In the world of finance, trust is paramount. However, the recent detection of a bank cheque forgery
case by SD Forensic Document Services serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist
within financial transactions. This case highlights the cunning methods employed by fraudsters and
the innovative techniques used by forensic experts to unveil their deceit.

The Modus Operandi of Cheque Forgery

The perpetrator in this case employed a sophisticated method of forgery involving erasable inks.
Initially, the perpetrator wrote a specific amount on the cheque, which was then approved by the
boss. After obtaining this approval, the original amount was meticulously erased, allowing the
fraudster to write a new, larger amount. This new amount was then transacted to the perpetrator’s
own account.

One of the most alarming aspects of this forgery is the effectiveness of the method used. To the naked
eye, the erased details appeared almost invisible, enabling the fraud to go undetected by both the
bank and the victim. The victim remained unaware that their funds had been siphoned off, illustrating
the subtlety of such fraudulent practices.

The detection of this forgery required a multi-faceted approach, beginning with a preliminary
examination. Experts at SD Forensic Document Services recognized that the visibility of erasable inks
could be reversed through cold storage. By placing the questioned cheques in a freezer at
temperatures below -10°C overnight, the erased writings began to reappear, albeit faintly. This initial
step was crucial in revealing the first clues of the fraudulent activity.

Following this preliminary examination, a confirmative test was conducted using a video spectral
comparator (VSC). This advanced technology allowed forensic experts to analyze the cheques under
different wavelengths of light, making the erased details clearly visible. The VSC effectively illuminated
the layers of ink, revealing the original amount and the alterations made by the perpetrator. This step
was vital in confirming the forgery and providing concrete evidence against the fraudster.