Investigating Deception Offences

Question 1

Outline the first step in investigating deception offences
INTERVIEWING Steps 1-2
PHD DW SC

Answer 1

1. Interview the informant/complainant and:
   ‐ find out the identity used by the offender
   ‐ obtain descriptions of the offender, the property obtained and the vehicle used.
2. In all cases bank where the account is domiciled and find out:
   ‐ the account holder’s particulars
   ‐ the date the account was opened
   ‐ the account history
   ‐ the date the cheque book or credit card was reported missing
   ‐ how and by whom a loss was reported
   ‐ the serial numbers of any missing cheques
   ‐ details of any cheques dishonoured and returned
   ‐ whether the account holder is suspected of issuing valueless cheques.

Question 2

Outline the first step in investigating deception offences

INTERVIEWING Steps 3-4

Answer 2

3. When an account has been opened with fictitious details, find out:
   ‐ the account number, date, details it was opened
   ‐ the nature and amount of deposits
   ‐ descriptions of the suspect and associates
   ‐ bank employee details (witnesses)
   ‐ the serial numbers of the cheques supplied
   ‐ details of the dishonoured cheques and the people or firms defrauded.
4. Obtain a sample of the suspect’s handwriting from bank documents.

Question 3

Outline the first step in investigating deception offences

INTERVIEWING Steps 5-7

Answer 3

5When cheques are dishonoured through lack of funds, interview the account holder and obtain a statement that includes:
‐ the suspect’s details
‐ the date the account was opened
‐ the nature and amount of the first deposit
‐ deposit history, unusual deposits
‐ details of any overdraft arrangement, diary notes
‐ whether the suspect was aware of the state of the account.
‐ details of the dishonoured cheques and the people or firms defrauded

6 Contact other stations, teams, fraud squads

7 CCTV Enquiry of offender

Question 4

Ongoing Enquiries

Answer 4

Liaise with the investigations officer and arrange:

• immediately advise of further dishonoured cheque
• get cheques forwarded to you

Forensic Opportunities with docs, do not
  - punch, fold or crease them
  ‐ use staples, pins or Sellotape
  ‐ make impressions on them
Place them on file in a clear plastic bag.

Question 5

Locating the offender

Answer 5

Check any relevant addresses.

Follow up any LOE

If there are no suspects, consider early fingerprinting of cheques/vouchers.

Question 6

Arrest

Answer 6

When apprehending the suspect, recover evidence

Interview the suspect and obtain an explanation

Find out about the suspect’s:
‐ knowledge of the state of the account
‐ expectation of funds
‐ overdraft arrangement, if any.

Obtain a Statement and handwriting specimens.

Issue an Offender Report

Question 7

Prosecution File

Answer 7

Self Explanatory