How to Identify a Fake Document in the Philippines: Tips and Guidelines

Last Updated on May 4, 2023

Identifying a fake document can be daunting, especially in the Philippines, where the prevalence of fraudulent documents is a growing concern.

The consequences of using a fake document can be severe, ranging from legal issues to missed opportunities. In some cases, individuals may unknowingly use counterfeit documents, which can lead to severe repercussions.

Fortunately, some tips and guidelines can help you identify counterfeit documents in the country. This article will provide the information necessary to identify fake documents and avoid potential legal and personal problems.

Common Types of Fake Documents

When identifying forged documents in the Philippines, it’s essential to know what types of documents people commonly forge. Most have a different font or size than an actual ID or may have a blurry or low-quality photo.

Here are some of the most common fake identity documents you may encounter. :

• Fake IDs – Used by minors to buy alcohol or cigarettes. Criminals can also use them to commit identity fraud, identity theft, and other crimes.

• Fake passports – Used by people to travel to other countries illegally. Criminals also use them to escape prosecution.

• Fake certificates – Include phony birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas. These documents are often used by people who want to get a job or go to school. People also submit them to financial institutions as part of their requirements for their loan application or similar.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of fake blank documents. Criminals are always coming up with new ways to commit document fraud, so it’s important to be vigilant and to know what to look out for.

Security Features of Authentic Documents

When identifying a fake document in the Philippines, you must understand the security features of authentic papers. They are designed to make replicating original documents much more complex, making it possible to prevent document fraud. The features also make spotting fake documents much more manageable.

Below are some physical and optical security features commonly found in Philippine documents.

Physical Security Features

Physical security features make creating a fake document difficult, if not impossible. These features can include:

• Watermarks – A design or image visible when the document is held up to the light. They can be used to verify the authenticity of a copy.

• Holograms – A three-dimensional image that is difficult to reproduce. Holograms are often used on ID cards and other essential documents.

• Microprinting – A technique that involves printing small text that is difficult to read without a magnifying glass. This technique can be used to prevent counterfeiting.

Optical Variable Ink

Also known as OVI, it’s an ink type that changes color when viewed from different angles. OVI can be used to create security features such as:

• Color-shifting ink – Changes color when viewed from different angles. This feature is commonly used on banknotes and passports.

• Rainbow printing – A technique that involves printing a design using multiple colors of OVI to prevent counterfeiting.

Security Thread

Known as a thin strip of material that is embedded in a document, security threads can be used to create features such as:

• Metallic thread – Contains metal fibers and can be used to create a security feature that is difficult to reproduce.

• Fluorescent thread – Glows under UV light, which is then used to verify the authenticity of a document.

Identifying Fake Documents

You can perform several tests to spot document fraud in the Philippines and determine its authenticity. If a document does not have any of the markers mentioned below or has one that looks suspicious, it may be a fraudulent document.

Here are some common fraud detection tests that can be done:

Watermark Test

This test involves holding existing documents to a light source to check for watermarks, designs, or patterns embedded in the paper during manufacturing.

An original document usually has a watermark that is difficult to replicate.

Ultraviolet Light Test

To perform this test, you must shine an ultraviolet light on the document to check for hidden features.

Many official documents have hidden features that can only be seen under ultraviolet light. Passports and IDs may have hidden images or text that can only be seen under ultraviolet light.

Microprint Test

Using a magnifying glass, check the document for any microprint, a small text printed on the document. Genuine banknotes have microprint that is difficult to replicate.

Serial Number Verification

Many official documents have a unique serial number that can be verified with the issuing authority.

For example, passports have a unique passport number that the Department of Foreign Affairs can verify. If the serial number on these passports does not match the records of the issuing authority, or if the document does not have a serial number, there’s a good chance that these are counterfeit passports.

Related: How Long Does Background Check Take in the Philippines? + 5 Factors Affecting Results Speed

Legal Consequences of Using Fake Documents

Using fake structured and unstructured documents in the Philippines can have severe legal consequences.

The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the falsified document and the purpose for which it was used. Also, the person who provided the fake document can face criminal charges.

Below are the various legal issues that offending parties may experience:

• Criminal Charges – The person caught using the fake document can be charged with a criminal offense, resulting in imprisonment and fines.

• Civil Liability – The person can be sued for damages by the person who was harmed by using the fake document because of a stolen identity.

• Immigration Issues – The offending person can be deported and barred from entering the country.

• Professional Consequences – The person caught using false documents can lose their job and face difficulty finding employment in the future.

Conclusion

Using fake documents in the Philippines can lead to severe legal consequences. It is always essential to use genuine documents to avoid legal issues.

So, if you’re working for an organization that receives documents like identity verification and bank statements from applicants, you must ensure they’re legitimate submissions. You don’t want to process financial transactions by approving pseudo documents, which could cause significant problems later.

To help you detect document fraud, we at The Spy Experts are here to help. Our document verification services will scan through all the submitted requirements to see if there are any falsified documents. This way, you can strike out applicants from the vetting process and are left with legitimate submissions.