Preventing Costly Digital Signing Mistakes

Verifying the Identity of the Signer

One of the most common issues with digital signing is the uncertainty surrounding who actually signed the document. Fraudulent signatures or impersonations can lead to severe complications. Peter shared an example from Australia where a husband signed his wife’s name to extend their mortgage without her knowledge. This breach not only caused chaos but underscored a critical need: ensuring the signer’s identity. 

Solution: Multi-Layered Identity Verification 

To address this issue, platforms like Secured Signing offer advanced verification tools: 

• Email Passcodes: Basic verification for lower-risk documents like NDAs. 

• SMS Authentication: Dual-device security where a unique code is sent to the signer’s phone. 

• ID Verification: Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) and biometric comparisons ensure a signer’s legitimacy. 

• Video Confirmation: The most secure option, requiring the signer to record a short video performing specific gestures (e.g., a smile or head movement) to confirm their identity. This video is stored alongside the signed document as indisputable evidence. 

“Video confirmation is rock-solid evidence that the person who signed it is the correct individual,” Peter emphasized. 

By leveraging these features, businesses can mitigate identity fraud risks and enhance trust. 

Assuring Document Security: Are All Platforms Equal? 

Not all e-signature platforms are created equal. Some systems fail to secure documents after signing, allowing changes that compromise authenticity. Peter shared cases where documents were altered post-signature without notifying the parties involved – a significant breach of trust and compliance. 

Solution: Tamper-Proof Seals and Audit Trails 

With Secured Signing, once a document is signed, it is sealed with a digital marker. Any subsequent changes trigger an alert and render the document invalid. The system also offers complete audit trails that: 

• Show who signed the document. 

• Indicate when and where changes occurred (if any). 

• Highlight unauthorized modifications. 

Documents signed and sealed on Secured Signing can be verified using any standard PDF reader – no special software or accounts required. 

“You’ll see a green checkmark at the top, ensuring the document is signed, sealed, and delivered without any tampering,” Peter explained. 

For businesses, this level of transparency safeguards credibility, minimizes reputational risks, and fosters trust with clients and stakeholders.