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Signature

Forensic Examination of Signatures

At QDE, we provide expert forensic examination to determine the authenticity of disputed signatures. By comparing a questioned signature against known specimens, we identify the unique handwriting habits that can distinguish a genuine signature from a forgery.

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We conduct a detailed assessment of fluency, pen pressure and construction - examining everything from stroke proportions and spacing to subtle hesitations or unexpected pen lifts that often indicate a signature has been simulated or traced.

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A disputed signature typically falls into one of the following categories:

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  • Genuine - the signature was written by the intended individual

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  • Freehand forgery – a simulation created by a third party attempting to copy a genuine signature, often using a model or drawing from memory.

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  • Traced forgery – a signature produced by physically tracing over a genuine signature. 

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  • Cut and paste – a genuine signature is copied from one document and placed onto another using a scanner, editing software or physical manipulation. Since no two genuine signatures are ever identical, forgery can often be confirmed by identifying the exact 'source' signature used to create the duplicate.

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​Our conclusions are expressed using the standard Range of Opinions as detailed in the FAQs. The strength of an opinion depends on a number of factors including the quality of the documents, the complexity of the signatures and the suitability of the specimen material.  

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Note: Whilst a forensic examination can often determine whether or not a signature is genuine, it is rarely possible to determine the author of a non-genuine signature.

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Examination of photocopied/scanned documents

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​These will not contain all of the detail present in the original documents; whilst an examination may still be possible, an opinion regarding authorship is likely to be qualified. In the case of signatures, copies may not show some of the common signs of forgery such as tracing guidelines, hesitations or pen lifts that might be present in the original ink signature.

 

You are welcome to email copies of the documents for a free initial assessment and we can advise whether they appear to be of a sufficient quality for a reliable examination.

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Documents that have been scanned at low resolution and saved as electronic pdf files are unlikely to be suitable for examination. 

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Factors affecting signatures

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Signatures can be affected by a number of factors including health, age, intoxication or fatigue. It is therefore essential for us to know whether any of these are relevant to the individuals concerned.

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Specimen signatures​

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In order to carry out an effective comparison, we usually require at least 10 - 15 examples from the person whose signature is in question. These documents can include a mixture of originals and copies.

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​It is not usually possible to compare signatures with handwriting, nor is it usually possible to identify the author of a forged signature.

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Ideally specimen signatures must have been written on different occasions so that the variation within the individual's signature can be assessed. It is also useful if they are contemporaneous with the document in question (written at the same time). If not, it would be useful to see examples from before AND after the date of the document in question. A signature from a 30 year old passport is not the ideal specimen for comparison with a document signed last year, for example.

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​In the case of joint instructions it is desirable that all parties involved agree the authorship of any documents submitted for use as specimens.

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​Examples of suitable documents include receipts, cheques, business documents, loan applications, membership cards, banking documents and copies of passports and driving licences.

 

A further source may be documents filed on the Companies House website; we may search this archive in order to find potential specimens and will discuss this with the relevant parties.

SPECIMEN SIGNATURES REQUIRED

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  • At least 10 - 15 examples

  • Written on different occasions

  • Need to to be contemporaneous, or pre and post-date the document in question

  • Can be on original and copy documents

  • Expert cannot usually identify the author of a forged signature.

 

EXAMPLE SIGNATURE DOCUMENTS

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  • receipts

  • cheques

  • business documents

  • tenancy/property documents

  • loan applications

  • bank/membership cards

  • banking documents

  • passports

  • driving licence

  • documents from Companies House

  • licence documents

 

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