To spot amateur produced fake documents look for missing or inconsistent numbers, data entry mistakes, alterations and edited logos. The digital age has brought about an epidemic of counterfeit documents and financial and personal transactions are at risk. With so many forgeries available online the key is to be able to tell them from the real ones.
This article will show you how to spot fake documents and protect your personal and corporate interests.
One of the biggest giveaways of a fake document is inconsistencies in numbers. Amateur forgers often change numbers on documents like bank statements without checking if the numbers add up. Missing numbers or numbers that don’t add up should be a red flag. Always check numbers for consistency.
Fake documents often have errors that give them away. Look out for typos, incorrect punctuation and data that doesn’t match other application details. These mistakes are common with less skilled fraudsters and can easily reveal a fake document.
Changes in the visual elements of a document like fonts and layout are big giveaways of forgery. Government issued IDs and official bank statements use specific fonts that are not available to the public. Any deviation from the standard presentation especially in fonts and formatting should be checked. Edited logos can also reveal a document’s inauthenticity. Disparity between the logo on the document and the official logo of the issuing institution is a clear sign of fraud.
The human eye is no longer enough to detect the sophisticated forgeries produced by today’s fraudsters. Technological solutions are needed to verify documents. Advanced document analyzers use technology to compare fonts, layouts and logos to the genuine ones, a reliable way to detect forgeries.
Distinguishing between a forged document and a fake document is important. A forged document is an original that has been altered, a fake document is entirely fabricated. Both are risky but require different detection methods. Knowing the purpose of the document submission – identity verification, proof of address or proof of income – is the first step in authentication. Being vigilant in checking for anomalies and using technology for document analysis is key in fighting fake documents.
Fighting fake documents requires attention to detail and technology in verification. Knowing the common forgery methods and using the right tools can help you and your institution avoid document fraud.