MODULE 3

FORGED DOCUMENTS
Reshma Santhosh
Assistant Professor
Department of Forensic Science
Parul University,Gujarat
 1. FORGERY
Making a false document or tampering any part of a document dishonestly &
fraudently to support any claim or title.
1.1 Kinds of Forgery.
1) Simulated or copied Forgery- Imitation or copy of genuine signature or
writing.
2) Freehand Forgery- In this forger writes another person signature in his own
handwriting, without making attempt to imitate it as he has no knowledge of
genuine signature.
3) Traced Forgery –Exact facsimile of genuine signature by tracing process.

Handwritings Standards
• A standard means the handwriting of a person or typescript with known
origins, these are comparison data.
1) Specimen Writings-Obtained with reference to questioned writings for
comparison.
• May not correctly reflect the writings habit of the person as he makes
deliberate effort to disguise or distort writings
2) Admitted Writings-Which are written in the normal course of business,
they are also called non requested standards.
• In this writings the writer is not aware that it will be used for
comparison with questioned writings.
Procedure for obtaining Specimen of handwriting
• The paper should be similar in size & general quality of questioned
documents.
• Writing instrument similar to that used in producing a questioned writings.
• The style (capital, small letter, language)be made clear to the suspect.
• The questioned documents should not shown to the suspect while furnishing
specimen.
• The suspect suspect should sit in comfortable position & then matter should
be dictated to him which should contain words, phrases & numbers found in the
questioned documents.
• The suspect should be asked to write number of pages containing the same
words at different intervals.
• In case of forgery forgery signature signature on checks the forger should be
asked to sign &write number of checks.
• No instruction as regards spelling, punctuation or arrangements should be
given.
1.2 Types of Forgery
Simple Forgery: Simple forgery is just as it sounds. It is very basic and is done
with very little effort. Someone will write something or sign a document with
no attempt to follow a known sample of the handwriting or signature. The
person will then try to pass off the handwriting or the signature as the original
copy of someone else’s original document.
Free Hand Simulation: Forgery that is a free hand simulation is just a little
more advanced than a simple forgery. When a person attempts free hand
simulation, they have a sample of the handwriting or signature to look at. A
forger will then try to recreate the shapes and styling of handwriting and
signatures.

Tracing: When a signature is copied by using tracing methods, a person will

attempt to reproduce the most obvious or prominent features of a signature or
handwritten text. Many times traced signatures and writing can be matched
exactly to the original signature or text. By using various methods such as light
tables I can compare text and find evidence of document forgery by tracing.
Signature Forgery : Signature forgery is the most common form of document
fraud which takes place by replicating or altering someone’s signature without
permission. Signature forgery typically tends to be for the purpose of fraud or to
gain a benefit, whether it is a financial gain or legal gain. In most cases,
signature forgery is used for financial fraud to alter a legal document or create a
bogus contract. Forgers use various authentication techniques to replicate
someone's signature, and the complexity of each technique can evidently
vary. There are different forms of signature forgery. For example, simple
forgery occurs when a forger writes a random signature of their choice,
typically without even trying to replicate the authentic one, and this is often a
less skilled way to mislead. Simulated forgery is a third level in the possibility
of precision where the forger copies the shape of the authentic signature, and
this method may prove more difficult to identify.
Forgery by memory : Forgery by memory refers to the signature or writing
prepared from the mental impression of the form of letters of the signature(s) or
writing of the actual writer and without any model signature before the forger at
the time of forgery, such forgeries are usually the combinations of the normal
handwriting of the forger and letter bearing some resemblance with the
signature(s) or writing of the actual writer. The degree of resemblance of
course, depends on the ability of the forger to memorize and reproduce the letter
forms. Such type of forgeries can be easily detected and proved because forgery
by memory is a primitive type of forgery and no forger can memorize or
reproduce all the features of the signature or writing to be forged.
Forgery by Impersonation or forgery without model :When a person merely
writes/signs the name of another person in his own handwriting in normal
manner or in some modified manner, representing himself to be that person with
some ulterior motive such as signature is a forgery. In this type of forgery, no
attempt is made to stimulate or trace from a model signature and once the
genuine signatures of the actual person is available, the forgery is obvious and
to prove the same is not difficult. In case of forgery by impersonation, the
position is however different. In this type of forgery, the forger may just write
the name/signature of other person in his own handwriting without even
knowing the style of writing of that person. In such case, it may be possible to
trace out the forger by comparison of the spurious signature with adequate
specimen signature of the suspect
Counterfeit Documents and Identity Theft :Counterfeit documents are
entirely made-up documents made to look like real documents and may be used
to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or immigration fraud. Examples of
these documents range from fake passports, driver licenses to fake academic
degrees and ID cards that are made for the sole purpose of misleading
institutions and participating in unauthorized benefits. Common signs that
documents are counterfeit include inconsistencies in fonts, poor printing quality,
incorrect formatting, and real documents have security policies in place which
include security features such as holograms or microtext. The paper may be of a
different weight or feel than the real document, images that make up the
document such as seals or logos shouldn’t appear blurry or off-centre in
images.
Cut and Paste Forgery :The cut-and-paste forgery is closely as the term
suggests. A real signature is cut from one report and set on the spurious record,
then photocopied. In the event that the lighting and determination is legitimately
balanced, the record will seem genuine. Since one of the principle on which
penmanship examination rests is that it is difficult to compose a signature 100%
the same way twice, the simplest approach to demonstrate a cut and paste
falsification is to find the report from which the name was copied. They will be
indistinguishable, or to a great degree close if the counterfeiter is sufficiently
astute to change some minor points of interest, for example, the last strokes.
Indictment depends on the law implementation criminologist's capacity to locate
the original signed document from where it had been copied, and analyze the
suspect's penmanship on the false to that of the first. Since no two parts of
penmanship are indistinguishable, the counterfeiter abandons himself open to
conviction by overlooking a couple of minor points of interest, for example, the
way his casualty works out her numbers
Electronic Manipulation: In the digital age we live in, document forgery
through electronic manipulation is becoming more common. People will use
programs such as Photoshop to copy and alter the text in digital documents and
with digitally scanned documents. With electronic manipulation, the
possibilities are endless for document forgery.
1.3 Signs of Forgery
Slow and methodical strokes are one of the most common signs of forgery.
When people are writing in their own style with their own handwriting, the
writing is done fast. You make mistakes when writing and don’t always correct
them. When a person is copying a style of writing or a signature, they usually
do so in a slow and methodical way, trying to get everything just right. Writing
in this way create very even strokes with little to no mistakes seen in the way
they write.
No variation in pen pressure is also one of the most common signs of forgery
in a document. When you write, you write quickly. Because you are writing
quickly with little thought to it, pen pressure will vary. You will notice hard and
thick lines as well as light and thin lines in your text as you write. If someone
tries to copy your writing or signature, they will form the characters more
carefully, creating even lines with no variation in pen pressure.
An unnatural tremor can be an indicator of document forgery. Tremors can
happen because someone was nervous when they were writing. When I compare
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.
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. I can compare
features such as paper thickness and the type of paper used.
1.4 Tools and Techniques used by Forensic Professionals
1. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)
The Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is a special machine that helps experts
find changes or hidden parts in a document that aren’t easy to see with the
naked eye. It works by shining different kinds of light—like UV and infrared—
on the paper to show things like different inks, erased words, or extra writing
added later. This is useful when checking if documents like IDs, checks, or legal
forms have been changed or faked. The VSC can also help see watermarks or
hidden security marks in documents. It's a key tool in detecting document
forgery and making sure important papers are real and untampered.
2. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)
The Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) is used to find marks on paper
made by writing, even if the writing has been erased or never used ink at all.
When someone writes on the top sheet of a pad, the pressure from the pen often
leaves faint marks on the sheets below. The ESDA helps bring those marks to
light, showing writing that would otherwise stay hidden. This is especially
helpful in fraud investigations or cases where someone has tried to cover their
tracks. It’s a simple but powerful way to reveal hidden handwriting or prove
that a document was changed
3. Microscopes
Microscopes are very useful in looking closely at small details on a document.
Forensic experts use them to examine how ink was put on paper, how hard the
person pressed while writing, and whether the writing looks smooth or shaky.
They can also check if the paper was scratched or changed. Microscopes can
show if different pens were used or if someone tried to trace or fake a signature.
This close-up view helps find signs of forgery or tampering that are too small
for the eye to catch. It’s an important step in checking if a document is real or
fake.
4. Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) Light Sources
UV and IR light are used to spot things in documents that normal light can’t
show. When a document is looked at under UV or infrared light, certain inks or
changes can light up or disappear, showing if something was erased, added
later, or written with a different pen. This helps experts find hidden changes in
checks, ID cards, or contracts. It’s a safe and easy way to check for document
changes or forgery without damaging the original paper. These lights help make
invisible details visible and are often the first step in spotting fraud.
5. Handwriting Analysis Software
Handwriting analysis software is a computer tool that compares handwriting or
signatures to see if they were written by the same person. It looks at how the
letters are shaped, how fast the person wrote, and how much pressure they used.
The software gives a detailed report that helps experts decide if the handwriting
is genuine or fake. This is helpful in cases where people claim a signature was
forged on things like contracts, checks, or wills. By using technology along with
expert knowledge, it becomes easier to spot fake handwriting and prove the
truth.
2. ALTERATIONS IN DOCUMENT
Alteration is defined as any change to a document which gives it a different
effect from that it originally possessed. If change is made after execution of a
document and without the consent of the other party or concerned person, then
such change is called fraudulent alteration. The alteration can be done by:
• Addition /Interlineations
• Interlineation
• Sheet Insertion
• Overwriting
• Eraure
• Obliterations
• Deletions

2.1 Features of fraudulent alteration:

•These alterations are done in such a way that they may pass unnoticed under
regular examination of the document.
• The alteration methods are usually latent or may be so minute that an
unskilled or incompetent examiner may not be able to detect them.
2.1.2 ADDITIONS
Addition in the document is defined as the insertion of any word, digit etc
which changes the meaning or value of the document. These insertions are
made in such spaces as may have been left blank in the regular entries either in
the middle or at the bottom of the page. If additional matter is written in a small
space the size of letters will be smaller and writing will appear cramped or if
space is large enough then letters are in large size to cover up the remaining
space. In addition alteration the examination can be done to identify the
characteristic features of handwriting:
• size of letter,
• spacing and pen-strokes
• Colour ink should be made.

2.1.3 INTERLINEATION
Interlineations defined as the writing between the lines of any instrument for the
purpose of adding to it or correcting what has been written. In examining
interlineations, the tint or colour of ink, quality of pen, size of letters, sequence
of crossing strokes and the parts of letters which come in contact with the
originally written letters should be minutely studied. The fraudulent entries are
likely to differ from the original or adjacent writing in size, slant and spacing
and the shade of ink etc.
It is generally found that the public documents and accounts books, Bahis of the
factories or offices are changes by insertion of extra or substituted pages. In
such cases, the paper should be examined with regard to its colour and shade,
thickness, calendar and water- mark. Secondly, the ink of the writing is
observed under a microscope. Thirdly, the line to line space of the line should
be compared if the papers are ruled ones. The system of binding if damaged will
also serve the purpose of detecting the fraudulent substitution of the leaves. The
removal of a page from any document and substituting another in its place
containing matter having different meaning from that of the page removed is a
kind of fraud. The substituted page may have similar appearance of the colour
of paper and its composition may be different from other pages of the book. If
the substituted document is written by pen and ink the examination and
comparison of the colour or tint of ink, pen and the characters of the letter will
reveal the forgery. If the inserted sheet is a typed matter, the fraud may exposed
by the shape, size and design of the type. The typewriting may reveal that a
different type of machine was used.
2.1.4 OVERWRITING
This is the process of writing new text or handwriting over the old text, usually
using a different pen or ink, to alter the document’s original meaning or content.
This method is frequently employed to change dates, sums, or other important
information in financial or legal papers, such as to conceal fraudulent activities.
It can be further divided into two parts:
1. Genuine overwriting
These are generally bold, strokes drawn carelessly, and no attempt is made to
conceal overwriting.
2. Fraudulent overwriting
This involves carefully altering the document’s content. In this case, the
preparator considers matching the dye colour to the original writing instrument
and ink when they are unavailable. It appears when words or numbers are
altered to increase their worth or when a writer wants to disguise his/her
signature.
2.1.5 ERASURES
Erasure can be anything which is used to remove any writing matter from a
writing surface. It is further divided into:
1. Physical/mechanical erasures (Abrasion)
2. Chemical Erasure

The process of physically removing writing, impression involves abrasion of the

paper’s surface using tools such as rubber, razor, blade, scalpel knife, Emory
paper, etc. Mechanical erasure is characterised by the physical disruption or
damage caused to the paper fibres in the impacted region.

Chemical Erasure: To decolourise or dissolve the ink and make it invisible,

this technique uses chemical agents like solvents or bleaching solutions (such as
oxalic acid, sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, potassium permanganate, or
stannous chloride solution). Even when the colour is eliminated, the ink
ingredients may remain embedded in the paper fibres, and the chemicals
frequently leave behind noticeable residue or change the fibre characteristics of
the paper.
Chemical erasure is just a process of bleaching the colour of ink by converting
coloured compound into colourless compounds. And the ink itself remains in
the paper in invisible form. The commonly used chemicals for erasure purpose:
• Sodium hypochlorite
• Potassium permanganate
• Oxalic acid
• Stannous chloride solution
• Sodium tungstate Chemical erasure can also be done with suitable solvents.
Ball-point pen inks can be partially or completely removed from paper by the
application of polar solvents such as tetrahydrofurane or acetone etc.
2.1.6 OBLITERATIONS
Obliteration is the process of using ink, correction fluid, or other materials to
obscure or conceal the original text or handwriting in a document. Obliteration
is the act of blotting out or discolouring anything so that it cannot be easily or
clearly read. They are purposefully obscured or covered with marks to make
them unreadable.
Obliteration using correction fluid

2.2 STEPS IN ALTERATION ANALYSIS

2.2.1. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION (Naked Eye Inspection)
Method:
• Visual examination under normal light.
• Identification of tremors, uneven letter spacing, smudging, overwriting,
or variations in ink density.
• Make a note of questionable regions for further investigation.
Importance: This stage provides the examiner with suspicious areas that may
require deeper scientific testing

2.2.2 MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION (STEREO / COMPARISON

MICROSCOPES)
Method
• Examine erasures, abrasions, strokes, and disrupted paper fibres
• Check ink flow, pen lifts, retouching, and unnatural writing patterns.
Importance: Reveals pressure variations, overwriting, and minor changes.

2.2.3. EXAMINATION OF HANDWRITING TRAITS & STROKE

CHARACTERISTICS
Method:
• Examine the letters’ slant, rhythm, spacing, and proportion.
• Analyse pen pressure, stroke quality, and beginning and ending strokes.
• Identify disguise, simulation, or tracing attempts.
Importance: Differentiate between authentic handwriting and fakes or traced
handwriting/ signatures.

2.2.4. SPECTRAL ANALYSIS & INK DIFFERENTIATION

Method:
• Examination by Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), UV, or IR imaging
for ink.
• Changes in absorption characteristics, chemical composition, or shade
can be detected.
• Determine whether various inks were used on the same document.
Importance: Aids in proving alterations, additions, or ink substitutions

2.2.5. ERASURES & OBLITERATION DETECTION

Method:
 • Using oblique light, detect mechanical erasures (such as scraping and
rubbing).
• Use UV-induced variations in fluorescence to detect chemical erasures.
• Use spectral imaging to recover writing that has been erased.
Importance: Restores content that has been purposely erased or obscured.

[Link] & MATERIAL EXAMINATION

Method:
• Examine the fibres, texture, watermark, and chemical processing.
• Verify whether the age, quality, or place of origin of the paper is
consistent or not.
Importance: Detects material mixing or substitution of pages

2.2.7. DIGITAL IMAGING & ENHANCEMENT

Method:
• Use technologies for forensic imaging and enhancement.
• Restore regions that have been overwritten or faded
Importance: Increases the visibility of obscured or deteriorated text.

[Link] WRITINGS
3.1 DECIPHERMENT

[Link] WRITINGS
Refer to techniques used to hide or conceal messages so that only intended
recipients can understand them. These are widely used in fields like forensic
science, intelligence, and security.
4.1 Who Uses Secret Writing
• Military and Intelligence Agencies – for confidential communication
during operations
• Detectives and Forensic Experts – to analyze hidden messages in
investigations
• Spies (Espionage agents) – to pass information secretly
• Government Organizations – for national security communication
• Criminals/Fraudsters – to hide illegal plans or transactions
• Cybersecurity Professionals – to protect digital data

4.2 Purpose of Secret Writing

• Confidentiality – to keep information hidden from unauthorized persons
• Security – to prevent interception and misuse of data
• Covert Communication – to communicate without attracting attention
 • Evidence Concealment – used in crimes to hide information
• Authentication – used in currency, documents, and security markings

4.3 Methods of Secret Writing

• Invisible Ink – writing appears only after heating or chemical treatment
• Cipher/Code Writing – converting messages into coded form using a
key
• Steganography – hiding messages within images, audio, or text
• Microdot Technique – reducing information to tiny dots
• Sympathetic Ink – visible only when treated with specific reagents
• UV/Fluorescent Ink – visible under ultraviolet light
• Digital Encryption – modern method to secure electronic
communication

4.3. INVISIBLE INK-TYPE

4.4 CIPHER / CODE WRITING
Cipher writing involves converting a message (plaintext) into an unreadable
form (ciphertext) using a specific key or algorithm.
Types
• Substitution Cipher – letters are replaced (e.g., A → D)
• Transposition Cipher – letters are rearranged
• Modern Encryption – computer-based algorithms
Working
• Sender encodes the message using a key
• Receiver decodes it using the same or related key
Uses
• Military communication
• Banking and online transactions
• Secure messaging systems
Advantages
• Strong protection of data
• Difficult to decode without a key
4.5 STEGANOGRAPHY
Steganography is the technique of hiding a message inside another medium so
that its existence is concealed.
Types
• Image Steganography – hiding data in pixels
• Audio Steganography – embedding in sound files
• Text Steganography – using spacing or patterns
Working
• Secret data is embedded into a cover file
• The receiver extracts the hidden message using a
tool
Uses
• Cybersecurity
• Secret intelligence communication
• Digital watermarking
Advantages
• Very difficult to detect
• Does not arouse suspicion

4.6 MICRODOT TECHNIQUE

This method reduces a large amount of information into a tiny dot that can be
placed within a document.
Working
• Text or images are photographed and reduced in size
• The microdot is hidden in punctuation marks or paper
Uses
• Espionage and spy communication
• Transfer of confidential documents
Advantages
• Can hide large data in a very small space
• Hard to notice without magnification
4.7 SYMPATHETIC INK
Sympathetic ink is a type of invisible ink that becomes visible only when
treated with specific chemicals.
Working
• Message is written using a chemical solution
• It remains invisible until exposed to a reagent
Examples
• Iron sulfate (appears with potassium ferrocyanide)
• Cobalt chloride (appears on heating)
Uses
•

• Secret correspondence
• Forensic investigations
Advantages
• Simple and effective
• Requires specific knowledge to reveal

4.8 DIGITAL ENCRYPTION

Digital encryption is a modern technique that converts data into a secure coded
format using algorithms.
Types
• Symmetric Encryption – same key for encryption and decryption
• Asymmetric Encryption – uses public and private keys
Working
• Data is encrypted before transmission
• Only authorized users can decrypt it
Uses
• Online banking
• Emails and messaging apps
 • Data protection systems
Advantages
• Highly secure
• Essential for modern cybersecurity

5. CHARRED DOCUMENT
6. EXAMINATION OF COUNTERFIET
CURRENCY,PASSPORT,VISAS,COINS AND STAMPS
[Link]
1.1 SECURITY FEATUES OF CURRENCY
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION (PHYSICAL INSPECTION)
This is the first step using the naked eye and touch.
Features Checked
• Paper Quality – genuine notes use special cotton-based paper
• Texture – raised printing (intaglio) can be felt
• Color and Design – should be sharp and clear, not blurred
• Serial Numbers – uniform spacing and alignment

Security Features Examination

Modern currency (like Indian notes issued by Reserve Bank of India) contains
multiple security features:
a. Watermark
• Visible when held against light
• Usually includes portrait (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi)
b. Security Thread
• Embedded strip in the note
• May show text or change color
c. Latent Image
• Hidden image visible at a particular angle
d. Micro-lettering
• Very small text (e.g., “RBI”, denomination) visible under magnification
e. See-through Register
• Incomplete design printed on both sides forms a complete image when
held to light
f. Optically Variable Ink
• Changes color when viewed from different angles

Instrumental Examination
Advanced tools are used for detailed analysis:
a. Ultraviolet (UV) Examination
• Genuine notes show specific fluorescence
• Fake notes may glow differently or excessively
b. Infrared (IR) Examination
• Certain features appear/disappear under IR light
c. Magnification
• Microscopes reveal printing quality and microtext
d. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)
• Advanced forensic instrument to analyze ink, paper, and security features

Chemical Examination
• Detects the composition of ink and paper
• Helps identify unauthorized materials used in fake notes

Printing Technique Analysis

Genuine currency uses specialized printing methods:
• Intaglio Printing – raised ink (can be felt)
 • Offset Printing – background designs
• Letterpress Printing – serial numbers
Fake notes often lack these precise techniques.
Instrumental examination of counterfeit currency involves the use of advanced
scientific tools and techniques to identify forged notes with high accuracy.
Methods such as ultraviolet (UV) examination help detect fluorescence features
like security threads and fibers, while infrared (IR) examination reveals
differences in ink properties that may not be visible under normal light.
Microscopic analysis is used to study micro-lettering, printing quality, and ink
distribution, which are often poorly replicated in counterfeit notes. Instruments
like the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) combine multiple light sources to
analyze hidden features, alterations, and ink variations in detail. Techniques such
as spectrophotometry and chromatography are used to examine the chemical
composition of inks and paper, helping to distinguish genuine currency from fake
ones. These instrumental methods provide reliable and scientific evidence,
making them essential in forensic laboratories and legal investigations related to
counterfeit currency.

(study visa,coins,stamps as well)