Advanced counterfeit identification training program

Many of us have on a daily basis, but how did you know if the identity document was real? This course of instruction reviews basic security features on identity documents from the United States, Mexico, and other countries. We discuss what and where these features come from standards and how local, state, and federal laws apply when a counterfeit document is found.

We cover documents the officer could see daily which include the Kansas and Missouri license, social security card, immigration documents and passports. We review key points for identity theft investigations and contacts the officer can use to confirm the authenticity of the document. Creating authentic looking fake checks with some real data on them can trick even the savviest teller. Here are some ways tellers can investigate check fraud at the front line or in the back office to stop fraudulent checks before they clear.

Every check has a nine-digit routing number, which is the number of the bank the check is drawn from. Forgers mostly change the first two digits that indicate the location of the bank in the 12 Federal Reserve Districts. You should compare these numbers carefully as the forgers buy more time by changing them. Always ensure the information used is current.

Also, be sure to get the current address of anyone cashing a check if they are not an account holder at your FI. Whereas real magnetic ink may have a shine or gloss sometimes, a fake check will be dull and non-reflective. The banks sorting equipment rejects items that use non-magnetic ink as it is unable to read the MICR line. However, this does not stop the processing of the checks as the banks apply a new magnetic strip. This is because there are many legitimate checks with unreadable MICR lines hence this test is not enough to allow the treatment such checks as fraudulent items.

For forgers, it only means it will take additional time to process their checks. This significantly reduces the time available for the bank to return fraudulent checks. Most companies now use laser printers with MICR capabilities for their checks. These checks are similar to those produced by legitimate printers. Given the presence of micro-perforated edges in these checks, it is almost impossible to detect a fake one. When investing check fraud, a slight difference in colors may go a long way in detecting a counterfeit item.

It may be possible to identify a fake check when fanning through a group of returned checks by color. By looking for checks with two colors of ink on them or with a different color or darkness on the signature separate from the rest of the check, you may be able to spot a forged check. Often, bad checks will be written in amounts unusual for the typical activity on the account.

Training tellers to review the account to see if the check value is unusually high can help them flag the check for further review and could potentially save the FI a lot of money in lost revenue. With new technology and better printers, forgers are excelling at their craft which makes spotting bad checks at the front line of your FI even harder.

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