Examine every instrument before the transaction proceeds.
\nCheck the paper. Authentic check paper feels slightly rough with embedded security fibers. Smooth, glossy, or photocopied-feeling paper is a red flag.
\nInspect the MICR line. Authentic magnetic ink is flat with uniform characters. Shiny, raised, or inkjet-printed characters indicate a counterfeit.
\nLook for a void pantograph on the check face. The word \"VOID\" should appear only when photocopied. A missing pattern or one that prints clearly on a copy is a red flag.
\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.
\nCheck the edges. Authentic checks have machine-cut or perforated edges. Straight scissor-cut edges are a red flag.
\nHold the check to light. An authentic watermark is embedded in the paper. A printed image or no watermark is a red flag.
\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; the employer cannot be verified; or the conductor cannot answer basic questions about the employer.
\nEscalate government-issued checks before cashing when you see: a blurred or inconsistent treasury seal; check stock that does not match the agency's known format; an amount disproportionate to the program type; a payee name in a different font or ink; or absent or illegible microprinting.
\nInspect every instrument for physical alteration. Look for chalky or bleached areas indicating chemical washing. Confirm the numeral and written amounts match. Check the payee field for erasure or overprinting. Inspect the date field for residue or inconsistent ink. Look for cancellation marks concealed by tape, white-out, or overprinting.
\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; a conductor who cannot answer basic questions about their own document; multiple instruments payable to different payees without a business explanation; or a conductor who appears directed by a third party nearby.
\nWhen you observe any red flag, tell the conductor that verification is required before funds are released. Do not disclose the specific concern.
\nCall the issuing institution's published verification line. Do not use a number printed on the check.
\nDocument the verification attempt: date, time, institution name, representative name or confirmation number, and outcome.
\nIf you cannot reach the institution or they will not confirm the instrument, signal your supervisor immediately. Do not release funds.
\nSignal your supervisor without alerting the conductor. Your supervisor makes the accept or decline decision. If declined, do not accuse or confront the conductor. Decline without stating the reason.
\nBefore the conductor departs on a declined transaction, record: date, time, location; conductor's ID type, jurisdiction, number, name, and date of birth; instrument details including payor, payee, amount, check number, and routing number; the red flags observed; and the disposition with your supervisor's name and action taken.
", "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 a void pantograph on the check face. The word \"VOID\" should 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\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; the employer cannot be verified; 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; check stock that does not match the agency's known format; an amount disproportionate to the program type; a payee name in a different font or ink; or absent or illegible microprinting.\r\n\r\nInspect every instrument for physical alteration. Look for chalky or bleached areas indicating chemical washing. Confirm the numeral and written amounts match. Check the payee field for erasure or overprinting. Inspect the date field for residue or inconsistent ink. Look for cancellation marks concealed by tape, white-out, or overprinting.\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; a conductor who cannot answer basic questions about their own document; multiple instruments payable to different payees without a business explanation; or a conductor who appears directed by a third party nearby.\r\n\r\nWhen you observe any red flag, tell the conductor that verification is required before funds are released. Do not disclose the specific concern.\r\n\r\nCall the issuing institution's published verification line. Do not use a number printed on the check.\r\n\r\nDocument the verification attempt: date, time, institution name, representative name or confirmation number, and outcome.\r\n\r\nIf you cannot reach the institution or they will not confirm the instrument, signal your supervisor immediately. Do not release funds.\r\n\r\nSignal your supervisor without alerting the conductor. Your supervisor makes the accept or decline decision. If declined, do not accuse or confront the conductor. Decline without stating the reason.\r\n\r\nBefore the conductor departs on a declined transaction, record: date, time, location; conductor's ID type, jurisdiction, number, name, and date of birth; instrument details including payor, payee, amount, check number, and routing number; the red flags observed; and the disposition with your supervisor's name and action taken." }