Practical Guide: How to Detect a Fake Document in 2025

Document fraud has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with 2.4 million fraud attempts detected in Europe alone in the first quarter. Faced with increasingly sophisticated falsification technologies, it becomes crucial for professionals to master fake document detection techniques.

This practical guide provides you with a comprehensive methodology and concrete tools to effectively identify fraudulent documents, whether you are an HR manager, real estate agent, banker, or manager of any organization handling identity documents.

The Evolution of Document Fraud in 2025

New Challenges

Document fraud has considerably evolved with the emergence of new technologies:

- Generative AI: 78% of fake documents now use artificial intelligence

• Documentary deepfakes: Ultra-realistic photo manipulation in real-time
• 3D printing: Reproduction of secure textures and reliefs
• Fraudulent blockchain: Fake certificates with functional QR codes

Economic Impact

2025 statistics reveal the scope of the phenomenon:

| Sector | Annual Losses | Increase vs 2024 | |---------|---------------|------------------| | Banking/Finance | €14.2B | +34% | | Real Estate | €3.8B | +67% | | HR/Recruitment | €2.1B | +45% | | Administration | €1.9B | +23% |

4-Step Detection Methodology

Step 1: Preliminary Visual Analysis (30 seconds)

Mandatory Quick Checks

Format and Proportions

• Verify standard document dimensions
• Check element alignment
• Examine overall print quality

✓ Express Checklist:
□ Compliant dimensions (e.g., French ID card 85.6 × 54 mm)
□ No visible pixelation
□ Uniform and consistent colors
□ Sharp text without smudging
□ No traces of cutting/pasting

Visible Security Elements

• Holograms and reflections
• Watermark in transparency
• Microprinting
• Color-changing elements

Step 2: Data Verification (2-3 minutes)

Information Consistency

Verification Algorithm

def verifydocumentdata(document):
    checks = {
        'birthdateformat': validatedateformat(document.birthdate),
        'agecoherence': calculateagecoherence(document.birthdate, document.issuedate),
        'numberalgorithm': validatedocumentnumber(document.number),
        'expirylogic': checkexpirydate(document.issuedate, document.expirydate)
    }
    return all(checks.values())

Critical Control Points

1. Document Number - Verify generation algorithm (Luhn, modulo 97, etc.) - Check consistency with issue date - Validate format according to issuing country

2. Dates and Ages - Calculate age at time of issuance - Verify standard validity duration - Check temporal logic

3. Biographical Data - Name/surname consistency according to cultural rules - Address validation with postal databases - Verification of authorized special characters

Practical Case: French National ID

Algorithmic control example:
ID Number: 123456789012345

Position 1-12: Unique identifier
Position 13-15: Control key (modulo 97)
Validation: (123456789012 mod 97) = 345 ✓

Step 3: In-Depth Technical Analysis (5-10 minutes)

Examination Under Different Lighting

Lighting Protocol

1. Standard White Light - General print quality control - Detection of visible retouching - Color uniformity verification

2. UV Light (365nm) - Revelation of reactive inks - Control of secure fibers - Detection of hidden fluorescent elements

3. Infrared Light - Analysis of IR-absorbing inks - Detection of invisible overprints - Support authenticity control

Microscopic Analysis

Critical Zones to Examine (magnification x10-x50)

Microscopic control points:
□ Microprint quality
□ Text edge sharpness
□ Absence of visible halftone dots
□ Tactile relief consistency
□ Absence of artificially glued fibers

Recommended Tools

• x10 magnifying glass with integrated LED lighting
• Portable UV lamp 365nm (15W minimum)
• USB digital microscope (50x-1000x)
• Portable IR detector

Step 4: Technological Validation (1-2 minutes)

Using Automated Tools

DeepForgery Solution: AI Detection

Our automated analysis system combines several technologies:

// DeepForgery API integration example
const analyzeDocument = async (documentImage) => {
    const response = await fetch('<a href="https://api.deepforgery.com/v2/analyze'," target="blank" rel="noopener" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:text-blue-800 dark:hover:text-blue-300 underline">https://api.deepforgery.com/v2/analyze',</a> {
        method: 'POST',
        headers: {
            'Authorization': 'Bearer YOURAPIKEY',
            'Content-Type': 'application/json'
        },
        body: JSON.stringify({
            image: documentImage,
            analysistype: 'comprehensive',
            documenttype: 'identitycard',
            country: 'FR'
        })
    });</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">const result = await response.json();
    return {
        authenticityscore: result.score, // 0-100
        riskfactors: result.detectedrisks,
        recommendations: result.actions
    };
};

🚨 Critical Alerts:

Plastic layer delamination
Glued photo instead of integrated
Absence of tactile relief on signature
Hologram that peels off
Faded or washed-out colors
Non-sharp edges

def validatepassport(passportdata):
    validations = {
        'rfidresponse': testrfidchip(passportdata.chip),
        'mrzchecksum': validatemrzalgorithm(passportdata.mrz),
        'photointegration': checkphotolamination(passportdata.photozone),
        'securitythread': detectsecuritythread(passportdata.pages)
    }</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">riskscore = calculateriskscore(validations)
    return riskscore < 30  # Acceptance threshold

Driving Licenses

European Card Format License

Technical specificities:

• 2D barcode: Redundant data with visible text
• Mobile hologram: Dynamic patterns depending on angle
• Teslin substrate: Specific synthetic material

Professional Documents

Diplomas and Certificates

Vigilance points:

• Paper and weight: Institutional quality
• Relief seal: Impossible to reproduce embossing
• Handwritten signatures: Liquid ink, variable pressure
• Numbering: Consistency with official registers

Detection Tools and Technologies

Basic Equipment (Budget < €500)

Essential Detection Kit

1. LED illuminated magnifying glass x10 (€50)

2. Portable UV lamp 365nm (€80) - Minimum 15W power - UV filter for eye protection

3. Multifunctional banknote detector (€120) - UV + white light + IR - Magnetic detection

4. DeepForgery mobile application (Free - €29/month premium) - Real-time AI analysis - Updated database

Professional Equipment (Budget €500-5000)

Intermediate Solution

1. Secure document scanner (€1500)

2. Professional digital microscope (€800) - 10x-200x magnification - HD image capture - Precise measurements

3. RFID/NFC reader (€300) - Compatible with government chips - Secure reading - Cryptographic verification

Enterprise Solutions (Budget > €5000)

Complete Analysis Station

Recommended configuration:

High-resolution scanner (€3000)
Automated microscope (€8000)
AI analysis software (€2000/year)
Team training (€1500)
Annual maintenance (€1000)</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">Estimated ROI: 6-8 months depending on volume

Procedures by Business Sector

Banking Sector

Account Opening Protocol

Verification timeline (3-5 minutes):

Automatic document scan (30s)
Customer data verification (1min)
DeepForgery AI analysis (30s)
Manual control if score < 80% (2min)
Final validation and archiving (1min)

Risk Thresholds

• AI score > 90%: Automatic validation
• Score 70-90%: Manual control
• Score < 70%: Refusal and reporting

Real Estate Sector

Tenant/Buyer Verification

Specific critical points:

• Income proof: Pay stubs, tax notices
• Identity documents: Correspondence with contracts
• Address proof: Geographic consistency

Real Estate Checklist

□ Signatory identity verified
□ Financial capacity documented
□ Credit history consulted
□ Employer references confirmed
□ Current address validated

Human Resources

Secure Recruitment Process

Verification steps:

1. Identity documents: ID + passport if foreign
2. Diplomas and certificates: Verification with institutions
3. Professional experience: Employer reference control
4. Work authorizations: Visa/residence permit validation

Specialized HR Tools

// HR system integration
const verifyCandidate = async (candidateDocuments) => {
    const checks = await Promise.all([
        verifyIdentity(candidateDocuments.id),
        verifyEducation(candidateDocuments.diplomas),
        verifyWorkPermit(candidateDocuments.workAuth),
        checkBackground(candidateDocuments.references)
    ]);</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">return {
        overallscore: calculateOverallScore(checks),
        detailedresults: checks,
        recommendation: generateRecommendation(checks)
    };
};

Managing Suspicious Cases

Alert Protocol

Suspicion Levels

1. Low Suspicion (Score 60-70%) - Double check by colleague - Request additional document - Enhanced surveillance

2. Moderate Suspicion (Score 40-60%) - In-depth internal expertise - Contact with document issuer - Temporary procedure freeze

3. High Suspicion (Score < 40%) - Immediate refusal - Report to authorities - Evidence preservation

Documentation and Traceability

Legal Obligations

Elements to preserve:
□ Copy of suspicious document
□ Detailed analysis report
□ Control timestamps
□ Controller identification
□ Actions taken
□ Authority responses

Retention Periods

• Refused documents: 5 years minimum
• Reports made: 10 years
• Investigation evidence: According to judicial instructions

Training and Skill Development

Recommended Training Program

Level 1: Awareness (2h)

• Document fraud challenges
• Basic visual recognition
• Simple tool usage

Level 2: Operational (1 day)

• Complete verification methodology
• Technical tool mastery
• Reporting procedures

Level 3: Expert (3 days)

• Advanced forensic analysis
• Emerging technologies
• Regulatory watch

DeepForgery Certification

Our certification program covers:

Module 1: Fundamentals (4h)

Document security technologies
Current falsification methods
Regulatory framework</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">Module 2: Practice (8h)

Real analysis cases
DeepForgery platform usage
Quality procedures</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">Module 3: Expertise (4h)

Technology watch
New 2025 risks
Adaptation strategies</p>

<p class="mb-4 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 leading-relaxed">Valid certification for 2 years
Success rate: 94%

Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation

New 2025 Threats

Emerging Trends

1. Real-Time DeepFakes: Live manipulation during video verifications
2. Synthetic Documents: Complete AI creation
3. Injection Attacks: Official database modification
4. Advanced Social Engineering: Sophisticated psychological manipulation

Procedure Adaptation

Recommended Update Cycle

• Monthly: Technology and regulatory watch
• Quarterly: Procedure review
• Biannual: Continuous team training
• Annual: Complete audit and certification

Integration with DeepForgery

APIs and Solutions

Our platform offers complete integration:

// Advanced configuration
const deepforgeryConfig = {
    apiendpoint: '<a href="https://api.deepforgery.com/v2'," target="blank" rel="noopener" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:text-blue-800 dark:hover:text-blue-300 underline">https://api.deepforgery.com/v2',</a>
    authentication: 'Bearer ' + process.env.DEEPFORGERYTOKEN,
    analysisoptions: {
        deeplearning: true,
        forensicanalysis: true,
        realtimeprocessing: true,
        multilanguagesupport: true
    },
    qualitysettings: {
        minimumresolution: 300, // DPI
        acceptedformats: ['jpg', 'png', 'pdf', 'tiff'],
        maxfilesize: '10MB'
    }
};

Priorities for the coming weeks:
□ Audit current procedures
□ Train control teams
□ Acquire basic tools
□ Test DeepForgery solution
□ Implement traceability
□ Define alert thresholds