Working Together to Eliminate Check Forgery in Pueblo

Both law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office are fully committed to catching those who forge checks and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. Toward that end, the District Attorney's Office has created a new Economic Crimes Unit.

When we prosecute, the case is only as good as the evidence that can be collected. And much of that evidence only is available if you have secured it from the person that wrote the check.

We urge you to become our partners in eliminating check forgery by following the steps outlined here for checking identification and signatures. Hopefully just following these steps will put a dent in forgeries, but where forgeries still occur, you'll have the evidence that allows us to catch and prosecute the forger.

General recommendations:

• Institute a check acceptance policy. A clearly posted check acceptance policy for your employees and customers can go a long way toward reducing your losses.
• Trust your instincts! If something doesn't seem right, ask questions or ask for another form of payment. You are not obligated to accept a check.
• Always check dates, signature, and address information. Remember: a post-dated check is a promissory note, not a check.

Steps merchants should take to reduce forgeries:

• Have each check writer provide a Drivers License or Colorado ID Card.
• Have check writers give an inked fingerprint impression on the check.
• Have employees witness the check signing.
• Have the employee, not the check writer, copy the identification number onto the check.
• Have employees check that the picture and signature on the ID match the person and check.
• Have the employee initial and date the check at the time of acceptance.
• Have backups where possible -- copies of ID, ID by a second employee, security camera or video.

Businesses that utilize the inked fingerprint will:

• Provide convincing, reliable evidence of the identity of the person passing stolen checks or attempting to misrepresent his or her identity.
• Deter the person who is attempting to pass the forged check.
• Protect those who do nothing wrong.

The Touch Print Steps

1. Obtain proper I.D.

2. Using the right index finger, have the person touch the ink pad and then touch their finger on the bottom center of the check, above the account number. Keep the print clear of the account number to prevent misreads of the account number at the bank clearing house. (See example below.)

3. Firmly press finger on document. DO NOT ROLL OR SLIDE FINGER. Note: In some cases a person may not have a right index finger. If this happens, ask them to use a different finger, and then note on the check which finger is used. 

4. Make sure print is clear and readable.

   

5. Have the person rub their fingers together to remove any residue.

6. DO NOT accept pre-fingerprinted checks.

Touch ID Pads can be obtained through several different vendors. Please contact the District Attorney's Office to obtain more information. 719-583-6030