Worthless Check Prevention: Operation Ink Pad

Operation Ink Pad is a new forgery prevention program sponsored by the Janesville Police Department and Janesville Area Crimestoppers. Many businesses in Janesville are having problems with forged checks, and this campaign will highlight the most common mistakes made by merchants and ways to prevent forgeries. Also, the Janesville Police Department has a limited number of "less ink fingerprint pads" to give away to area businesses. The pads are used as a forgery prevention tool. Interested merchants should call the Janesville Police Department at 755-3077 to request a pad and receive directions on how to use it to prevent forgery. Following are some basic guidelines to prevent forgeries.

• Request proper (photo) identification with all unknown check writers. Compare the likeness with the presenter.
• Avoid two or three party checks. Also, discourage checks made out to "cash." Checks should be made out to the business or individual and bear the endorsement of the presenter, along with the proper identification.
• Be cautious of starter checks and all checks under #250 unless the presenter is personally known to the business.
• Be cautious of checks that were made out before being presented to the business. Checks should be written out at the time of the purchase and endorsed in front of the store's representative.
• The individual receiving the check should personally view the proper I.D., compare it with the person presenting it and hand print the driver's license number on the face of the check (the hand printed driver's license on the check aids in suspect identification should court proceedings ensue). Do not take for granted that a driver's license number printed on the check is correct.
• Avoid any check that appears to have been altered in any way. If a check is suspicious in any way, call the bank to verify account information, liquidity or presenter authority.
• Any employee taking a check should initial the check for later accountability.
• Absent proper identification, try to obtain work telephone numbers, work I.D., and a vehicle license number that would aid in a subsequent investigation should this turn out to be a forged instrument.
• Avoid social security cards or birth certificates as forms of identification. Also, expired driver's licenses or photo I.D. cards are often used in check scams. Current identification with a current address and telephone number is critical in preventing forgeries.
• Absent any identification, if the check is filled out in your presence and the bearer appears to be making the transaction in good faith, have the person place his or her right index finger on the Less Ink Fingerprint Pad and leave an impression on the face of the check. Should this turn out to be a forgery, a possible suspect may be developed using the fingerprint.

If a person attempts to tender a check and is hesitant to follow any of the above guidelines, it is recommended that the check not be accepted. At this time you may have thwarted a forgery and should obtain a complete description of the suspect, suspect vehicle including license plate number, and any other pertinent information that may aid law enforcement in their subsequent investigation of the alleged criminal act. If possible, and only if it can be done safely, attempt to retain the document and call local law enforcement.

Forgeries are on the rise, and only through the diligent efforts on the part of businesses and their employees can there be a substantial reduction in this crime of fraud and theft. For more information, call the Janesville Police Department at 755-3077.