the following features: 
    • A fixed number of characters on each line. The number of characters is different for each kind of document.
    • A chevron (<) is placed in spaces where there is no letter or digit to be inserted. There are no blank spaces.
    • Information may be checked and matched with other variable-printed data on the document.
    • All characters are in perfect alignment with adjacent characters.
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      Bar codes: Can be found on credit cards, packaging and labels. As part of an identification card, bar codes contain information about the document holder. There are two types of bar codes; one- and two- dimensional (1D and 2D).

      1D and 2D bar codes:
    • Are generally found on the back of a document.
    • Contain information or data stored in lines (1D) and pixelated (2D) that require a special card reader.
    • Can be copied. Copies can often be read by a conventional card reader.

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      Magnetic stripes (mag stripes): Mag stripes store data on a band of magnetic material on a card. The stripe contains personal and other key information that must be scanned by inserting or swiping the card in a card reader. Mag stripes usually appear on the back of a card. If the mag stripe becomes scratched or demagnetized, the information it contained will no longer be available.

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      Optical memory strips: Has a different appearance and purpose than the mag stripe. An optical memory strip:

      • Can store large amounts of data including images, photos and text.
      • Frequently covers most of the back of a plastic card.
      • Can display visible images, photos, flags, seals, etc.

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      Microchip: Stores data about the card holder and can be programmed for a variety of applications. Most commonly, the microchip is used to allow access to facilities and equipment. Microchips are incorporated into cards used by the U.S. military and are frequently seen in university IDs.

      The microchip:
    • Can be read and written more than 100,000 times.
    • Contains details such as name, address, date of birth, blood group, photograph and thumb print.
    • Has ridges that can be «felt» when rubbing a fingernail over its surface.
     
    Integrated circuits have also been used in plastic documents but do not hold as much information as microchips. Integrated circuits can be found in electronic passports.

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      Radio frequency identification (RFID): Is used to identify tags used within documents. RFID has two parts, neither of which are visible to the document evaluator: 

      • A tag made up of a microchip or integrated circuit with an antenna.
      • A reader with an antenna.

      As tagged documents come close to the reader, information is exchanged via radio waves.

    Secure Paper

    Secure Paper is a counterfeit-proof paper that cannot be copied or manipulated without detection. Its features enable detection of fraud upon any form of alteration or tampering attempt.

    • Physical features, such as texture and weight, etc.
    • Security features.
    These features help you determine if documents are authentic. Remember, it is very important that you touch and feel each document as you examine it.

    Plastic/Polymer and Laminated Documents

    Plastic/Polymer and Laminated Documents are documents that are physically protected from damage, scratches and dirt by a plastic polymer. The laminates can also be used to add additional security features to a paper to enhance its authenticity.

    Laminates are used to protect documents from:
    • The environment
    • Age deterioration
    • Rips of tears
    • Wear from handling
    • Alterations

    Chemical Sensitivity

    This feature enables the document to be reactive to chemicals that are commonly used during forgery. They discourage forging of documents by changing their colors or staining. 

    Unique Identifiers

    Unique Identifiers are used in identification of the relativity of documents from a specified batch or group. They are in the form of control numbers and Bates numbers among others.

    Examples of unique identifiers:
    • State logo, seal or motto
    • Signature of authorized issuer
    • Serial number
    • Iconic images tied to the jurisdiction like New York’s Statue of Liberty

    Which Objects can be Forged?

    Forgery involves a false document, signature, or other imitation of an object of value used with the intent to deceive another. Those who commit forgery are often charged with the crime of fraud. Documents that can be the object of forgery include contracts, identification cards, and legal certificates. Most states require that forgery be done with the intent to commit fraud or larceny.

    The most common form of forgery is signing someone else’s name to a check. Objects, data and documents can also be forged. Legal contracts, historical papers, art objects, diplomas, licenses, certificates and identification cards can be forged. Currency and consumer goods can also be forged.

    Currency

    Counterfeiting of the currency of the United States is widely attempted. According to the United States Department of Treasury, an estimated $70 million in counterfeit bills are in circulation, or approximately 1 note in counterfeits for every 10,000 in genuine currency, with an upper bound of $200 million counterfeit, or 1 counterfeit per 4,000 genuine notes. However, these numbers are based on annual seizure rates on counterfeiting, and the actual stock of counterfeit money is uncertain because some counterfeit notes successfully circulate for a few transactions.

    Coins

    In recent years sovereign mints have taken additional steps to counteract the trend in counterfeit precious metals. This move has been made necessary by the rising prices of gold and silver, and the matching increase in demand for and production of bullion products.

    Without further ado, here are the most commonly forged US gold coins (in descending order):
    • 1925-D Quarter Eagle
    • 1912 Quarter Eagle
    • 1911 Quarter Eagle
    • 1914 Quarter Eagle
    • 1916-D Mercury Dime
    There are similarities and differences in the reasoning behind the counterfeiting of all these coins, particularly the US gold quarter eagle coins. Counterfeiting of these coins occurred both prior to 1933 and in the decades following, including in the modern era. The incuse design introduced on these coins in 1908 was new at the time, and not well received by the public.

    Checks or Cheques

    Checks fraud refers to a category of criminal acts that involve making the unlawful use of cheques in order to illegally acquire or borrow funds that do not exist within the account balance or account-holder’s legal ownership.
    Most methods involve taking advantage of the float (the time between the negotiation of the cheque and its clearance at the cheque-writer’s bank) to draw out these funds.

    Specific kinds of cheque fraud include cheque kiting, where funds are deposited before the end of the float period to cover the fraud, and paper hanging, where the float offers the opportunity to write fraudulent checks but the account is never replenished.

    Paintings and Sculptures

    Art forgery is the creating and selling of works of art which are falsely credited to other, usually famous artists. Art forgery can be extremely lucrative, but modern dating and analysis techniques have made the identification of forged artwork much simpler.

    There are essentially three varieties of art forger. The person who creates the fraudulent piece, the person who discovers a piece and attempts to pass it off as something it is not, in order to increase the piece’s value, and the third who discovers that a work is a fake, but sells it as an original anyway.

    Copies, replicas, reproductions and pastiches are often legitimate works, and the distinction between a legitimate reproduction and deliberate forgery is blurred.

    Signature

    Millions of consumers are affected every year by identity theft. While many of these thefts occur mainly in the virtual world these days, there are still many criminals who try to pass themselves off as someone else by forging a signature. Whether they are signing checks or other documents, these individuals are usually in it for the money. You don’t have to be a handwriting expert to be able to tell whether or not a signature is forged.

    Baseball cards

    Counterfeit cards are sold by unscrupulous collectors and are worth nothing at all. To make sure that the price of a card is money well spent, collectors should know about the different kinds of reprints that exist, both legal and illegal, and how to differentiate between reprints, forgeries, and original cards.

    Stamps

    Counterfeiting of stamps immediately became a profitable enterprise for those daring enough to try it. At first, forgers were just trying to make money off selling the counterfeit postage. It was not until much later, when stamps became a collector’s item and people began to pay large sums of money for them, that counterfeiters started focusing on reproducing rare and valuable stamps to bilk investors.

    The large number of fakes has prompted postal services to implement more stringent measures to guard against forgeries, much like national mints have done for currency.

    Contracts

    Contracts are voluntarily entered every day by two or more parties who wish to be bound by them. However, this may not be the case when one of the signatures on the contract is forged. There are certain actions that an individual can take if he or she learns of forgery.

    Photo Manipulation

    Photo manipulation involves transforming or altering a photograph using various methods and techniques to achieve desired results.

    Some photo manipulations are considered skillful artwork while others are frowned upon as unethical practices, especially when used to deceive the public, such as that used for political propaganda, or to make a product or person look better.
    Depending on the application and intent, some photo manipulations are considered an art form because it involves the creation of unique images and in some instances, signature expressions of art by photographic artists.

    Identity

    Identity fraud is a crime where one person uses another person’s personal data, without authorization, to deceive or defraud someone else. For example, it is identity fraud to use someone’s personal information to open a credit card account without permission, and then charge merchandise to that account. Identity fraud does not occur when a credit card is simply stolen; that may be consumer fraud, but is not identity fraud. Identity fraud is a synonym of unlawful identity change. It indicates unlawful activities that use the identity of another person or of a non-existing person fraudulently.

    Antiques

    Antiques and Art Fraud is really a collection of different illegal practices, some which are usually committed by people in the industry, and others by general criminals, who may not know the possible value of items they are dealing with.

    Passport

    A fake passport is a passport (or another travel document) issued by governing bodies and then copied and/or modified by persons not authorized to create such documents or engage in such modifications, for the purpose of deceiving those who would view the documents about the identity or status of the bearer.

    The term also encompasses the activity of acquiring passports from governing bodies by falsifying the required supporting documentation in order to create the desired identity.

    Such falsified passports can be used for escape into exile, identity theft, age fabrication, illegal immigration, and organized crime.

    What are the unique identifiers used in a passport?

    • Cover design: Should contain the official seal of the issuing country. The seal should be the correct seal for the issuing country, clear and easily read and a sharp image with fine details.
    • Seals
    • Photos: A passport should contain a photo of the passport holder. The photo may be: 
      ü  In color or black and white
      ü  Raised (if so, the edges of the photo should feel even)
      ü  Digitally printed on the page
      ü  Overlapped by other features, printed images or OVF´s.
    • Biographical information: The biographical information printed on a passport can be typewritten, handwritten or digitally printed. Information contained on the biographical data page(s) should include:
      ü  Name
      ü  Country
      ü  Gender
      ü  Date of birth
      ü  Passport number
      ü  Dates of issue and expiration.
    • Pre-printed and variable-printed text
    • Signatures: Most passports will have either a digitally reproduced or handwritten signature located on or adjacent to the biographical page. If a signature line is present, the passport usually states that it is NOT valid unless signed.
    • Passport numbers: Can be located either on the cover page or on the biographical data page. A passport number can be:
      ü  Stamped
      ü  Computer printed
      ü  Handwritten or typed
      ü  Perforated (punched holes)
      ü  Laser drilled.
    • Pages and binding: All passports will have numbered pages. If additions are required, an entire booklet is usually added. When examining the pages of a passport, make sure that:
      ü  The interior pages line up with the outside cover and are the same size
      ü  Page numbers are in order with no pages having been added nor removed
      ü  Page thickness and size feels consistent
      ü  The inferior binding or stitching is regular and unbroken.

     

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