signature verification

bogman22

Can signatures be checked for originality?

Ms Minnie Mouse

In what context?

bogman22

Just say for example, that i wrote a check from your checkbook to me for x amount and signed your name to it, which looked very similar to your signature. Can the signature be checked to prove that it is counterfeit?

Ms Minnie Mouse

It can. It would be checked against your original signature that you provided when you opened your account (the 'Mandate').

Banks hold images of all cheques by issued by and presented to them. If there was doubt after the event, a copy of the cheque can easily be obtained - or even the original cheque if required.

Granted, some forgeries can look incredibly authentic but there are generally tell-tale signs. If required, professional experts can be called to do a signature comparison.

bogman22

Thanks. What's a professional expert called in this situation.?

Ms Minnie Mouse

Their services would be employed by the bank's fraud department. They wouldn't generally by directly employed by the alleged 'victim'. This is why banks have fraud departments. If you believe someone is fraudulently drawing cheques from your cheque book, you should report it to your bank immediately.

bogman22

Cheers!