Fraudulent cheque writing has become a profitable way of life for criminals.  Poor cheque cashing policies and personal carelessness increase the risk of loss.

The Niagara Regional Police Service offers the following information to help you to protect yourself against fraudulent cheques.   Following these suggestions will not eliminate this problem.  However, the information will help to protect you, and may help to discourage criminals who attempt paying you with fraudulent cheques.

An awareness of these crime prevention pointers, together with your own common sense, can help make crimeproofing a way of life.

BEFORE ACCEPTING A CHEQUE
Always remember that preventive procedures can reduce the opportunities for fraudulent practices.

• Don't let anyone rush you
• Insist upon cheques being endorsed in your presence and compare the signature with those presented on identification documents
• Insist upon positive identification.  Drivers licences alone are not conclusive.  All identification must be current.
• Make sure the cheque is properly dated and completed
• If any cheque shows signs of alteration, do not cash it
• Do not accept post-dated cheques.  Never agree to hold a cheque until some future date, when there will supposedly be sufficient funds on deposit.
• Do not accept second-party cheques
• Do not accept cheques for amounts greater than the purchase
• Business and government cheques may be counterfeit or stolen.   Do not accept company cheques automatically, even though they look "official."  When in doubt, call the business for verification.
• Be wary of cheques not drawn on local banks by payees.
• Use caution when cashing cheques after banking hours
• Avoid cashing cheques presented by juveniles

TO REDUCE LOSSES FROM BAD CHEQUES
Be under no obligation to accept any cheque.  Unless you are satisfied that the cheque is good, do not accept it.

• Do not allow all staff members to accept cheques.   Designate this responsibility to certain employees only.
• If the authentication of the cheque is in doubt, have the passer wait while you check with the bank, company, or government agency involved.
• Establish a firm cheque cashing policy and advertise it
• Keep blank cheques, bank statements, and other records in a safe place.

IF A CHEQUE IS FORGED OR STOLEN
Delay the passer but do not attempt to apprehend.  Call the police immediately.  If the criminal flees, take note of physical characteristics; licence number, colour, and make of vehicle.  Preserve the evidence and be willing to prosecute.

  
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