Writing is a conscious act. However, the actual production of each letter and word becomes practically automatic through frequent use and exposure. A skilled writer focuses most of the attention on the subject matter rather than the writing process. As a result of this patterning, writing becomes an extension of a person’s personality and mannerisms, just as a signature does. Although handwriting and signatures are unique, they can be forged. Hence, identifying the authenticity of the signatures is of utmost importance. This is where the signature verification tests become essential. A signature verification test is a biometric process used to verify writing features like writing movement, stroke, pressure & the type of writing instruments (pen or pencil) and substrate (ink) used.
What is Biometrics?
Biometrics is measurable human traits, behaviors, or characteristics that can be used to verify an individual’s identity. Today, biometric authentications are growing in popularity for enterprises because it effectively controls access to sensitive information, devices, or locations. There are two types of biometrics:
- Physiological Biometrics – It involves data derived from the direct measurement of some part of the human body. Examples of physiological biometrics include fingerprints, face scans, palm prints, and retina-based verifications.
- Behavioral Biometrics – This involves data derived from an action taken by a person. Examples of behavioral biometrics are speech, keystroke dynamics and signature verification.
Among the others, a handwritten signature is one of the most widespread means of personal authentication. Signatures are unique patterns generated by the brain of the signer and executed by their body (arm, hand) using appropriate writing devices (pen or pencil).
Uses of Signature Verification Forensics Test
A signature verification test can be a lifesaver for the following cases:
- Stamp Analysis
- Extortion Notes
- Suicide notes under question
- Verifying signature on a loan or mortgage documents
- Unauthorized bank transactions using the forged sign on checks
- Signatures on joining letters, offer letters, business deals, and contracts
- Legal documents like wills, power of attorney, partnership contracts, etc
Characteristics of Handwriting and Signature Forgeries
The handwriting and signature verification identification can be categorized into 2 types:
- Individual Characteristics
- Class Characteristics
Individual Characteristics – They are variations from the learned writing system and, as a result, are powerful distinguishing features when comparing the samples.
- Pen Pressure – Pulsation or pressure in the longer loops forms such as ‘g’ or ‘y’ is the most unusual habit. To start with, there is an initial application of pressure. Then, however, this pressure progressively decreases until it is applied again on the rising stroke.
- Hesitation – A forgery’s beginning & ending strokes display tremors or a lack of firmness, indicating hesitations. Vertical lines and curvatures might also show hesitation.
- Slope – Every forger attempts to alter the slant of their natural writing when attempting to forge the handwriting or sign. The text produces an altered pictorial appearance while doing this.
- Shading – It occurs when the writer applies the most pressure, whether on the upstroke or downstroke. The shading must be continuous, gradual, or spontaneous. It usually differs from person to person in terms of occurrence, frequency, form, and intensity. It’s nearly tough to duplicate. The forger does retouching or patching for an appropriate look, which can be easily pointed out.
Class Characteristics – In this, certain movements are being revealed through the handwriting and signature verification process:
- Finger Movement – The thumb, first, second, and slightly the third finger are in actual motion. Writing by this movement is slow, and the letter’s size is also small. Rhythm is usually absent. School children or illiterate people generally use this movement.
- Hand Movement – It is produced by the movement of the whole hand with the wrist as the center of attraction. In this movement, the wrist acts as an axis. As a result, writing becomes slow and laborious. Moreover, the pictorial effect will also be distinguishable from an original signature.
- Forearm Movement – In this movement, the shoulder, hand, and arm are in with the support of a table. Writers who write at speed often use their forearms to write. As a result, the writing is smooth & symmetrical.
- Whole-Arm Movement – It refers to the movement of the entire arm without resting. Writing with the whole arm movement is typically large and clumsy. The writing on the wall or blackboard is done with this movement.
How can DNA Forensics Laboratory Help You with Handwriting and Signature Verification Forensics Test?
DNA Forensics Laboratory is among the best Indian companies to provide 100% accurate, conclusive, signature verification tests at competitive prices. In addition, we are the only company/lab that offers legal DNA testing and peace of mind DNA tests in India.
With the advent of technology, forgers can now create virtually identical signatures, increasing signature forgeries and fraud. During such times, protecting your intellectual rights, power, and position is essential, and a signature verification forensic test is one way to do so. Our system is robust and can detect random, simple, and skilled forgeries.
To learn more or book the Signature Verification Forensics Test in India, talk to our customer support executives at +91 8010177771 or WhatsApp at +91 9213177771.
