NCJ Number
97975
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This police 'Training Key' details investigative procedures for obtaining evidence of check kiting, the intentional passing of money between a number of offender bank accounts to maintain the illusion of a balance in each account.
Abstract
Check kiting is noted to depend on the lag time between when a check is written and when it is returned to the account for clearing, along with the contrasting immediate recording of deposits to accounts. The opening section explains how bank employees can identify a kiting scheme. The remainder of the pamphlet explains how investigating officers can obtain evidence and develop a case for presentation to a prosecutor. The investigative steps described include (1) obtaining from the bank all checking records of the checking accounts involved and or a grand jury subpoena to the check kiter for such records, (2) developing the check register schedule of the suspect, (3) finding the accounts' correct balances, (4) simplifying the check register information, and (5) comparing the legitimate with the transferred funds. The concluding section explains how to develop a case likely to yield a successful prosecution, namely, one that is understandable to attorneys, jurors, and judges and that shows criminal intent. A discussion guide is provided.