Identity theft cost customers $52 billion in 2021 , an uncomfortably high figure for worldwide law enforcement organizations. Criminals typically steal users' identities from numerous internet platforms and create phony documents in their names, which are then utilized for a variety of unlawful actions, including opening bank accounts, filing insurance claims, and applying for fraudulent immigration petitions. As a result, it is critical to implement a strong forensic document examination verification system and AML name screening service for remote services that never allow fraudsters to access company systems using forged identities.
What is Forensic Document Examination?
Forensic document examination is the scientific assessment of documentary evidence in judicial proceedings. It is most commonly employed in forgery cases, although it can be utilized in any situation where there are documents as evidence, such as suicide notes or ransom letters. Examiners investigate contracts, personal notes, and other documents to determine authenticity or ownership.
How are Authorities Working to Fight Document Fraud?
Identity theft by document manipulation has become more common in the digital world. Traditional document verification techniques are no longer as effective in combatting criminals as they once were. Law enforcement authorities in all major jurisdictions are taking extraordinary measures to legalize the digital financial industry while combating document fraud and bringing criminals to justice.
Interpol Dismantled Fraud Gang
Interpol launched a raid in South Africa in April 2022 and captured a criminal ring involved in defrauding US companies of €455,000. Seven people were apprehended during this operation, and their cases are still being heard in court to determine their punishments. According to the investigations, criminals were stealing users' identities in order to create fake documents in their names, which were then used to defraud financial institutions. Interpol stated in a press release that some gang members are suspected of being in other African countries and that they are working to apprehend them as well.
11-Member Gang Charged
Police in the United States cracked down on a criminal organization that was involved in a variety of scams, including false insurance claims, document forgery, and bank account manipulation. During the raid, a considerable number of computers used by thieves to create fraudulent documents were confiscated. According to police, fraudsters made $4.3 million using various fraud techniques. All of the criminals have been charged in court, with several others still on the run as the investigation continues.
Curbing Fraud Through Forensic Document Examination
Document forgery analysis is one of the most efficient ways of detecting criminals engaged in fraudulent activities. This innovative method can benefit almost all main departments engaged in running online operations. Here are some of the top sectors where digital forensic document examination techniques can assist in making their platforms safer for sophisticated users and where they face a high risk of fraud.
Educational Institutions
It is anticipated that 1.4 million cases of document fraud will be recorded in educational institutions in 2021 alone. Criminals used forged documents to gain admission to international colleges, causing the organization's reputation to suffer. Document fraud in the education sector not only undermines the credibility of the entire educational system but also denies deserving students their rights. As a result, a system based on forensic document examination principles can assist universities in identifying fake documents while preventing fraudsters from gaining admission.
Immigration Departments
Another major deception that occurs in many nations, including the US, the UK, and Canada, is immigration fraud. A considerable number of criminal gangs have been caught in all of these nations for document forgery, creating phony passports and other documents, and applying for visas illegally. Incorporating digital forensic document examination in this arena can greatly assist authorities in combating crime and holding criminals accountable for their actions.
National and International Courts
Courts have always been important in upholding justice in countries throughout history, but they are also vulnerable to high levels of fraud. Criminals fabricate false documents and offer them to courts in order to evade or reduce penalties. There have been numerous cases around the world where criminals have been found to be involved in document forgery in legal cases. Although the majority of courts use forensic practices to authenticate documents, many jurisdictions still rely on traditional methods that are old and outdated. Implementing an effective document forgery analysis system can significantly reduce criminal activity in the judicial system while also ensuring transparency.
Ensuring Compliance with Robust Document Checks
At a time when digitalization has become the new world standard, and all day-to-day corporate operations are shifting to the internet, the dangers of fraud have increased significantly. Documents are regarded as the most important tool for authenticating people's identities and verifying other essential credentials. Criminals achieve their illicit goals by forging documents and defrauding companies and sophisticated users. Forensic document examination is the best solution because it uses scientific principles to authenticate the record while leaving no room for fraudsters.
