Introduction to Fraudulent Documents Analysis

Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Fraudulent Documents Analysis course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

Introduction to Fraudulent Documents Analysis

Introduction to Fraudulent Documents Analysis #

Introduction to Fraudulent Documents Analysis

Fraudulent Documents Analysis is a crucial aspect of forensic investigation, par… #

This field requires experts to scrutinize various documents to determine their authenticity, identify alterations, detect counterfeits, and uncover discrepancies. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to assess a wide range of documents, including passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates, and financial records, to uncover signs of tampering or forgery.

A #

A

Altered Document #

An altered document refers to a document that has been modified or changed in so… #

This can include erasing or adding information, changing dates or numbers, or manipulating signatures. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to identify signs of alteration through careful examination and comparison with known standards.

Authentication #

Authentication is the process of verifying the validity and origin of a document… #

In the context of fraudulent documents analysis, authentication involves confirming that a document is genuine and has not been altered or forged. This can be done through various methods, such as examining security features, conducting chemical tests, or using specialized equipment.

B #

B

Ballpoint Pen #

A ballpoint pen is a common writing instrument that uses a small rotating ball a… #

Ballpoint pen ink is often used in document analysis to determine the age of a document or to detect alterations. Different types of ink can react differently to various forensic tests, helping experts identify potential fraud.

Birth Certificate #

A birth certificate is an official document issued by a government authority tha… #

Birth certificates are commonly used for identification and legal purposes, making them a common target for fraudsters. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to examine birth certificates for signs of alteration or forgery.

C #

C

Chemical Testing #

Chemical testing involves using various chemicals to analyze the composition of… #

In fraudulent documents analysis, chemical testing can help experts detect alterations, identify different types of inks or papers, and uncover hidden information. Specialized reagents and techniques are used to conduct these tests safely and accurately.

Counterfeit #

A counterfeit document is a fraudulent imitation of a genuine document, designed… #

Counterfeiting is a common form of fraud that can include passports, currency, tickets, and other valuable documents. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to spot signs of counterfeiting and distinguish between genuine and fake documents.

D #

D

Driver's License #

A driver's license is an official document issued by a government authority that… #

Driver's licenses are commonly used for identification purposes and are often targeted by fraudsters. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to examine driver's licenses for signs of tampering or forgery.

Document Analysis #

Document analysis is the process of examining and evaluating various documents t… #

In fraudulent documents analysis, experts use a combination of visual inspection, technical analysis, and forensic techniques to assess the validity of documents and uncover any signs of fraud or deception.

E #

E

Exemplar #

An exemplar is a known sample of a person's handwriting or signature used for co… #

Exemplars are essential for verifying the authenticity of signatures, detecting forgeries, and determining authorship. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis rely on exemplars to make accurate assessments of questioned documents.

Examination #

Examination refers to the detailed inspection and analysis of a document or obje… #

In fraudulent documents analysis, examination involves scrutinizing various features of a document, such as paper quality, ink type, printing methods, and security features, to uncover any signs of fraud or manipulation.

F #

F

Forgery #

Forgery is the act of creating or altering a document with the intent to deceive… #

Forgeries can include fake signatures, altered checks, counterfeit currency, and manipulated records. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to identify signs of forgery through careful examination and analysis of documents.

Financial Records #

Financial records are documents that detail an individual's or organization's fi… #

These records are essential for tax purposes, auditing, and financial management. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts examine financial records to uncover discrepancies, detect fraud, and verify the accuracy of the information presented.

G #

G

Genuine Document #

A genuine document is an original, unaltered document that has not been tampered… #

Genuine documents are issued by legitimate authorities and are considered authentic and reliable. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent documents through careful examination and comparison with known standards.

Government Identification #

Government identification refers to official documents issued by government auth… #

This can include passports, driver's licenses, national identity cards, and other forms of government-issued ID. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to verify the authenticity of government identification documents and detect signs of fraud or alteration.

H #

H

Handwriting Analysis #

Handwriting analysis is the process of examining and comparing handwriting sampl… #

In fraudulent documents analysis, handwriting analysis is used to verify signatures, detect forgeries, and identify individuals based on their handwriting style. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained in the principles of handwriting analysis to make accurate assessments of questioned documents.

Hologram #

A hologram is a three #

dimensional image produced by a laser that appears to be real when viewed from different angles. Holograms are commonly used as security features on documents, such as passports, identification cards, and currency, to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize and authenticate holograms as part of their examination process.

I #

I

Identity Theft #

Identity theft is a form of fraud in which an individual's personal information… #

This can include opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, or obtaining government benefits using someone else's identity. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to detect and prevent identity theft by verifying the authenticity of identification documents.

Ink Analysis #

Ink analysis involves examining the composition and properties of ink used in do… #

Different types of ink can react differently to chemical tests, ultraviolet light, or infrared imaging, providing valuable information for document analysis. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis use ink analysis to detect alterations, identify forgeries, and verify the authenticity of documents.

J #

J

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) #

K #

K

Kinegram #

A kinegram is a type of security feature used on documents to prevent counterfei… #

Kinegrams are holographic images that change appearance when viewed from different angles, making them difficult to replicate. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize kinegrams and verify their authenticity as part of their examination process.

L #

L

Laser Printer #

A laser printer is a type of printer that uses a laser beam to produce high #

quality text and images on paper. Laser printers are commonly used to create documents, certificates, and identification cards that may be targets for fraud. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine laser-printed documents for signs of tampering, alteration, or forgery to detect potential fraud.

Latent Image #

A latent image is an invisible or hidden image on a document that becomes visibl… #

Latent images are commonly used as security features on documents to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to identify and verify latent images as part of their examination process.

M #

M

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) #

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a technology used to print characte… #

MICR characters are commonly used on checks and other financial documents to facilitate automated processing and verification. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine MICR characters to detect alterations, forgeries, or fraudulent activities.

Microprint #

Microprint is a printing technique used to create small, fine text that is diffi… #

Microprint is commonly used as a security feature on documents, such as currency, passports, and identification cards, to prevent fraud. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize and verify microprint as part of their examination process.

N #

N

Non #

Destructive Testing:

Non #

destructive testing (NDT) refers to techniques used to analyze materials or objects without causing damage. In fraudulent documents analysis, non-destructive testing methods are used to examine documents, such as ultraviolet light, infrared imaging, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These techniques allow experts to verify the authenticity of documents without altering or damaging them.

Notary Seal #

A notary seal is an official mark or stamp used by a notary public to authentica… #

Notary seals are used to verify the identity of signatories, confirm the date and location of signing, and prevent fraud. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to examine notary seals for signs of tampering or forgery.

O #

O

Optical Variable Device (OVD) #

An optical variable device (OVD) is a security feature used on documents to prev… #

OVDs are images or patterns that change appearance when viewed from different angles, making them difficult to replicate. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize OVDs and verify their authenticity as part of their examination process.

Original Document #

An original document is an authentic, unaltered document that has not been copie… #

Original documents are considered reliable and trustworthy sources of information. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts compare questioned documents with known originals to identify signs of alteration, forgery, or tampering.

P #

P

Passport #

A passport is an official document issued by a government authority that certifi… #

Passports are highly valuable and often targeted by fraudsters for counterfeiting or identity theft. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to examine passports for signs of alteration, forgery, or tampering to detect potential fraud.

Photocopier #

A photocopier is a machine that makes copies of documents using light and heat t… #

Photocopiers are commonly used to reproduce documents quickly and efficiently, making them a potential tool for fraudsters. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine photocopies for signs of tampering, alteration, or forgery to detect potential fraud.

Q #

Q

Questioned Document #

A questioned document is a document whose authenticity, origin, or contents are… #

Questioned documents can include wills, contracts, checks, or any other written material subject to examination. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis specialize in analyzing questioned documents to determine their validity and uncover signs of fraud or deception.

Quick Response (QR) Code #

A Quick Response (QR) code is a two #

dimensional barcode that can store information, such as website links, contact details, or product information. QR codes are commonly used on documents, labels, and advertisements for quick access to information. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine QR codes for signs of tampering, alteration, or forgery to verify the authenticity of digital documents.

R #

R

Retention Period #

Retention period refers to the length of time that documents or records must be… #

Different types of documents have varying retention periods, depending on their importance, relevance, and legal requirements. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts must be aware of retention periods to ensure the proper preservation and handling of documents during investigations.

RGB Color Model #

The RGB color model is a system for representing colors on electronic displays,… #

RGB stands for red, green, and blue, the primary colors used to create a wide range of colors by blending different intensities. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine digital documents for discrepancies in RGB values to detect alterations, forgeries, or tampering.

S #

S

Security Feature #

A security feature is a design element or technology used on documents to preven… #

Security features can include holograms, watermarks, microprint, UV ink, or special paper. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize and authenticate security features to verify the authenticity of documents and detect potential fraud.

Signature Verification #

Signature verification is the process of comparing a questioned signature with k… #

In fraudulent documents analysis, experts use various methods, such as handwriting analysis, computerized tools, or forensic techniques, to verify signatures, detect forgeries, and identify individuals based on their handwriting style. Signature verification is crucial for detecting fraud and ensuring document integrity.

T #

T

Thermochromic Ink #

Thermochromic ink is a type of ink that changes color when exposed to heat or co… #

Thermochromic ink is commonly used as a security feature on documents, such as passports, tickets, or labels, to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize and verify thermochromic ink as part of their examination process.

Tokenization #

Tokenization is the process of replacing sensitive data with unique symbols, or… #

Tokens are randomly generated and cannot be reverse-engineered to reveal the original data, making them secure for transactions and data storage. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may use tokenization to safeguard confidential information and prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.

U #

U

Ultraviolet (UV) Ink #

Ultraviolet (UV) ink is a type of invisible ink that fluoresces under ultraviole… #

UV ink is commonly used as a security feature on documents, such as currency, passports, or identification cards, to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to use UV light to detect UV ink and verify the authenticity of documents as part of their examination process.

Unicode #

Unicode is a standard for encoding characters in digital documents, enabling the… #

Unicode supports over 143,000 characters, including alphabets, symbols, and emojis, making it a universal encoding system for global communication. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine Unicode characters for inconsistencies or anomalies to detect alterations, forgeries, or tampering in digital documents.

V #

V

Vegetable Parchment #

Vegetable parchment is a type of paper made from cellulose fibers that have been… #

Vegetable parchment is commonly used for documents, certificates, or legal papers that require security and longevity. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine vegetable parchment for signs of tampering, alteration, or forgery to detect potential fraud.

Watermark #

A watermark is a visible or invisible design or pattern embedded in paper or oth… #

Watermarks are commonly used on documents, such as currency, checks, or certificates, to deter fraud. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize and authenticate watermarks as part of their examination process.

X #

X

Xerography #

Xerography is a dry photocopying process that uses electrostatic charges and ton… #

Xerography is commonly used in photocopiers and laser printers to reproduce text and images quickly and efficiently. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine xerographic copies for signs of tampering, alteration, or forgery to detect potential fraud.

XML (Extensible Markup Language) #

Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a standard for encoding documents in a machi… #

XML is commonly used for data interchange, web services, and document structuring. In fraudulent documents analysis, experts may examine XML files for inconsistencies, anomalies, or malicious code to detect alterations, forgeries, or tampering in digital documents.

Y #

Y

Yellow Dot Technology #

Yellow Dot Technology is a covert tracking system used in color laser printers t… #

Yellow Dot Technology allows authorities to trace the origin of printed documents and prevent counterfeiting or fraud. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize yellow dots and verify their presence in printed documents as part of their examination process.

Z #

Z

Zinc Oxide #

Zinc oxide is a compound used in the production of security inks that change col… #

Zinc oxide is commonly used as a security feature on documents, such as currency, passports, or identification cards, to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. Certified Professionals in Fraudulent Documents Analysis are trained to recognize and authenticate zinc oxide inks as part of their examination process.

May 2026 intake · open enrolment
from £90 GBP
Enrol