In today’s world, fake certificates, receipts, agreements, and even court documents circulate like pure water. Sadly, many people fall victim sometimes unknowingly.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
✅ 1. Check for spelling and grammatical errors
Official documents rarely contain obvious mistakes. If you see multiple errors, that’s your first red flag.
✅ 2. Verify from the source
Whether it’s a land document, school certificate, or court paper, confirm from the issuing institution or registry. Don’t just take a photocopy as proof.
✅ 3. Look at signatures and stamps
Forgery often comes with mismatched signatures or fake rubber stamps. Compare with known authentic samples if possible.
✅ 4. Inspect format and paper quality
Official documents usually have standard paper types, watermarks, or serial numbers. If it looks cheap or irregular, question it.
✅ 5. Use official verification portals
Many government bodies (like CAC, WAEC, and NIMC) have online platforms for checking document authenticity. Use them before trusting anyone.
🍲 Pepper Soup Wisdom: Every fake document has a short lifespan but the trouble it brings can last a lifetime. Verify before you believe.
Source: Legal Matters with Bar Ronke Ahaotu
