Detecting fraudulent bank checks

Abstract

Bank checks have been subjected to fraud for centuries. Technological advancements enable criminal actors to perpetrate innovative frauds that are very difficult to detect. One example is the use of erasable ink that allows alterations to be made to a bank check without raising suspicion. Another example is the misuse of a victim’s handwritten signature by scanning it and then printing on a check. Since most banking systems accept scanned copies of checks for clearance, identifying erasable ink alterations and printed signatures on digital images can be very challenging. This chapter describes automated, low-cost, efficient and scalable solutions to these problems. A solution is proposed for determining whether or not a check is genuine or merely printed. A solution for detecting erasable ink alterations localizes the erased regions in the visible light spectrum. A solution for detecting printed signatures focuses on the high-density noise introduced by scanners and printers.