Many people, including large corporations, have fallen victim to scams involving fake legal documents. Today’s digital age has made it easier for scammers to forge and manipulate digital files. The editing can be so convincing that it will easily pass unnoticed if you don’t take a second look.
Verifying the authenticity of legal documents can help you avoid making decisions that might lead to significant losses. The ultimate goal is to protect your interests at all times, whether you are selling or purchasing property. This article offers tips and tricks on how to verify the originality of legal documents.
The Eye Test
Eye tests alone are not enough. However, being attentive can help you catch subtle errors in the documents. Pay attention to details such as fonts, signatures, and logos. First, verify that the watermark or stamp is genuine and properly affixed.
When handling physical copies, inspect the paper quality. You can compare it to other documents from the same institution to identify inconsistencies. Additionally, carefully read the document for errors like spelling mistakes or overwritten text.
Verify the Source
Where you obtain the documents also matters. Downloading documents from other sources other than their official website can be risky. Start by verifying the website’s address and the sender’s email before opening the document.
If you are unsure about the document’s authenticity, don’t hesitate to contact the relevant body or authority. It is always best to err on the side of caution, especially if you have concerns about the source.
Use Online Verification Tools
Verifying the originality of softcopy documents can be challenging. Several online tools can help you verify the authenticity of certain types of documents. You can use the Walter Writes service to verify the originality of legal documents.
Check the timestamp to confirm that the signature on the document matches with expected timeline. These verification tools will analyze the metadata to ensure everything checks out. This will include verifying the author’s information to confirm the identity of the person who created the document.
Seek Help from a Professional
You can also enlist the help of a third-party document verification expert to help confirm if the documents are authentic. The experts will inspect the document for any anomalies. This often involves running the document through a database of other original copies.
The verification experts can also detect cases of forgery. We recommend consulting a legal professional or document verification expert if you have any doubts about the document’s originality.
Ask the sender to include a digital signature when getting softcopy documents. They will include a password to unlock the document. These authentication steps can help you verify the authenticity of softcopy documents.
Wrapping Up
Verifying the originality of legal documents is your first step toward keeping your transactions safe and secure. Fake digital documents can easily pass through your eye if you aren’t careful.
The tips in this guide will help you ensure all legal documents are authentic. Remember, always trust your instincts. Be careful when receiving documents purporting to be your bank or job sent via suspicious email addresses.
