QUESTIONED DOCYUMENT Expert Witness.

a legal term used to describe a witness who by reason

of his special technical training or experience is permitted to express an
Documents. Any material that contains marks, symbols or signs either opinion regarding the issue, or a certain aspect of the issue, which is
visible, partially visible or invisible that may ultimately convey a meaning involved in a court action. His purpose is to interpret technical
or message to someone, pencil or ink typewriting, or printing on paper information in his particular specialty in order to assist the court in
are the most usual forms of document. administering justice. The document examiner testifies in court as an
expert witness.
Disputed Document. A term suggesting that there is an argument or
controversy over the document, and strictly speaking this is its true Graphology. The act of attempting to interpret the character or
meaning. In this text, as well as through prior usage, however, disputed personality of an individual from his handwriting
document and questioned document are employed interchangeably to
signify a document that is under special scrutiny. Grapho-analysis. A form of graphology commonly practiced in the US.
It has no relationship to handwriting identification.
Questioned Document. Any document which some issue has been
raised or that is under scrutiny Paleography. it is the study of early writings, old and ancient scripts. It
also focuses on writings done on papyrus, parchment vellum, etc.
Holographic Document. Any document completely written and signed
by one person, also known as holograph. In a number of jurisdictions a Petograms. Writings and drawings printed on the surface of the rocks.
holographic can be probated without anyone having witnessed its
Petroglyphs. Writings or images on the walls of public area. Most often
execution.
prohibited law.
Document Examiner. One who studies scientifically the details and
Grafith. Handwriting or images on the walls of the public area. Most
elements of documents in order to identify their source or to discover
often prohibited by law.
other facts concerning them. Document examiners are often referred to
as handwriting identification experts, but today the work has outgrown Cacography. Characterized as bad writing.
this latter title and involves other problems than merely the examination
of handwriting. Calligraphy. Is the art of beautiful writing.

Handwriting Identification Expert. A common name for the Ambidextrous. Ability to write with both left and right.
document examiner.
Opinion. In legal language, the document examiners conclusion.
Forensic Science. the field of science that is used in the judicial Actually, in account he does not only expresses an opinion but
process. A number of scientific disciplines commonly make up the more demonstrates the reasons for arriving at it. Opinion and conclusion are
active segments of forensic science. some are derived from the physical, used synonymously.
medical and dental sciences and the best qualified workers specialize in
the court-oriented aspects of each disciplines. Questioned document Quality. A distinct or peculiar character. It is used in describing
examination is a notable part of forensic science in that it developed handwriting to refer to any identifying factor that is related to the writing
directly from the need of the court experts to answer problems movement itself.
regarding documents instead of growing out of established field of
Science. A body of eternalized knowledge for searching truth or facts.
science.
Art. Knowledge or experience and specialized studies. Skillful adaptation
Forensic Stylistics. Refers to the same purpose of photography but
and application of knowledge of the same purpose.
looking at semantics, spelling, word choice, syntax and phraseology.
Technique. The quality of skill and execution of some artistic works.
Certification. The recognition of a particular level of professional
qualifications. A natural organization, the American Board of Forensic Qualification. The professional experience, education and ability of
Document Examiners, INc. has set up a certification program for document examiner. Before he permitted to testify as an expert witness,
document examiners based upon a review and testing of their the court must rule that he is qualified expert in his field.
qualifications. This nationwide program; established in 1978 will
ultimately provide a register at well-qualified document examiners. Standard. A condensed and compact set of authentic specimen which,
if adequate and proper, should contain a true cross section of the
Characteristics. Any property or mark that distinguishes and in material from a known source. They are used by the document examiner
document examination commonly refers to identifying details. These are as the basis for his identification of the questioned document, as for
two groups of characteristics, class and individual. example the known handwriting which serves to establish who wrote the
disputed letter.
Class Characteristics. Not all characteristics encountered in document
examination are peculiar to a single person or thing and one that is Sample. A selected, representative portion of the whole. This term
common to a group maybe described as class characteristics follows closely the statistic usage.
Individual Characteristics. A characteristic that is highly personal or Reference Collection. Material complied and organized by document
peculiar and is unlikely to occur in other instances. examiner to assist him in answering special questions. Reference
collections of typewriting, check writer specimens, inks, pens, pencils
Collation. Critical comparison or side to side examination.
and papers are frequently maintained.
Comparison. The act of setting two or more items side by side to
weigh their identifying qualities. It implies not only a visual but also a
mental act in which the elements if one item are related to the counter HANDWRITING
parts of the other.
Handwriting is the result of very complicated series of acts, being used
Conclusion. A scientific conclusion results form relating observed facts as a whole and combination of certain forms of visible mental and
by logical, common sense reasoning in accordance with established rules muscular habits acquired by a long continued painstaking effort. Some
or laws. The documents are so derived. defined handwriting as “visible speech”.
Examination. The act of making close and critical study of any “According to Huber, it is an acquired skill and clearly one that
amterial, and with questioned documents is the process necessary to is a complex perceptual motor task, sometimes referred as the neuro-
discover the facts about them. Various types of examination are muscular task. That out hand contains 27 bones controlled by more than
undertaking, including microscopic, visual photographic, chemical, the muscle.”
ultraviolet and infrared examinations.
Signature. Name of a person written in a document as a sign of
Exemplar. A term used by document examiners and attorneys to acknowledgement.
characterize known material.
Disguised Writing. A writer may deliberately try to alter his usual Spur. short horizontal beginning stroke.
writing habits in hope of hiding his identity. The result, regardless of Form. most basic of individual characteristics form is the pictorial
their effectiveness, are termed disguised writing. representation of a letter or writing
movement.
Natural Writing. Any specimen of writing executed normally without Main Stroke or Shank Stem. downward stroke of any letter.
an attempt to control or alter its identifying habits and it usual quality of Idiosyncrasy. a made of expression peculiar to a person, anything
execution. It is typical writing of an individual. highly individualized or eccentric.
Blunt Terminal Stroke. This terminal stroke diminishes abruptly.
Cross Mark. Historically, many could not write signed with a cross or
initial Stroke. this refers to the starting stroke in handwriting.
crude X. This authenticity mark is still used today by illiterates, and it
Connecting Stroke. strokes that connect letter in cursive writing.
properly witnessed it can legally stand for a signature.
Terminal Stroke. the last or finishing stroke in a signature.
Wrong Handed Writing. Any writing executed with the opposite hand Eyeloop or Eyelet. the small loop formed by a stroke that extends in
from that normally used. Some workers refer to this writings “with the divergent directions.
awkward hand” It is one means of disguise. Thus, the writing of a right System of Writing. The combination of the basic design of letters and
handed person written his left hand accounts for the common the writing movement as thought in
terminology for this class of disguise as “left-handed writing” school. Writing through use divergences from the system, but generally
retains some influence of the basic training.
Retracing. any stroke that goes back over another writing stroke. ln Copy Book Form. the design of letters that is fundamental to a writing
natural writing there maybe many instances in which the pen doubles system. This term is derived from the old method of teaching
back over the same course but some retracing in fraudulent signatures handwriting from a copy book containing engraved script printed on
represent a reworking of a letter form of stroke. each page for the student to imitate.
Rhythm. the element of the writing movement marked by regular or Manuscript Writing. A disconnected form of script or semi script
periodic recurrences. lt maybe classed as smooth, intermittent or jerky in writing. This type of writing is thought young children in elementary
its quality. schools as first step in teaming to write.
Shading. a widening of ink stroke due to added pressure on a flexible Writing Condition. both the circumstances under which the writing
pen point or to the use of a stub pen. was prepared and the factors influencing the writer’s ability to write at
Skill. in any act there relative degrees of ability or skill. Refers to the the time of execution. Circumstances pertaining to preparation involve
writers proficiency in art of writing. the writer’s position (sitting, standing, abed, etc.) the proper support
Slant. the angle or inclination of axis of the letters relative to the and backing, and the writing instrument; writing ability maybe modified
baseline. by the condition of the writer’s health, nervous stale, or degree of
Tremors. a writing weakness portrayed by irregular shaky strokes. intoxication.
Baseline. the ruled or imaginary line upon which the writing rests. Speed of Writing. not everyone writes at the same rate, so that
Line Quality. a term characterizing the visible record in the written consideration of the speed of writing maybe
stroke of the basic movement and manner of holding the writing a significant identifying element. Writing speed cannot be measured
instrument. lt is derived from a combination of factors including writing precisely from the finished handwriting but can interpreted in broad’s
skill, terms as slow, moderate, or rapid.
speed, rhythm, freedom of movement, shading and pen position. Natural Variation. normal or usual deviation found between repeated
Alignment. is the relation of parts of the whole line of writing or line of specimens of a individuals handwriting or in the product of any
individual letter in words relative to the baseline. typewriter or other record making machines.
Diacritic. an element added to complete a certain letter such as dot on Guided Signature. a signature that is executed while the writer’s hand
small “i”, “j” and bar “t” and accent mark on foreign language. or arm is steadied in any way, also classified as an assisted signature.
Size/Proportion. is the relation between the tall and short letters. Under the law of must jurisdictions such a signature authenticates a
Lateral Spacing. is the horizontal spacing between letters or words. legal document provided is shown that the writer requested the
Stroke Structure. the series of lines and curves of the individual letters assistance. Guided signatures are most commonly written during a
of alphabet. serious illness or on a death bed.
Ductus Broken or Junction Broken. the disconnected or non- Model Signature. a genuine signature that has been used to prepare
continuous stroke between two letters. an imitated or traced forgery.
Ductus Link or Junction Connection. the continuous line that joins Handwriting. any disconnected style of writing in which each letter is
two letters. written separately, also called hand printing.
Arc or . is the bend, crook or curved on inner side of a loop such letter Splicing. a term used by document examiners to denote the slight
“b”, “c”, “n”, and “p”. lt is any arcaded in the body of letters “c”, “a”, “s", overlapping of two strokes after an interruption in the writing. lt may be
and “o". a part of imitated, fraudulent signatures that are prepared one
Ascender. is the top portion of the letter or the upper loop such as “b”, or two letters at a time.
“d”, “l", “f”, “i” and “k”. Movement. an important of handwriting. it embraces all the factors
related to the motion of the writing
Instrument. skill, speed. Freedom, hesitation, rhythm, emphasis,
Beard. a rudimentary curved initial stroke. tremor and the like. The manner in which the writing instrument is
Skill Level. described as appreciation of beauty as applied moved, that is by finger, hand or arm action, may influence each of
inhandwriting. these factors.
Buckle Knot. is the horizontal loop that are often used to complete Habit. any repeated element or detail that may serve to individualize
such as “A”, “B”, “H” and "K". writing.
Body. part of the letter ordinarily form by small circle that usually lies on Significant Writing Habit. Any characteristics of handwriting that his
the line of writing as bodies of "a", “o”, “d”, “g”, “p” and "q". sufficiently uncommon and well fixed to serve as a fundamental point in
Blunt. is the beginning or ending stroke of letter both small and capital the identification.
in which the pen touched the paper without hesitation, beard, hitch, or Hesitation- irregular thickening of strokes which the writing is slow
knob. down or stops while a penman takes stocks of the position.
Foot. is the base or bottom of a letter that lies on the line of writing. Hiatus. special form of pen-lift, distinguishable in that a perceptible gap
Knob. extra deposit of ink in the initial and terminal stroke due to the appear in writing, though sometimes hiatus are caused by failure of ink
withdrawal of the pen from the paper. to register on a paper due to speed of writing movement.
Rounded appearance at the beginning or ending of stroke. Patching. retouching or going back over a defective portion of a writing
Loops. stroke found in long letters resembling an oblong curve. stroke. Careful patching is a common defect in forgeries.
Hitch. the introductory backward stroke added to the beginning or Pen Emphasis. the act of intermittently forcing the pen against the
ending many capital letters or small letters. paper surface with increased in pressure.
Hook. the bend, crook, curve of the inner side of the bottom loop or When the pen point has flexibility this emphasis produces shading, but
curve of a small letter. with more rigid writing point such as ball point pens heavy pen emphasis
Humps. the rounded outside top of a bend, crook or curve in a small can occur in writing without any evidence of shading.
letters.
Pen-Lift. an interruption in a stroke caused by removing the writing Flexibility of Pen Point. a quality of the nib pen that varies with
instrument from the paper. different pens and can be measured by the amount of pressure
Pen pressure. the average force with which pen contracts the paper as necessary to cause a spreading of the nibs or given degree of shading.
estimated from an examination of writing. As opposed to pen emphasis, Roller Pen. a type of ball point pen that uses aqueous ink.
deals with the usual or average force involved in the writing rather than Quill Pen. writing instrument made from the writing feathers of the
with the periodic increase. goose and swan.
Pen Position. the relation between the point and the paper, specifically Watermarks. translucent design impressive in certain papers during
the angle between the nibs of the pen and the line of writing and the course of this manufacture.
between the pen point and the paper surface are the elements of pen Surface Texture of Paper. The surface of any sheet of paper when
position. viewed under magnification is not absolutely smooth and flat, but
was done or remain after pencil or typewriting has been thoroughly irregular and rough. Surface Texture described this property.
erased. Paper. a material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or
Writing Off Set. the result of a paper coming in contract with fresh ink other fibrous substances used for writing or drawing.
writing. lt may be the mirror image of entire words or sentences are Papyrus. a writing material prepared in ancient Egypt from the pithy
sometimes found on a letter, or merely fragments of words or letters. stems of papyrus plant.
Engraved Printing. Letterheads and other matter that are printed from Parchment. an animal skin (goat or sheep) prepared as writing or
a metal late containing an etched design, for example. Whit this type of printing material. Earliest writing instrument of gravity leading of ink.
work the ink is slightly raised above the surface of the paper. Vellum. parchment made from young calves and kids.
Lithographs or Off Set Printing. printing from a smooth surface plate Paper Analysis. the application of chemicals on the paper to determine
that has been treated so that the printing areas are ink repelling. its component whether or not it came from the source.
Originally this process a smooth "stone surface, but today most off set Safety Paper. the term is applied to paper which has been treated in
printing is prepared from specially treated zinc or paper plates. such way to minimize the chances of successful forgery by erasure
Cheque Writing Machine. A device which is extended to prevent whether, mechanical or chemical being carried out in any document
either erasure or alteration of the entire cheque. which forms the basis.
Iodine Fumes. kind of chemical examination of ink erasure. Look-through of Paper. The appearances of paper when viewed by
transmitted light, thus disclosing the texture or formation of the sheet.
INK, WRlTlNG INSTRUMENT AND PAPERS
Ink. a colored fluid or viscous marking material used for writing or PHOTQGRAPHS AND OTHER REPRODUCTION
printing. Safety Paper. the term is applied to paper which has been treated in
Secret Ink. a material used for writing which is not visible until treated such way to minimize the chances of successful forgery by erasure
by some developing process or "substances can serve or sympathetic whether mechanical or chemical being carried out in any document
ink. which forms the basis.
Synthetic Dye Inks. any ink consisting simply of a dye dissolved in Look-through of Paper. The appearances of paper when viewed by
water together with the necessary preservatives. Various dyes are used transmitted light, thus disclosing the texture or formation of the sheet.
in commercial ink manufacture today. The aniline dyes were the first of Photo Macrographs. an enlarged photograph prepared from a camera
these, and some writers still refer to inks of this class as “Aniline Inks". with the use of macro lens.
Blue-black Ink. the class fluid ink that writes blue and darkness with Photograph. a reproduction made with a camera and light sensitive
age to a neutral gray or black. lt contains a blue dye, but the permanent material. The process normally requires two steps preparation of a
marking substances are most - colorless iron tennates and gallates negative on film and the
which gradually darken after exposure to air. printing of the final positive from it.
Non aqueous lnk. ink in which the pigment or dye is carried in any Photographic Negative. The transparency produced when black and
vehicle other than water. lnks of this class are found in ballpoint pens, white film is exposed in a camera then
typewriting ribbons and stamp pads, and are widely used in the printing developed. The term is derived from the appearance and the
industry. transparency in which the areas of the original appear the darkest or
Pencil. a writing instrument in which the marking portion consist of a most opaque, while the darkest portions of the original are almost clear.
compressed stick of graphite or colored With color
marking substances usually mixed with days and waxes. film the light-dark reversal is coupled with a change of colors to the
Pencil Grade. a qualitative description of the hardness-or softness of a complements of those in the original material.
pencil that is how dark a stroke it is capable of making. Photographic Positive. Print made by passing light through the
Colored Pencil. a pencil whose marking pigment is not black. negative generally unto photographic paper. ln this print the tonal values
Copy Pencil. a pencil whose marking substances consist of a mixture of are directly proportional to those of the original, that is light areas of the
graphite and an aniline "dye. When the pencil stroke is moistened the original appear light and dark areas dark.
dye develops into a strong purple or, in some-case, a blue color. The Photocopy. a reproduction of a document made on paper by any office
developed stroke is more difficult to erase than ordinary writing. Some or commercial system.
refer to this kind of writing instrument as an indenible pencil. Photostat. a commercial production in which a negative copy while
lndenible Pencil. see copy pencil writing on a black background, is made
Pen. any writing instrument used to apply inks to the paper. directly on photosensitive paper. The process employs a special camera
Pen Nib. one of two divisions or points that form the writing portion of equipped with a lens and inverting prism.
a dip pen or fountain pen. Infrared Photography. Reactions in the infrared (invisible) portion of
Porous Tip Pen. a modern writing instrument in which the marking the spectrum recorded by the illumination of a document with a source
element or point consist of a porous material through which the ink. can rich in infrared radiation and by using infrared emulsions and filters.
flow. These pens are commonly known as fiber tip or felt tip pens
or may be referred to as oft tip pens. KINDS OF EXAMINATION
Felt Tip Pen. see porous tip pen 1. Handwriting Examination – including hand lettering and signatures.
Fiber Tip Pen. also porous tip pen 2. Imprint Examination - including those produce by manual devices
Ball Point Pen. a writing instrument having as its marking tip a small, (rubber stamps, dater stamps, and some cancellation stamps),
truly rotating ball bearing that rolls the ink onto the paper. Many of mechanical devices (typewriters and cheque writers), electronic printing
these pens use a highly viscous, non aqueous ink, but in recent years devices (typewriter, computer printers, time clock and cash registers)
construction of some pens has been adapted to use water-based inks. and including the manufacture of counterfeits currencies, negotiable
Hard Point Pen. a modem writing instrument in which the point is a instruments, faxed documents licenses and venous personal credentials
perforated plastic unit. It uses as water-based ink-and produces a stroke and identification documents.
similar to the porous tip pen, but is capable of making carbon copies like 3. Reprographic Examination - including photocopies, facsimile
a ball point or roller pen. reproductions, machine generated, writings
Fountain Pen. a modern nib pen containing a reservoir of ink in a and photographs.
specially designed chamber or cartridge. After complete of filling the pen 4. Writing Media Examination - including instruments, inks and papers.
maybe used to write a number of pages without refilling. 5. Examination of Invisible Faded, Obscured Writng and Impressions of
Writings - including those of charred
documents. 2. informal (cursory) —. signatures for routine documents and personal
6. Dating Examination — including absolute determination (i.e., dates of correspondence.
introduction of products) and relative 3. Careless Scribble - for the mail carrier, delivery boy or the autograph
determination (i.e., the sequence of ink strokes with other ink strokes, collector.
printing, typewriting perforations and folds.
7. Examination of Preternatural Paper Characteristics - including tears, KINDS OF WRITING
fasteners, (i.e., paper clips and staples) cuts and perforations. 1. Cursive - writing in which the letters are for the most par.
8. Miscellaneous Examination - including envelope tampering, adhesives, 2. Script - disconnected and combination of capital and small letters.
laminations typists, characteristics and linguistics. 3. Block (printed) - disconnected and purely capital letters.
9. Instruments Used in the Examination in QD
10. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) - detects KINDS OF HANDWRITING CHARACTERISTICS
indention/indented writings records transparencies of any indentations. 1. Common/Class Characteristics - they are those which conformed to
11. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) - used in the examination of the general style acquired when learning to write and which is
masked or obliterated text, watermarks, visible fluorescence, paper fashionable at the particular time and place. It is the style taught to the
fluorescence and oblique illumination of indented writing and embossing, child in school or by the parents. Not all characteristics encountered are
detects variation in the infra-red characteristics of inks. document examinations are peculiar to a single or thing but rather
12. Microscope — is an instrument, which magnifies objects by means of common to a group.
lens/lenses so as to reveals details invisible to the naked eye. Example of Common Characteristics
13. Comparison Microscope - it allows side by side simultaneous a. Ordinary copy book form
comparison of questioned and known under study. b. Usual systematic slant
14. Stereoscopics Microscope – it provides three dimension c. Ordinary scale of proportion andratio
enlargements of samples of typewriting, crossed strokes, erasures, d. Conventional spacing
alteration and others.
15. Infrared image Comparison Microscope - it provides instant 2. Individual or Personal Characteristics — are those introduced into the
comparison of inks and their ability to absorb or reflect infrared light. handwriting, consciously or unconsciously by the writer. They are highly
16. Handwriting Protractor - it is a special ruled protractor designed for personal or peculiar and are unlikely to occur in other instances. This
the easy and accurate measuring of the slant of writing. class of characteristics are acquires either by:
17. Uniformed Ruled Squares on Glass, Letter and Numbered - this is a a. outgrowth of definite teaching
glass with uniformed squares that can be place over an alleged forgery b. result of imitation
and a model form to compare for enlarged typewritten letters. c. accidental condition or circumstances
18. Transmitted Light Table - an opaque or clear glass mounted to a d. expression of certain mental and physical traits of the writer as
frame wherein a strong light source is installed underneath. affected by education, environment and by occupation
19. Typewriting Test Plates on Glass for Alignment and Line Spacing Test Example of Some individual Characteristics
- Consist of a glass carrying accurately graduated fine line squares. Then a. hook to the right and hook to the left
to an inch, the spacing ordinary typewriting. b. shape, position, size and angle of “i” dots and “t” crossing
20. Angle Measurement - an instrument used in measuring angles in c. indiosyncracies
handwriting and typewriting the width of the angle is indicated at the d. buckle and distinctive initial and final pen pressure
point and the steps are in degrees and the range is 60° to 10°. e. embellishment, added strokes and free movement
21. Handwriting Protractor - it is a special ruled protractor designed for f. conventional spacing
the easy and accurate measuring of the slant of handwriting. g. abbreviation of letters
h. simple and compound curves and graceful endings
TECHNIQUES IN THE EXAMINATION i. labored movement producing ragged lines
1. Microscope Examination - stereoscopic examination with low and high j. terminal shadings and forceful endings
power objectives is used to detect k. presence of end influence of foreign handwriting
retouching, patching, and unnatural pen-lift is signature analysis with
proper angle and intensity of illumination, it aids in the decipherment of CAUSES OF NATURAL HANDWRITING
erasures, some minutes manipulation. not perfectly pictured to the  Due to the lack of machine-like precision of the human hand
unaided eye and the manipulation not perfectly pictured to the unaided  Caused by external factors such as writing instrument and
eye and the sequence of entries done by different writing instrument. writing position
2. Transmitted Light Examination — documents are objected the type of  lnternal factors as influenced by physical and mental
examination to determine the presence of erasures, matching of conditions such as fatigue, intoxication, illness, nervousness, age ofthe
serration and some other types of alteration. writer
3. Oblique Light Examination - decipherment of faded handwriting
 The quantity of writing prepared in the course of time
decipherment of outlines in traced forgery,
embossed impression etc., are subjected to this type of examination.
KINDS OF STANDARD
4. Photographic Examination - this type of examination is very essential
1. Collected - Known handwritings of a person in the course of his daily
in every document examination.
life, business social or personal affairs such as signatures and
5. Ultra Violet Examination - this type of examination is done in a
endorsement and cancelled checks, commercial, public and private
darkroom after the lamp has been warmed up in order to give a
documents
maximum output of the ultra violet light. Exposure to the ultra violet
2. Requested - Signatures and known writings written by an individual
light should be
upon request of investigator for the purpose of comparison with other
the minimum duration in order to avoid fading of some writing ink and
handwritings, hand printings and signatures.
typewriter ribbon. The exposures of a document the ultra violet light is
3. Post Litem Motem Exemplars – Writing procedures by the subject
useful when it consists of several pages and substitution is being
after evidential writings have come into dispute and solely for the
suspected. The color and intensity of fluorescents reaction is very
purpose of establishing contention court room demonstration where the
apparent of substituted page. Mechanical and chemical
writer gives a sample which a check within an hour to a day by the
erasures will certainly change the reflectivity and fluorescence of the
questioned document expert.
area affected.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE SELECTION OF
STYLES/KINDS OF SIGNATURES
STANDARDS
1. Conventional Signatures — signatures which are readable or legible.
1. Good writing standard should be sufficient to define accurately both
2. Highly Individualized Signatures - series of intertwining strokes,
the identifying habits are used in the kind and extent of variation typical
flourishes and ornamentations.
of the writers handwriting under any writing condition.
Contemporaneous date of the standard maximum five (5) years before
CLASSES OF SIGNATURE
and after execution, of questioned handwriting.
1. Formal - complete correct signature for an important document such
2. Must be original and at least eight (8) standard signatures appearing
as will.
at different documents.
3. Similar writing style.  EMBEDDED SEEURITY THREAD
4. Similar instrument used if possible. View the embedded security thread – the embedded security thread is a
5. Similar dialect or language in handwriting or any extended writing. special thread implanted off center of the note during paper
manufacture. This can easily be seen when the note is viewed against
CHARACTERISTICS/INDICATION OF GENUINE SIGNATURE the light. it appears as a broken line for 5’s,10's and 20's and straight
 Degree of Skill - genuine signature even if showing tremors line for 50's, 100's, 200's, 500's and 1000's.
will show some free connecting and terminal strokes.  WINDOWED SECURITY THREAD
 Firmness of strokes — in genuine signatures hesitation and Viewed the windowed security thread on the improved version 100’s,
pen-stops are in natural places. 500’s and 1000 piso notes and the new 2000 pio notes - the windowed
 Habitual Speed of Writing - even in slow and unskillful security thread is narrow security thread vertically located like “stitches”
signatures, there is consistency in speed. at the face of the note with clear text of the numerical value in repeated
 Fundamental Muscular Movement – in genuine signatures the sequence and changes in color from magenta to green or green to
upward stroke show more smoothness and freedom than the downward magenta depending on the angle of view.
 IRIDESCENT BAND
strokes.
 Pattern of shading and Pen-Emphasis Look for the iridescent band on the improved version of the 100’s,
500’s and 100 piso notes and the new 2000 piso notes - wide glistening
 Presence of Natural Variation — as no two signatures of an
gold vertical stripe with the numerical value printed in series.
individual are exactly alike.
 PORTRAIT
 Coordination, continuity, freedom, rhythm
Recognize the portrait - appears lifelike. The eyes “sparkle”. Shading is
 Careless
formed by the lines that give the portrait a characteristic facial
expression which is extremely difficult to replicate.
INDICATION OF FORGERY 
 Hesitation and pen stops at unusual places Check the serial number - composed of 1 to 2 prefix letters and 6 to 7
 Abrupt changes of directions of lines digits. The letters and numerals are uniform in size and thickness, evenly
 Concealed joining spaced and well-aligned; end glow under the ultra-violet light. A bank
 Blunt initial and ending strokes note with six “0” digit serial number is a specimen note and not legal
 Misplaced shadings tender note
 Lack of variation in pen pressure  VALUE PANEL
 Defective line quality Check the numbers found at the four corners of the front and back of
 Careful patching or retouching the note – the numerals denote the denomination of the note
 Unnatural tremors  FLOURESCENT PRINTING
 Presence of carbon, pencil, or indentions along lines of strokes Look for the presence of the fluorescent print when the note is exposed
 Unnatural pen lifts under the ultra-violet light – the fourescent print is the invisible
numerical value located off center of the face of the note that glows
 Drawn quality and devoid of free and normal writing
when exposed to ultra violet light
movement
 MICRO PRINTING
Verifying under the lens the presence of the printing on the
KINDS OF FORGERY
denominations50, 100,200, 500 and 1000 – micro printings are the
1. Simple forgery (Spurious signature) - forged signature without
minute and finely printed words “Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas” or “Central
the attempt to copy a genuine model, this kind of forgery is easily
Bank of the Philippines” located at the face or back of the note that are
detected as fraudulent in view of the fact that is widely different from
clearly printed and readable
the genuine or even in general appearance alone.
 CONCEALED VALUE
2. Simulated Forgery (Free Hand imitation) — this forgery is
Check the concealed value on the 500-piso denomination – this
constructed by using a genuine signature as a model, and forger
concealed value is located at the lower left corner of the face of the note
generates an artistic reproduction of this model, depending on this skill
and is recognize when the note is held at eye level
and amount practice. It is quite good and bear remarkable pictorial
 OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK
similarity to the genuine signature.
3. Traced Forgery - this means following the outline of genuine Check the optically variable ink on the 1000-piso denomination – it
signatures. This are generally created by one of four methods; changes color from green to blue or blue to green when the note is held
transmitted light, carbon intermediate, pressure indented image and at different angles
tracing paper technique.

KINDS OF STROKE STRUCTURE

1. Initial Stroke
2. Connecting Stroke
a. Circular
b. Angular
c. Elliptical
3. Terminal Stroke or Ending Stroke

KNOW YQUR MONEY

 PAPER
Feel the paper - the genuine note is printed on a special kind of paper
which is rough when you run your fingers through it. It does not glow
under the ultra-violet light. During paper manufacture, the watermark,
security fibers and iridescent band are included.
 WATERMARK
Examine the watermark on the unprinted portion of the note - the
watermark is the silhouette of the portrait appearing on the face of the
note. Sharp details of the light and shadow effect can be seen when the
note is viewed against the light. The contours of the features of the
silhouettes can be felt by running the fingers over the design relatively
new notes.
 SECURITY FIBERS
Inspect the security fibers - the embedded red and blue visible fibers are
scattered at random on both surfaces of a genuine note and can be
readily picked off by means of any pointed instrument.