{
  "body_html": "<h2>Fraud Prevention and Counterfeit Detection</h2>\n<p>Examine every instrument before the transaction proceeds.</p>\n<p><strong>Check the paper.</strong> Authentic check paper feels slightly rough with embedded security fibers. Smooth, glossy, or photocopied-feeling paper is a red flag.</p>\n<p><strong>Inspect the MICR line.</strong> Authentic magnetic ink is flat with uniform characters. Shiny, raised, or inkjet-printed characters indicate a counterfeit.</p>\n<p><strong>Look for the void pantograph.</strong> The word \"VOID\" must appear only when photocopied. A missing pattern or one that prints clearly on a copy is a red flag.</p>\n<p><strong>Verify the routing number</strong> against a Federal Reserve directory. A number that does not exist or does not match the institution name is a red flag.</p>\n<p><strong>Check the edges.</strong> Authentic checks have machine-cut or perforated edges. Straight scissor-cut edges are a red flag.</p>\n<p><strong>Hold the check to light.</strong> An authentic watermark is embedded in the paper. A printed image or no watermark is a red flag.</p>\n<p><strong>Inspect for physical alteration.</strong> Look for chalky or bleached areas. Confirm the numeral and written amounts match. Check the payee and date fields for erasure, residue, or inconsistent ink. Look for cancellation marks hidden by tape, white-out, or overprinting.</p>\n<p>Apply heightened scrutiny to <strong>payroll checks</strong> when: the payee and conductor are different people with no documented relationship; the payee name is misspelled or corrected; the check number is out of sequence; or the conductor cannot answer basic questions about the employer.</p>\n<p>Escalate <strong>government-issued checks</strong> before cashing when you see: a blurred or inconsistent treasury seal; stock that does not match the agency's known format; an amount disproportionate to the program type; or absent or illegible microprinting.</p>\n<p>Flag <strong>identity fraud</strong> when you see: bubbled or peeling lamination, inconsistent fonts, or tampering on the ID; a photo that does not match the conductor's apparent age or features; or a conductor who appears directed by a third party nearby.</p>\n<p><strong>When you observe any red flag:</strong></p>\n<ol>\n<li>Tell the conductor that verification is required before funds are released. Do not disclose the specific concern.</li>\n<li>Call the issuing institution's <strong>published verification line</strong>. Do not use a number printed on the check.</li>\n<li>Document the attempt: date, time, institution name, representative name or confirmation number, and outcome.</li>\n<li>If the institution cannot be reached or will not confirm the instrument, signal your supervisor immediately. Do not release funds.</li>\n<li>Your supervisor makes the accept or decline decision. Do not accuse or confront the conductor if declined. Decline without stating the reason.</li>\n<li>Before the conductor departs on a declined transaction, record: date, time, and location; conductor's ID type, jurisdiction, number, name, and date of birth; instrument details including payor, payee, amount, check number, and routing number; red flags observed; and your supervisor's name and action taken.</li>\n</ol>",
  "narration_text": "Examine every instrument before the transaction proceeds.\r\n\r\nCheck the paper. Authentic check paper feels slightly rough with embedded security fibers. Smooth, glossy, or photocopied-feeling paper is a red flag.\r\n\r\nInspect the MICR line. Authentic magnetic ink is flat with uniform characters. Shiny, raised, or inkjet-printed characters indicate a counterfeit.\r\n\r\nLook for the void pantograph. The word \"VOID\" must appear only when photocopied. A missing pattern or one that prints clearly on a copy is a red flag.\r\n\r\nVerify the routing number against a Federal Reserve directory. A number that does not exist or does not match the institution name is a red flag.\r\n\r\nCheck the edges. Authentic checks have machine-cut or perforated edges. Straight scissor-cut edges are a red flag.\r\n\r\nHold the check to light. An authentic watermark is embedded in the paper. A printed image or no watermark is a red flag.\r\n\r\nInspect for physical alteration. Look for chalky or bleached areas. Confirm the numeral and written amounts match. Check the payee and date fields for erasure, residue, or inconsistent ink. Look for cancellation marks hidden by tape, white-out, or overprinting.\r\n\r\nApply heightened scrutiny to payroll checks when: the payee and conductor are different people with no documented relationship; the payee name is misspelled or corrected; the check number is out of sequence; or the conductor cannot answer basic questions about the employer.\r\n\r\nEscalate government-issued checks before cashing when you see: a blurred or inconsistent treasury seal; stock that does not match the agency's known format; an amount disproportionate to the program type; or absent or illegible microprinting.\r\n\r\nFlag identity fraud when you see: bubbled or peeling lamination, inconsistent fonts, or tampering on the ID; a photo that does not match the conductor's apparent age or features; or a conductor who appears directed by a third party nearby.\r\n\r\nWhen you observe any red flag:\r\n\r\nTell the conductor that verification is required before funds are released. Do not disclose the specific concern.\r\nCall the issuing institution's published verification line. Do not use a number printed on the check.\r\nDocument the attempt: date, time, institution name, representative name or confirmation number, and outcome.\r\nIf the institution cannot be reached or will not confirm the instrument, signal your supervisor immediately. Do not release funds.\r\nYour supervisor makes the accept or decline decision. Do not accuse or confront the conductor if declined. Decline without stating the reason.\r\nBefore the conductor departs on a declined transaction, record: date, time, and location; conductor's ID type, jurisdiction, number, name, and date of birth; instrument details including payor, payee, amount, check number, and routing number; red flags observed; and your supervisor's name and action taken."
}