Signature theft involves the surreptitious insertion of a document into another document or package of documents containing carbon paper. The signatory, unaware of the inserted document, signs the top copy of the package, transferring the name to the copies below and also to the inserted document. The signature has thus been stolen for fraudulent use. The use of carbon copies for duplicates of handwritten documents is widespread in commercial transactions in Romania, where the use of handwritten documents is widespread. The examination of carbon-copied signatures has disclosed some peculiar characteristics that may affect the results of a comparison and authentication of the signature. Frequently, the carbon paper is not of high quality and has been used extensively. In addition, the signature may consist only of a few unreadable strokes. However, the carbon-copied signature may provide a more complete rendering of the individual's speed and pressure habits than the original due to deficiencies in the writing instrument. Although most carbon copy examinations reveal evidence of genuineness and comparable characteristics to other samples or evidence of a conscious signature, signature theft can never be ruled out. Illustration and 8 references