Chapter 10: Handwriting, Forgery, & Counterfeiting Flashcards
What is a Document Analysis?
- examination & comparison of questioned documents with a known material. The known material is called an exemplar
- experts look for changes, erasures, or obliterations that may have occurred
What is a Questioned Document?
any signature, handwriting, typewriting or other written mark whose source is uncertain
ex. checks, wills, passports, letters, money, etc.
What do experts look at?
- handwriting
- typewriting
- paper material
- ink
- commercial printing
Document Expert
specially trained person who scientifically analyzes handwriting & other features in a document (can testify in court)
Graphologist
studies the personality of the writer based on handwriting samples. (not reliable, cannot testify in court)
What factors affect handwriting?
- pen, pencil, marker, crayon
- mood, age, and how hurried we are
How many characteristics of handwriting are there?
12
3 Things that can be Done to Minimize the conscious writing effort?
- Do not show the questioned document
- Do not give instructions abt punctuation or spelling
- The pen & paper should be similar to that of the questioned document
Initial Comparisons are Done W/
- The Eye
- Handheld lens
- Microscope
___________ can determine if more than one ___ was used
Infrared Spectroscope; ink
Biometric Screening Pans
allows more accurate analysis of handwriting analysis
Recognize your signature based on….
speed, pressure and rhythm
Computerized Analysis - FISH
Forensic Information System for Handwriting
Computerized database maintained by the…
Secret Service (SS)
Blind Forgery
- most common type
- the forger uses their own handwriting. Don´t try to disguise his handwriting. Easiest to identify
Stimulated Forgery
copying a genuine signature by carefully drawing it. Forger practices until you can’t see any differences. Very difficult to link to a suspect
Traced Forgery
done by tracing a genuine signature using a light box, carbon paper, or pressing hard over the genuine signature and then tracing the indent
What can a Traced Forgery be detected by?
a stereomicroscope
Check Forgery. How is this possible?
- obtaining s/o else´s checks from a deposit slip
- directly alter a check, creating forged checks from scratch
- intercepting s/o else´s check, altering it & cashing it
How can Check Forgery be Prevented?
- print checks on chemically sensitive paper
- print checks in multiple color patterns
- use a font size the requires more ink and makes alterations difficult
- high resolution borders
- embed fibers
- use a chemical wash detection system
Counterfeiting can result in up to ____ years in prison
15
Secret Service
responsible for investigating counterfeit currency
What is money made w/?
- 75% cotton
- 25% linen blend w/ silk
Anticounterfiet pens contain ______ which make _____ appear
iodine; yellow
