Welcome to Deceive Me Not!
Deceive Me Not is a dedicated branch of Securing Everything, where the hidden truths in written words and documents come to light. Specializing in Forensic Document Examination, Identity Theft, and Forgery, we stand as the first line of defense against deception and fraud.
Our mission is to uncover the reality obscured within documents, whether it’s a question of authenticity in a legal case or the intricate details of identity theft and forgery. We apply scientific rigor and expert analysis to every investigation, ensuring that every stroke of the pen and every printed character tells its story.
Our expert, Dawn McCarty, has trained under several mentors, including Sylvia Kessler and Kathy Koppenhaver, on how to detect even the most subtle anomalies in documents. She has completed 40 hours of training with the National Association of Document Examiners (NADE), and continues to hone her skills independently. See her CV Here
From scrutinizing the nuances of handwriting to dissecting the layers of a potentially forged document, our comprehensive approach leaves no stone unturned. We serve as a beacon of truth in a sea of misinformation, providing clarity and resolution in cases where the integrity of documentation is crucial.
We’re committed to delivering precise, reliable results that uphold the highest standards of forensic analysis. Here, the invisible ink of deception becomes visible, and the truth prevails.
Let's Look at a High Stakes Use Case:
Unraveling Truths in the Case of JonBenet Ramsey
But first, let’s go over a few important items…
What is Forensic Document Examination?
Forensic Document Examination (FDE) is a specialized field that involves analyzing documents to help solve crimes and settle disputes.
Imagine you have a puzzle made of words, handwriting, and paper instead of traditional puzzle pieces. Forensic Document Examiners are like puzzle experts who use their skills to put these pieces together and reveal a hidden picture.
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Handwriting Sleuths: Just like everyone has a unique way of walking or talking, we all have a unique way of writing. FDE experts look at handwriting to see if a signature is genuine or if someone tried to copy someone else’s writing.
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Paper Detectives: Sometimes, the paper itself tells a story. Examiners check the type of paper, ink, and even how old they are to see if a document is what it claims to be.
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Clue Hunters: Have you ever written something, erased it, and then written something else? FDE experts can find these hidden changes. They look for erased writings, hidden words, or parts that were added later.
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Truth Revealers: In court cases, the authenticity of documents like wills, contracts, or threatening letters can be crucial. FDE experts analyze these documents to help judges and juries understand the truth.
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Problem Solvers: Sometimes, their work stops crimes like forgery (which is like making a fake painting and selling it as real) or helps solve mysteries, like who wrote a mysterious letter.
In short, Forensic Document Examiners are like detectives for anything written or printed. They help uncover the truth hidden in the pages and ensure that justice is served based on real, trustworthy evidence.
Now For Use Case #1: Comparisons of the Ramsey Ransom Note and the Known Paedophile, Gary Oliva
Keep in mind that in these samples, two distinct writing instruments were employed: a ballpoint pen and a Sharpie.
Our analysis does not seek an exact visual match, as the differing natures of these tools inherently produce varied markings. Instead, we focus on the intersections, spacing, and shapes within the writing.
These elements can reveal similarities that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye. We look for consistent anomalies or patterns that might indicate a common authorship, rather than seeking a perfect visual correspondence.
This nuanced approach is crucial in accurately assessing and comparing handwriting samples in forensic document examination.
Additionally, this examination does not provide an opinion of who killed JonBenet, only who may have authored the ransom note. The investigation into who the killer was may
Letter "a" Layovers
Letter's "B" & "b" Layovers
5x8 Jr. Legal Pad Comparison
Use Case #2: Will Forgery Analysis
The purpose of the use case below is to illustrate the practical application and impact of Forensic Document Examination (FDE) in resolving real-world disputes, specifically in a scenario involving a potential will forgery. By detailing the process from initial suspicion to the final resolution, the use case demonstrates how FDE can uncover alterations in legal documents, subsequently influencing the outcome of estate disputes. It serves as an example of how expert document analysis can not only reveal factual evidence of forgery but also play a decisive role in settling disputes out of court, thereby restoring justice to affected parties. This scenario emphasizes the importance of FDE in providing clarity and resolution in complex situations where document authenticity is questioned.
Background:
A client, Ms. Jane Doe, requested services with concerns about the authenticity of her late mother’s will. Her mother had recently passed away, and the will presented by Jane’s aunt (the mother’s sister) outlined that Jane was to receive only $1, while the aunt was the beneficiary of the entire estate. Jane suspected foul play, given her previously strong relationship with her mother and inconsistencies in the document’s presentation.
The Challenge:
To determine if any alterations had been made to the will, specifically in areas that drastically altered the distribution of the estate.
Approach:
- Initial Assessment:
- Conducted a preliminary review of the will, noting any visible irregularities or inconsistencies in the document.
- Detailed Analysis:
- Utilized advanced forensic techniques to analyze the typing and alignment of the text.
- Focused on a specific line that appeared misaligned with the rest of the document.
- Findings:
- Discovered that the alignment of one line on a particular page did not match the rest of the document, suggesting post-creation alteration.
- Through microscopic examination, identified slight differences in ink and typing pressure on the altered line.
- Concluded that the line containing Jane’s name and the altered distribution of assets was not part of the original document.
The Outcome:
- Presented the findings to Jane, who then approached her aunt with the evidence.
- The aunt, likely realizing the strength of the evidence and the potential for legal repercussions, agreed to an out-of-court settlement.
- The settlement resulted in the daughter inheriting the estate, and Jane would consider what she believed her mother’s intentions would be regarding her aunt.
The Conclusion:
This case underscores the vital role of Forensic Document Examination in uncovering document tampering and ensuring justice in personal and sensitive matters such as will disputes. The expertise and detailed analysis provided by our FDE team brought to light crucial evidence that helped restore Jane’s rightful inheritance, demonstrating the profound impact of our work beyond the courtroom.
Types of Cases Examined
- Forged Wills
- Forged Checks
- Custody Evaluations
- Employment Screening
- Tenant Screening
- Detecting Lies
- Detecting Drug usage
- Pre-Fire Violence Assessments
- Team Compatibility
- Progression of Suicide
- Suicidal or Homicidal Assessments
- Sexual Assault Potential Assessment
Disclaimer: Professional Expertise, Not Legal Advice!
Please note that our expertise lies in Forensic Document Examination, including handwriting analysis and identification of forgeries. While we bring extensive experience and knowledge in these specific areas, it is important to understand that we are not licensed attorneys and do not offer legal advice.
Our commentary and insights are based solely on our professional experiences in cases we have personally worked on. We share our expert opinions to shed light on the technical aspects of document examination and related fields.
For legal advice or interpretation of the law, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your specific legal needs.