Obtain as much information about an autograph as possible, such as the date and circumstances of the signing.
Fake autographs are often applied to memorabilia, antiques and other merchandise to make the item appear more valuable than it is. Thankfully, spotting fake autographs is a simple task once you're aware of a few key identifiers.
Instructions
Identifying Fake Autographs
1. Feel the signature by running the pad of your thumb or forefinger over the area. Fake autographs are often stamped or otherwise mechanically reproduced. The lines of the autograph should be slightly indented. If the autograph is flat, then it may have been printed on. If you can feel the texture of ink laying atop the paper, ink may have been added atop a printed autograph. This technique will not work on non-paper materials such as fabric.
2. Turn the signature upside down and compare it to an authentic signature. Minor imperfections and slight differences between the two will be more readily visible at an unusual angle, and may provide evidence of falsification.
3. Look closely at the ink of the signature through a magnifying glass. If the signature was stamped, you may be able to identify the lines of the stamp. If the signature was printed, the ink may appear unnaturally smooth. Particularly old inks may have small spots where they have discolored.
4. Continue looking through the magnifying glass. If there are any very fine wobbles or inconsistencies throughout the signature, the signature may have been reproduced with an auto pen. Most people sign their signature in one continuous movement which does not produce such faults.
5. Hold the signature up to the light. If the signature's ink is too light, seems to have had equal pressure throughout or glows a purple or silver color, it is likely a fake. Many stamping inks will seem purple when seen against a light, and photographs that were signed as a negative, rather than as the actual photograph itself, will seem silvery.
