Certified Fraud Examiner Practice

The classification of check tampering schemes typically involves methods where checks are manipulated for fraudulent purposes. Forged endorsements involve the unauthorized signing of a check, allowing the fraudster to cash or deposit it. Altered payees occur when the name on the payee line of a check is changed to divert funds to someone other than the intended recipient. Fictitious payees are created by fabricating a payee who does not exist, which allows the fraudster to cash the check as if it were legitimate. In contrast, an authorized maker refers to someone who has legal authority to write or endorse a check. This does not constitute a tampering scheme because it involves legitimate actions taken by someone who has the right to make those endorsements or write those checks. Since check tampering requires manipulation or deceit, involving unauthorized actions or fake entities, the role of an authorized maker stands distinct from the other fraudulent activities listed.