Fax Transmissions

Technology 01/06/1989

The Technology Committee would like to draw the attention of practitioners to the following aspects of fax transmissions which should be borne in mind:

  1. It is possible for a sender to falsify both the time and date that a fax transmission was sent and it is also possible for the sender of such a transmission to falsify the origin of the fax transmission. This can also be done if the sender has a knowledge of the workings of a fax machine and deliberately interferes with same, however, it is important that practitioners should be aware of the possibility. The Committee has noted that the time of sending of many fax messages between solicitors is inaccurate in that solicitors have not asked their suppliers to alter the setting of the machine to take account of the change from winter time to summer time.
  2. Fax transmissions once received can fade in the following circumstances:
    1. if left in conditions of dampness;
    2. if left in strong sunlight;
    3. if left near a heater; and
    4. as a result of efflux of time

    Accordingly, important fax messages should be photocopied immediately on receipt to avoid their loss.

  3. The Litigation Committee of the Society wishes to remind members that letters transmitted by fax should also be posted.