Forged signatures are one of the most common forms of fraud and can result in significant financial losses. Forensic Document Examiners are frequently called upon to provide expert analysis in cases involving signature comparisons.

What is Signature Forgery?

Signature forgery occurs when someone signs another person’s name with the intent to defraud. This differs from cases where someone signs on behalf of another person with proper authorization, such as when holding a Power of Attorney. Forgery, however, becomes a criminal act when the signature is made without consent and with fraudulent intent.

Whether the forged signature is done by a petty criminal or a professional, the legal consequences can be severe, often leading to felony charges if the financial losses exceed a certain amount.

Common Methods of Signature Forgery

There are three main methods that forgers use to replicate signatures:

1. Blind or Random Forgery

This type of forged signature occurs when the forger simply writes the victim’s name without knowing what their authentic signature looks like. Blind forgery is typically used in check fraud when a thief does not have access to the account holder’s real signature. As a result, it is often easy to identify because the forged signature bears little or no resemblance to the original.

2. Tracing

In this method, the forger has access to an authentic signature and traces it onto the document they wish to fabricate. While tracing can create an exact replica of the signature, it often lacks the natural fluidity of genuine handwriting, making it detectable under forensic examination.

3. Simulating/Replicating

This is the most sophisticated form of signature forgery. The forger practices replicating the victim’s signature freehand, often with a high degree of accuracy. With enough practice, the forged signature can closely resemble the genuine one, making it difficult to spot without professional examination.

Signs of a Forged Signature

Forensic Document Examiners look for several indicators when examining suspected forged signatures. Some of these indicators include:

  • Abrupt Starts and Stops: Genuine signatures flow naturally, with the pen typically moving smoothly onto and off the page. A forged signature may have jerky, abrupt movements, indicating the forger paused to refer to the model signature.
  • Hesitation or Pen Lifts: In some cases, the forger may lift the pen during writing, resulting in slight gaps or overlapping lines. This is an unnatural movement that can raise suspicion. The forger’s hesitation can also cause ink dots where the pen rested too long in one spot.
  • Consistent Thickness: Genuine signatures often show variation in stroke thickness due to the natural pressure applied during writing. Downstrokes tend to be thicker, while upstrokes are lighter. In contrast, forged signatures often have uniform thickness throughout, indicating unnatural pen movements.

Documents Vulnerable to Signature Forgery

Certain types of documents are particularly susceptible to signature fraud, including:

  • Checks
  • Contracts
  • Deeds
  • Prescriptions
  • Court Documents
  • Stock Certificates
  • Titles
  • Wills
  • Election Documents

Because these documents often hold significant legal or financial value, verifying the authenticity of signatures on them is critical.

Get Help with Suspected Forged Documents

If you suspect that a document in your possession contains a forged signature, it’s essential to seek expert assistance from a professional Forensic Document Examiner. With 33 years of experience, James A. Green has the expertise to help you determine whether a signature is authentic or fraudulent. To discuss your case, call 888-485-0832 or send a message today.