Forensic Document Examination

Q: What is a forensic document examiner (FDE)?

A forensic document examiner (FDE) is someone with at least a two-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of a mentor, recognized as an expert in the field.

They examine and compare documents by technical or scientific processes to determine authenticity from a document or signature, as well as identify or eliminate a person as an author.

Such professionals may be called upon, to present expert testimony in court to demonstrate the basis and reasons for their opinion.

Q: Why would I need to retain a document examiner?

ID Theft is on the rise, and your handwriting and signature are unique to you. Sometimes another person will alter a document, or forge another person's signature or handwriting to gain something without your knowledge or permission.

It's more than just frustrating when you find this out; or worse never do; and they get away with the crime!

Maybe you discover a house or land a relative intended for you or someone else you know has been sold recently or years ago, however you also know that's not their signature at the bottom of the sales document.

Well, no one should be allowed to get away with stealing from you or someone you know by misrepresenting you, your name and signature.

Does the following circumstance sound familiar to you:

Someone has signed a check in your name

Property in your name was sold without your knowledge or the person whose name originally did appear on the certificate or deed

You’ve received an anonymous letter

There’s an additional page inserted into a document (will, medical form, etc….)

Any other questioned document circumstance that you’re involved in right now

A recent study by Meridian Research makes the projection that by 2006 the financial institution sector alone will lose $8 billion to identity theft. In addition, an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 people a year become victims of identity theft, and Federal Trade Commission data show that nearly 86,000 people filed identity theft complaints in 2001.

Hopefully, you or someone you know will never find yourself in such a circumstance, but when you do, at least you now know you can turn to a competent forensic document examiner who can help you reveal the truth and bring you the peace of mind you seek regarding the matter. Do a search on the Internet today or go to forensichandwritingservices.com to help you find a competent, proven professional who can help you with your own unique questioned document circumstances.

Joseph Zarek, CDE, HE
AFHS, Lead Forensic Document Examiner
Advanced Forensic Handwriting Services
http://www.forensichandwritingservices.com/