Fake receipts can be identified by incorrect information, incorrect product codes, texture and appearance, limited details, and the source of the receipt. Verification can be done by contacting the issuer or searching for the company’s information.
There are a few clues to look for on a receipt that can provide information as to whether it is a fake. A skilled forger can produce highly reliable receipts that may require considerable research to verify. It is important to consider the source of the receipt when evaluating it; A receipt printed by email, for example, should look different from a document generated in a store, whether you use a thermal printer or a laser jet.
An indicator that a receipt is fake may be obviously incorrect information. A fake receipt may list business name and contact information incorrectly, or may not code products as the company does. This information can be verified by searching for the company; if the receipt says the store is at 123 Fake Receipt Way and the company does not list a store at this address, this may be a tip. Incorrect product codes are another red flag. Each product must have its own unique identification number, and if it doesn’t match the company’s listings, which are often found on their website, the receipt may be fake.
Texture and appearance can also be warning signs. Some stores use watermarked paper, and a fake receipt will be easy to spot because it doesn’t have the watermark or the pattern looks wrong. A valid receipt is usually required for comparison. If the receipts are too sharp, this can be another sign of a fake receipt. Most receipts do mar a bit, even with careful handling, and a smooth, even surface with no wrinkles or blemishes can be fake.
Limited details are another problem. Some receipts are simply recording tapes, time-stamped and listing various items purchased at various prices. These are easy to fake with something like an adding machine, although a fraudulent receipt may list prices that don’t exist or miscalculate sales tax, and this may be a suggestion. Other receipts should offer more detail; a restaurant receipt, for example, will name the dish, while a clothing store typically lists SKU numbers on their receipts. The receipt may also include a return policy and contact information. If this information is absent, the document may be false.
If a receipt seems questionable, it may be possible to take it to the original issuer for verification. Staff can determine if the receipt is valid or if it has been modified in some way from the original. If the source of the receipt is not nearby, one option is to call, mention the questionable receipt, and ask for information to determine if it is valid. This investigative time may not be worth it if the fake receipt is for a low amount, and scammers can count on this when submitting fabricated receipts for expense reports or bogus product returns.
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