Document awareness
Published 2 November 2020
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1. The threat
Terrorist and criminal organisations have the capability to print false passports and other identity documents. These can be used to enter the UK illegally, obtain employment, banking, housing, access to sites and hire vehicles for unlawful purposes as a few examples. Terrorists have used false identities when planning attacks.
2. Identity document fraud
Identity document fraud can be conducted in a number of ways. Most cases of identity document misuse relate to passport fraud. Here are three ways in which Identity fraud can be conducted using documents:
- Imposters – Where the holder of the document may look like the rightful owner.
- Counterfeit – A document made from scratch.
- Forgery – A genuine document which has been altered.
2.1 Imposters
This is the simplest type of document fraud, where the ‘holder’ is simply a look-a-like, and the document is often not altered at all.
2.2 Counterfeits
A counterfeit document is one that has been made from scratch to resemble an officially issued document. The quality of counterfeits can vary greatly. High quality counterfeits can be difficult to identify.
2.3 Forged documents
A forged document is a genuine document which has been altered for a criminal purpose. Altering photographs and personal details are common examples, but pages, visas and stamps may also be forged.
3. Document verification
Document verification is the process of ensuring that documents presented are genuine and that the holder is the rightful owner. It is also an integral part of the pre-employment screening process. Staff responsible for checking documents should be provided with the knowledge and tools needed to confirm the authenticity of documents, and identify basic forgeries. It is important that your document verification processes are integrated within your wider Pre-Employment Screening policies.
4. Training
You should consider the training needs of staff who check documents, specifically:
- How much knowledge/experience do they already have?
- What sort of training might they require?
- How frequently should this training be refreshed?
5. Document checking
It is essential that all documents are examined thoroughly. The document verification process should be explained to all applicants as part of the recruitment process, highlighting which documents are requested and why, e.g. to guard against identity fraud and forgery. It is important to outline how important document verification is to your organisation and that you will seek to confirm the authenticity of relevant documentation.
Application processes must make it clear that applicants who cannot provide the required documentation will not be employed (except for cases where a reasonable explanation can be provided), particularly where their right to work in the UK must be verified
6. Equipment
You should consider whether your processes require the use of verification tools. Both magnifiers and ultraviolet (UV) light sources are inexpensive and easy to obtain and will enhance your ability to detect fraudulent documentation. However, the use of this equipment will only be effective if users have a sound understanding of the document and its safeguards.