Analyzing file metadata is one of the most reliable ways to spot fake document images circulating online today. Experts from the Garda group of companies, including Viktor Ievlev, a senior information security specialist, emphasize that metadata holds the clues that separate genuine documents from convincing fakes.
A growing trend involves the Tek Fake service, which can generate photo realistic images of forged documents. This service has been increasingly observed on illicit marketplaces on the dark net and typically charges about 15 dollars for a single file. Among the tools available, Fake stands out for its ability to reproduce copies of forged passports and driver’s licenses, and the platform stores document templates from a broad set of nations, including Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
To obtain a fake document, a user uploads a photograph and provides essential personal details such as full name, birthplace, date of birth, and other identifiers required by the target document. The images produced by these tools are highly convincing and can be used to bypass verification checks on a range of online services, including cryptocurrency exchanges and financial platforms. This creates real risk for identity verification processes and raises the stakes for fraud prevention teams across North America.
Fraudsters are leveraging these forged credentials to request loans with counterfeit ID copies, pursue online microloans, and even establish shell entities to obscure their tracks. The pattern shows a broader push to exploit weak identity verification by presenting well manufactured digital twins of real documents.
When assessing the authenticity of an image, experts recommend inspecting its metadata, commonly known as EXIF data. This information is accessible on any modern operating system by viewing the file’s properties. EXIF data is routinely updated each time the source file is modified and can include the author, timestamp, and location of where the photo or scan was captured. It can also reveal technical details such as the camera, smartphone, or multifunction printer settings used to create the image, all of which can help differentiate legitimate captures from altered documents.
For those evaluating suspicious document images, dedicated tools can assist in the verification process. Services like Findefix.com offer targeted checks, while Foto Forensics enables analysts to highlight altered regions or additions within a photo. By comparing the EXIF footprint with expected device profiles and known document templates, investigators and service providers can more confidently identify misrepresentations and reduce exposure to identity-based fraud.
Prevailing advice for security teams is to adopt a layered approach to image verification that combines metadata analysis with image forensics and cross-checking against authoritative templates. Implementing these practices helps organizations mitigate risk and protect customers from counterfeit documents that could enable fraud on multiple channels.
It is important to note that malicious actors continually refine their methods. As new tools emerge, ongoing awareness and education across enterprise verification programs remain essential. The goal is to stay ahead of counterfeit document generation by leveraging metadata insights, image forensics, and rigorous identity checks rather than relying on a single technique alone.