The answer is a resounding yes! Forensic Document Examiners possess the skills and tools to identify signs of digital tampering. Below, we explore an example case handled by SD Forensic Document Services, highlighting key methods used to detect such forgeries.
Detecting Evidence of Digital Tampering
Forensic experts rely on a combination of visual examination and advanced tools to uncover inconsistencies in questioned documents. Here are some critical pieces of evidence identified in a digitally altered document:
1. Blurry Images or Resolution Discrepancies
- Inconsistencies in image clarity or resolution can reveal tampering. For example:
- Picture A shows the colons from the original document, while Picture B depicts the same area in the questioned document.
- When magnified, the pixels of the colon in the questioned document appear broken, unlike the well-defined pixels in the original.
- Under a microscopic view, grayish shadow-like artifacts are visible around the colon dots in the questioned document (Picture D). These artifacts are absent in the original, which maintains crisp and clean pixilation (Picture C).
2. Digitally Introduced Artifacts
- Microscopic examination of the questioned document often reveals digital artifacts not present in the original. These artifacts can include:
- Irregular edges.
- Unnatural distortions or inconsistencies in the document’s texture and color.
Why Microscopic Examination Matters
Tools like microscopes and specialized imaging software allow forensic examiners to closely inspect documents for subtle differences. These methods are especially useful in:
- Differentiating between printed and digitally altered content.
- Identifying signs of image editing software usage.
By leveraging these techniques, forensic experts can conclusively determine whether a document has been digitally tampered with, ensuring the integrity of evidence in legal and professional contexts.
