Altered Cheque

An altered cheque is a cheque that has been tampered with in some way, typically by altering the amount or the signature of the endorsee. There are a number of ways to alter a cheque, including:

• Smudging the ink: This can be done by dipping a pen or brush into a solvent, such as alcohol, and then writing over the original ink.
• Changing the amount: This can be done by altering the numbers on the cheque with a pen or marker.
• Forging the signature: This can be done by copying the signature of the endorsee onto the cheque.
• Adding a new endorsement: This can be done by writing a new endorsement on the cheque, even if the original endorsement has already been made.

Any alteration to a cheque is illegal and can result in criminal charges. If you believe that your cheque has been altered, you should report it to the bank immediately.

Here are some tips for preventing your cheques from being altered:

• Use a banker’s check: A banker’s check is a type of cheque that has a higher level of security than a regular cheque. It costs more to forge a banker’s check, and it is also more difficult to alter.
• Write your cheque in ink: If you write your cheque in pencil, it is easier for someone to alter it. If you write your cheque in ink, it is much more difficult for someone to alter it.
• Use a watermark: A watermark is a security feature that can be added to a cheque. When the cheque is photocopied, the watermark will show up on the copy. This can make it more difficult for someone to forge a cheque.
• Keep your cheque book safe: You should keep your cheque book in a safe place, where it is not accessible to anyone else.