Forensic Document Examiners
Document Fraud Detection
912-622-2777
Documents we examine:
- Wills & Trusts
- Forged Signatures
- Power of Attorney
- Handwriting Analysis
- Real Estate Documents
- Bank Checks
- Bank Notes
- Deeds
- Contracts
- Any Disputed Document
Our Technology & Scientific Methods Are Changing the Forensics Industry
Disputed documents need educated answers. Not just hunches or opinions, but expert-led analysis. Using proprietary tools we developed, we can scientifically measure and compare the properties of any paper to identify the source and determine the statistical likelihood of fraud. Our detection technology and services are one-of-a-kind, leveraging extensive paper and printing expertise other document examiners don’t have.
Our Mission
At DocuDNA, our mission is to provide unparalleled forensic document examinations characterized by scientific results, meticulous attention to detail, innovative techniques, and our loyal commitment to our clients and uncovering the truth.
Our Methods
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Our Scientific Approach
The importance of a print expert.
One of our areas of expertise is surface and colloid chemistry which is related to the chemical relationships and interactions between the surface properties of a sheet of paper and the inks and toners that are printed on the paper. This expertise is invaluable in document dating and identifying paper sources.
Years of working with companies like Xerox, HP, Cannon and Deluxe Check has given us the understanding of this interface of paper and printing properties. Our paper scientists have developed papers for laser, inkjet and micr printing purposes and understands the unique properties of each of these technologies and how they interact with the surface of a sheet of paper.
The use of scientific methods.
As technology advances, so do the methods that fraudsters use to alter documents. With a degree in Paper Science & Engineering Doug has the expertise to apply scientific methodologies to examine and report his forensic document analysis.
Doug also has an understanding of how printers work and can explain why printers often exhibit unique properties to the text they print. An example would be why a laser printer leaves toner specs around some of the letters. These are clues to identify if all pages within a document were printed on the same printer or not. Most printers have some unique properties that can be identified through examination, as long as you understand what to look for.
The utilization of scientific analysis and reporting provides objective evidence versus subjective. Science and data provide the hard facts for juries and judges to come to the proper judgements in cases.
Portable laboratory
The importance of having the proper equipment for a forensic document examination cannot be overstated. Many examinations take place within a courthouse or law office, you must be prepared to do everything you need to do to properly examine a document.
At DocuDNA we have a fully equipped, portable lab with up-to-date equipment to handle most needs for any examination. We use the latest software and technology in our examinations. We continually upgrade our analytic equipment and are developing new methodologies for forensic examinations and document security.
Color spectrophotometry
Our patent pending methodology of identifying paper from different sources is a specialized service that only DocuDNA offers. ScanRitePaper ID Technology utilizes a portable color spectrophotometer to measures the color reflectance spectral data of the paper.
Since the pulping and water chemistry of each specific paper mill, along with the specific color dyes and optical brighteners added to the paper during manufacturing, are the factors that determine the color spectral data of each sheet of paper. Utilizing my patent pending methodology, we can measure the DE*, referred to as DE or (delta E), a measurement of the total difference in color between a comparable reference standard and the questioned paper. The examination protocol involves establishing a statistically significant normal population using the standard reference paper source. If the resulting DE falls within the specified DE tolerance, it is statistically the same paper, containing the same chemistry and part of the normal distribution.
Why hire us
Fraud involving legal documents costs Americans billions of dollars every year in lost business, property, time, and litigation costs. Your important documents are one of the most vulnerable assets. For instance, nobody thinks that a family member would ever take your Will or Trust and change it, but it happens all the time.
Much of the fraudulent activity conducted on documents involves altered text and cut-and-paste signatures. It is important to hire a forensic document examiner who understands current technologies that are being used to alter documents. We know and understand these software programs and how to identify alterations. Conducting forensic handwriting analysis, document dating and forensic paper analysis along with a thorough understanding of various forgery techniques is what makes a paper expert necessary.
With a degree in Paper Science & Engineering and having spent over 30 years working and consulting in the paper industry, Doug has the expertise to understand how paper is made and what unique properties can be identified in altered documents. There is an untold story of evidence ready to be uncovered within the paper of altered documents. We are court-certified and qualified expert witnesses.
FAQ - Preparing for your document examination
Do I need my original documents?
Original documents are always preferred. But original documents are not always available. Always try to provide the best quality copy available. Try to scan documents with a high quality, or high definition photo scanner and save the files as a .tiff file format, or at least a .png file. Photo images (jpg or PDF) are not good for forensic analysis because they utilize jpg compression to reduce the file size. This makes it easy to send images, but they lose the quality necessary for good forensic analysis.
How many sample signatures do I need?
A Forensic Document Examiner will usually ask for 20-30 known signatures or writing examples from the person whose signature or writing is in question. This is so we can determine the normal variations in a person’s writing. Since nobody signs their signature exactly the same way twice, we have to establish how much variation in style and letter formation is normal.
Can I send my documents to you, or do you have to come to me to examine them?
This all depends on the circumstances around you case. If the opposing side or Court holds the documents, we may need to come to them. Paper Forensics has a portable laboratory or equipment that we transport to wherever the documents are.
How long with the document examination take?
Since we use several science-based methods and equipment, our typical examination takes between 3 to 5 hours. The initial examination is an evidence gathering period. We collect the evidence or data then analyze the information when we return to our office. The analysis and report writing takes approximately two weeks to complete. We write a very detailed report of our findings.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a document examination depends on the scope of work. We recommend you call us so we can discuss the details of your case and give you an estimate. We don't play the "bait and switch" game of offering a verbal opinion for $, a report for $$, etc. We will be very transparent on how much your case will cost before you retain us.
