When the signature is compared to the card, look for inconsistencies of letter slants and overall flow of the signature. Does the beginning and ending of the signature have the same flow?

• Does the signature appear to have places where it stops and starts or is there a consistent flow?
• Is the signature in the same place as other checks that have paid? 

For example: Client’s signature typically starts at the beginning of the signature line or it may start towards the middle. 

• Was the check signed with a felt-tip pen? Could be a sign the signature was traced.
• Turning the check upside-down can identify discrepancies and/or inconsistencies in the flow of the signature.
• Does signature look digital, shaky or have irregular pen strokes?
• Is there any misspelling on the check and/or signature?

Is not within the current check number range.

Does not match the MICR line.

No check number on check but one is on the MICR line.

Check number in the MICR line but not on the check.

Check number is in a low or very high range.

Paper is thin and flimsy.

Paper is shiny and/or slippery.

Edges are smooth, no perforated edge is present especially on personal checks.

Does the check appear to be worn or weathered.

Information on the check is out of line.

Check information is too close to the border.

Bank name does not match routing number on MICR line.

Fractional bank number should make the bank routing number in the MICR line. For example: 63-68-631 matches CCB routing number 063100688.

Bad actors tend to think there should be something in the memo line.

• Business checks might have Labor, Cabinet Work. 
• Personal checks may have Birthday Gift, Present.

If the check looks suspicious review other paid items to see if the client typically notes something in the memo line. 

• Are the security features listed on the back of the check present on the front of the check.
• If the check has a security padlock image it should be on the front and back of the check.
• Missing security thread, watermarks or color-shifting ink.
• Check has a circle that is missing heat sensor icon.

If the individual is unknown and in the office, was the check endorsed in front of you. If not, have the individual re-endorse the check to verify the signature looks the same. 

If the payee is not the signer, does the endorsement on the check look the same or resemble the signature on the front of the check?

• Font size and/or font selected is not the same.

• Business logo is missing 
• Bank logo is missing
• Logo appears to be faded or placed in an odd area of the check
• Logo size looks too large or small 

• Maker of the check address is missing.
• Client is not within a reasonable distance of their address on the system.
  • Client address Havana, FL
  • Office located in West Point, GA
• Payee address on the check is not within a reasonable distance of the office.
  • Payee address Tampa, FL
  • Office located in Tallahassee, FL
• Payee address is a Homeless Shelter
• *Office should be familiar with Shelter(s) address within the area
• Check is missing the Bank’s City and State

• Client depositing a check(s) that is larger than their normal deposits with no reasonable explanation. 
  • If the client states that the large check was due to a sudden inheritance, sweepstakes winning, or they seem reluctant to disclose how they received the check contact TRFP for further instructions. 
• Multiple deposited checks into a personal account on the same day or several days in a row.
• Deposit consists of  multiple checks from the same maker and the same amount.
  • Example: 6 Items for $500 each
• Multiple cashed checks in a short period of time at different offices.
  • ***Alert Message: Vertex Memo Post Debits Today