Abstract
Fingerprints have been widely used and accepted as an effective method of human identification. This biometric tool aids in criminal investigations for personal identity for over a century. Whilst the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) has bolstered security efforts, it has also opened doors to potential scams, affecting both civilian and law enforcement operations. Despite extensive research on fingerprint authentication issues, very little attention has been given to addressing the problem of fingerprint alteration or obfuscation. Fraudsters, with the guidance of experts, have developed new techniques to obscure their fingerprints intentionally. Fingerprint obfuscation is the deliberate alteration of fingerprint patterns with the aim of concealing their true identity, raising concerns amongst security and investigative organizations. The objective of the current communication is to highlight the numerous techniques used for obfuscation, forgery and alteration of fingerprints in humans. It further accentuates the need for identification and interpretation of these altered fingerprints and recommends notifying law enforcement agencies of potential threats.
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Acknowledgements
NC is thankful to the NFSC, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, for funding the Ph.D. in the form of a research fellowship. AG is thankful to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for awarding the INSPIRE Fellowship under grant number IF190719 for pursuing a Ph.D. RM is thankful to the NFST, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, for funding the Ph.D. in the form of a research fellowship. DS, DR and Kaur are thankful to the University Grants Commission for funding the Ph.D. in the form of a research fellowship. KK is supported by the UGC Centre of Advanced Study (CAS II), awarded to the Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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Kaur, T., Chitara, N., Guleria, A. et al. Development, detection and decipherment of obfuscated fingerprints in humans: Implications for forensic casework. Sci Nat 110, 55 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-023-01886-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-023-01886-1