Press Release

Mortgage Fraud Is Real And Can Cause Lasting Harm

Handwriting Expert

 

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, April 01 2023 – Dwayne Strocen, President of Docufraud Canada an expert in forensic document examination announces a renewed effort to tackle the growing incidence of mortgage and title fraud across Canada.  Equifax has said it has seen a 52 percent increase in mortgage fraud cases since 2013. A forensic document expert is commonly engaged by law enforcement and attorneys to establish and prove the genuineness of signatures, handwriting or altered documents.

There are two very common scenarios that thieves use to perpetrate their crime:

  1. Title Fraud – The homeowner departs on vacation and leave their home unattended for several weeks.  Thieves impersonate the homeowner by using fake identification to transfer title and sell the property without the homeowners knowledge;
  2. Mortgage Fraud – Fraudsters apply for a mortgage or second mortgage while successfully impersonating the homeowner.  The homeowner is completely unaware until missed mortgage payments begin to mount.

In both instances the homeowner has fallen victim to identity theft.  Identity theft is not new however the value of a home is large and no doubt a temptation for those inclined to steal from the innocent.  Generally, identity theft is described as someone using fake identification to impersonate another person.  During the pandemic many banking and financial transactions were done virtually.  In most instances lawyers, bankers and realtors had never met the fraudster except virtually.  The homeowner is not the only victim, all parties involved have been duped, establishing liability can be challenging.

First steps, and the challenge for police and all parties is to establish the home owner as an unwitting victim who was not the author of the documents bearing their signatures.  Prevention is no longer the prime area of concern.  Of immediate importance is regaining control to prove ownership or to establish the homeowner has been targeted in a larger pre-meditated scheme.  The process can take months but there is another way to demonstrate and provide the evidence needed.

Courts have long accepted testimony of forensic experts.  Docufraud Canada examiners specialize in the forensic science of Documents, known as a Forensic Document Examiner.  Our forensic examiners are recognized in jurisdictions worldwide.  We are announcing a renewed effort to provide expertise to all parties for the forensic examination of signatures on mortgage applications, real estate and legal documents to determine their genuineness.

A forensic examiner will examine a signature under magnification to compare a variety of characteristics.  Most people can identify pen pressure, slant or spacing.  When a signature is viewed using instruments such as a Stereo Zoom Microscope, other characteristics come into view.  Some of these are fluidity, stop and starts, overwriting, beginning and ending strokes, (to name only a few).  It takes a skilled and trained eye to know what differentiates a real signature from a forgery.

Litigation to regain title or to establish a case of identity theft is often fraught with all sorts of legal challenges.  It is recommended the first step should be to prove the purported signature on the documents in question were not signed by the homeowner.

About Docufraud Canada:
We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners. Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized across Canada, U.S.A, throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

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Elder Fraud Is Real And Can Cause Lasting Harm

ToHandwriting Expertronto Canada, April 1, 2023 – Dwayne Strocen, President of Docufraud Canada an expert in forensic document examination announces a renewed commitment to tackle the growing incidence of Elder Fraud.  A forensic document expert is commonly engaged by law enforcement and attorneys to establish and prove the genuineness of signatures, handwriting or altered documents.

In our work we see a rising trend in the abuse of elderly citizens by people in position of trust.  A particular worrying trend are toward those seniors in retirement homes or long term care facilities.  Seniors with declining health or diminished capacity are particularly vulnerable.

With certainty, a family member is often the perpetrator but we’re seeing a definite increase from LTC staff, care givers in general, and trusted neighbours.  We don’t want to disparage all of the dedicated and good work provided by many of these people.  However such nefarious individuals will silently gain the trust of a senior, and over time will gain financial control.  Often signed under duress, the person in trust will produce a signed Power of Attorney, or equally as often produce a handwritten Will also know as a Holographic Will.  These documents ultimately endorse the transfer of a house, retirement savings and property to the same person who in good faith is supposed to be looking out for the well being of our most vulnerable citizens.

Courts have long accepted testimony of forensic experts.  Docufraud Canada examiners specialize in the forensic science of Documents, known as a Forensic Document Examiner.  Our forensic examiners are recognized in jurisdictions worldwide.  We are announcing a renewed effort to provide expertise to all parties for the forensic examination of signatures on a Last Will, Power of Attorney, bank records or real estate documents.

In a digital age, digital manipulation is becoming more common.  Bad actors are using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat or Photoshop to alter a document or to cut & paste a signature.  Our document examiners are trained to detect the digital alteration of documents and signatures. A forensic examiner will examine a signature under magnification to compare a variety of characteristics.

Most people can identify pen pressure, slant or spacing.  When a signature is viewed using instruments such as a Stereo Zoom Microscope, other characteristics come into view.  Some of these are fluidity, stop and starts, overwriting, beginning and ending strokes, (to name only a few).  It takes a skilled and trained eye to know what differentiates a real signature from a forgery

Docufraud is announcing our commitment to the detection of the perpetrators of Elder Abuse and Elder Fraud.

About Docufraud Canada:
We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners. Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized across Canada, U.S.A, throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

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Handwriting Expert Prepares for Opening of Ontario Courts on July 6, 2020

Ontario Toronto
 

Docufraud Canada an expert forensic examiner is preparing cases for Ontario courts relating to the submission of handwriting analysis and signature verification

 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 06, 2020 – Dwayne Strocen, President of Docufraud Canada (docufraudcanada.ca) certified and court qualified expert handwriting examiner announces the Ontario Court of Justice will begin the phase one re-opening on July 6th for both civil and criminal proceedings. This opening resumes gradually in a limited number of court houses beginning with the hearing of cases remotely.  Full implementation is expected to be completed by November 1, 2020.

 

Ministry of the Attorney General who oversees the court system acknowledges its commitment to increase and improve its access to video conferencing.  There is a large financial cost associated with the up-grade including a thoughtful process for the safety of all participants.  There are safety issues not only for the litigants but also for juries, attorneys and court staff.  Proper planning is underway with consideration to all involved.

 

Preparation for trial and submission of evidence for expert witness testimony is also underway at Docufraud.  As an expert in the examination of handwriting analysis, signature verification, and altered documents, Docufraud examiners are in full swing in preparation for Ontario’s re-opening, not just Toronto, Ontario’s largest city but for all cities small and large.

 

When called upon to testify for the benefit of the court, Docufraud will present it’s court ready reports as they relate to fraudulent documents and forged contracts, contested wills, employment contracts and Powers of Attorney on behalf of elderly persons.

 

Docufraud Canada has not been idle during this time of stay-at-home orders.  We have continued to act on behalf of attorneys and all Canadians whether represented by legal counsel or not.  While our commitment is to aid the Ontario court in an un-biased and impartial manner, we strive to assist all who need our support.

 

About Docufraud Canada:

We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners.  Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized in all provinces throughout Canada and the U.S.A including Ontario.  In addition, our forensic reports have been accepted and recognized by the courts in Toronto and  the GTA including Hamilton, London, Windsor, Barrie, Kingston, Kitchener, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and others.

 

Contact Information

Dwayne Strocen – President

Toll Free: (888) 289-9009

Direct:      (416) 289-9090

Website: here

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Provincial Court of British Columbia Announcement “Be Prepared To Proceed”

BC

 

Docufraud Canada an expert forensic examiner is preparing cases for matters relating to the submission of handwriting analysis and signature verification

 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada July 03, 2020 – Dwayne Strocen, President of Docufraud Canada (docufraudcanada.ca) a certified and court qualified expert witness says the Provincial Courts of British Columbia have begun the gradual re-opening for both civil and criminal proceedings. This opening resumes gradually beginning with the hearing of cases remotely and in select locations, in person.

 

The Province also acknowledges its commitment to increase and improve its access to video conferencing.  There is a large financial cost associated with the up-grade including a thoughtful process for the safety of all participants.  There are safety issues not only for the litigants but also for juries, attorneys and court staff.  Proper planning is underway with consideration to all involved.

 

Preparation for trial and submission of evidence for expert witness testimony is underway at Docufraud.  As an expert in the examination of handwriting analysis, signature verification, and altered documents, Docufraud examiners are in full swing in preparation for B.C.’s re-opening.

 

When called upon to testify for the benefit of the court, Docufraud will present it’s court ready reports as they relate to Fraudulent documents and forged contracts, contested wills, employment contracts and Powers of Attorney on behalf of elderly persons.

 

Docufraud Canada has not been idle during this time of stay-at-home orders.  We have continued to act on behalf of attorneys and all Canadians whether represented by legal counsel or not.  While our commitment is to aid the B.C. court in an un-biased and impartial manner, we strive to assist all who need our support.

 

About Docufraud Canada:

We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners.  Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized in all provinces throughout Canada and the U.S.A including B.C.  In addition, our forensic reports have been accepted and recognized by the courts in Vancouver, Victoria, Burnaby, Kamloops, Kelowna, Prince George and others.

 

Contact Information

Dwayne Strocen – President

Toll Free: (888) 289-9009

Direct:      (416) 289-9090

Website: docufraudCanada.ca

e-mail us here

 

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Docufraud Canada Announce Document Examination Service Continue as Judicial System Re-Open for Civil & Criminal Proceedings

Document Examination Service

 

 

Forensic Examination services continue for handwriting analysis, signature verification and examination of forged and fraudulent documents

 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 25, 2020 – Dwayne Strocen, President of Docufraud Canada (docufraudcanada.ca/ ) says Provinces have begun the gradual re-opening of courts for both civil and criminal proceedings. As this opening resumes across the country an enormous backlog of cases present new challenges in the field of document examination services.

 

Problem one says Strocen, is “how to keep people safe”. Many jurisdictions will be enhancing their use of video conferencing.  One source revealed that while video conferencing is not new, the judicial system faces enormous cost outlay for purchase and installment of the technology.

 

The COVID-19 experience also requires that plexiglass screening is likely to be installed to protect staff, attorneys, litigants and members of the jury.  While all of this is likely to be similar across each Province, there will also be differences.

 

One aspect that will not change is the basic rule of law, particularly as it pertains to the use of forensic experts and document examination.  Docufraud Canada employs fully accredited examiners who are specialists in handwriting analysis, signature verification and the examination of altered documents.

 

During this time of stay-at-home and work-from-home orders, the judicial system has not ground to a complete stop.  Legal matters continue to be filed, attorneys continue to prepare for court and document examiners continue to examine allegations of fraudulent documents, signature forgeries and contested wills including holographic wills.

 

Docufraud Canada is no different in that we continue to review documents, and prepare for court either in the presentation of our notarized reports or simply to confirm the legitimacy of a document or signature.  Dwayne Strocen also notes the increase in matters related to employment contracts.  This is a time where employment stress is compounded by layoffs and general uncertainty.

 

Our work in document examination continues and presenting a winning legal strategy is not dependent on chance or a winning smile.  It is won by presenting all of the evidence in a manner that is clear and concise.  Docufraud continues to represent Canadians in a variety of matters and we can do so for you.

 

About Docufraud Canada:

We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners.  Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized in all provinces throughout Canada and the U.S.A.  In addition, our forensic reports have been accepted and recognized by the courts in Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, India, Iran, Pakistan, Poland and others.

 

Contact Information

Dwayne Strocen – President

Toll Free: (888) 289-9009

Direct:      (416) 289-9090

Website: docufraudCanada.ca

e-mail us here

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Forensic Document Examiner Necessary to Successfully Litigate Contested Will

Litigate Contested Will

 

Forensic Document Examiner Necessary to Successfully Litigate a Contested Will or to Prove a Document or Signature is is in fact a Forgery

Toronto, Ontario, June 22, 2020 – Docufraud Canada says successful litigation must meet a list of criteria before the court to demonstrate each of the parties have met their burden of proof.  One of the more important aspects can be to determine if a suspected forged document or signature is in fact legitimate.  For this, you may need a forensic signature analysis with a court qualified handwriting expert.

As with any solid foundation where credibility is critical. Establishment of the legitimacy of the documents in question go a long way to demonstrate credibility of the parties involved.   Confirmation to the court in litigation is to establish beyond a doubt whether the document in question is genuine or fraudulent.  This is never more important for the court than when each party claim the other has broken the spirit of a contractual obligation.  A “He Said – She Said” scenario.

Whether this is to litigate a contested a will.  Or perhaps to attempt to demonstrate a document is fraudulent.  Or to establish if signatures have been forged or altered.  Establishing the burden of proof is part of your pre-trial preparation.  A forensic examination is needed by a qualified examiner whose written report will be entered into evidence and on the record.

A Forensic Document Examiner is also known as a Questioned Document Examiner.  They are an individual who can demonstrate to the court they have met certain standards of training and expertise.  Based on these standards, the court will recognize the examiner as an Expert Witness.  This standing has greater weight with the court for one basic reason.  The examiner must also certify and swear the examination in question was made without bias to either party and was impartial.

The examiner also recognizes their responsibility to provide this un-biased factual evidence to the court.  This is done in spite of which party engaged their service.  Presenting a winning legal strategy is not dependent on chance or a winning smile.  It is won by presenting all of the evidence in a manner that is clear and unemotional.

About Docufraud Canada:

We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners.  Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized in all provinces throughout Canada and the U.S.A.  In addition, our forensic reports have been accepted and recognized by the courts in Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, India, Iran, Pakistan, Poland and others.

Call us, you’ll be glad you did.

Contact Information

Dwayne Strocen – President

Toll Free: (888) 289-9009
Direct:      (416) 289-9090
Website: docufraudCanada.ca
e-mail:     dwayne@docufraudcanada.ca

More from us on handwriting

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Forensic Document Examination. Certified and Court Qualified

Forged Documents

 

Forged Documents, Counterfeit Goods, Cyber Intrusion Including Identity Theft Have Become a Symbol Of Our 21st Century Culture

Toronto, Ontario, March 03, 2020 – Forged documents, counterfeit knock-offs and internet SCAMS have grown to such an alarming part of our life.  It seems that issues of forgery have become a fixture and a symbol of our 21st century culture.  Docufraud Canada announces certified and court qualified forensic document examiners?

Dwayne Strocen, President of Docufraud Canada a Canadian based specialist in Forensic Document Examination has seen a noticeable increase in reported crimes associated with identity theft, internet cyber intrusion and instances of signature forgery.  Although many of these crimes should be reported to the police, Mr. Strocen wonders if the name Docufraud Canada has some allure for the public to call with reports of wrong doing.

Nothing it seems is off-limits to a person intent on deceiving or defrauding others.  There is no boundary to age, gender, income level or status in the community.  We’ve all received the slick  calls and read the e-mails asking us to click the link or some new way to deceive us into revealing personal information.  When will it end?

It seems the R.C.M.P and local police readily admit to being completely overwhelmed.  This is partly due to the fact that many of these nefarious individuals and organizations are not domiciled here in Canada.  They are often located in other countries where laws are lax and ineffective.  Yet in every case there are Canadians who live among us who will aid and abet by assisting with money collection, wire transfers and storage of stolen goods and counterfeit property.

Technology has provided us with time and labour saving devices.  But technology has also evolved our world into something not envisioned by the creators of the internet.  If a 3-D printer can create a usable human organ for transplant then it certainly can fraudulently create a new licence plate for a stolen car, or perhaps a gun to fool airport screening.  If a thief can manufacture counterfeit products so it cannot be distinguished from the original then there is no limit except by the thief’s own imagination.

Forgery

According to Mr. Strocen, here is where some of the problem stems.  Docufraud receives call after call from individuals who despite reading and being aware of such activity continue to distribute their personal information.  The greatest sources of voluntary information is social media sites, dating sites and retail shopping sites.  If a retailer asks for your e-mail address, phone number or mailing address, he says don’t give it.  Even if the clerk insists, it’s none of their business.

This information is used to illegally apply for bank loans and credit cards.  It’s used to purchase vehicles, motor homes, expensive watches, and other large ticket items.  And in every instance you are responsible for the outstanding payments and the accumulated debt.  A significant percentage of Docufraud’s business is from individuals who have fallen victim and need to prove the signature on the expensive purchase was not theirs and indeed a forgery.  In addition to the time and stress, the court appearances and legal costs, there is a ruined credit rating.

Docufraud Canada would like to put out this warning to all Canadians. Be vigilant and be a smart consumer.  We truly hope you do not need our services.  But if you do, you can count on us to assist with establishing your true identity.  We can’t fix your credit rating but we do have certified and court qualified forensic examiners ready and able to do our part in setting things right.

About Docufraud Canada:

We are a Canadian company and one of Canada’s premiere certified and court appointed forensic examiners. Our examiners have many hours of court experience and our forensic reports have been court recognized in all provinces throughout Canada and the U.S.A including Ontario. In addition, our forensic reports have been accepted and recognized by the courts in Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Lebanon, Turks and Caicos, India, Iran, Pakistan, Poland, Tanzania and others.

Contact Information

Dwayne Strocen – President

Toll Free: (888) 289-9009
Direct: (416) 289-9090
Website: here

Read more...