CHAPTER 11—SECURITY, FRAUD, AND ETHICS
45. Briefly describe some signs of counterfeit checks.
Lack of perforations, a low number, or no address for the customer or bank can be signs of a
counterfeit check. Stains or discoloration perhaps caused by erasures or alterations are other
signs. If the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition coding number printed along the bottom of
the check is shiny, does not match the check number, or is missing, the check might be
counterfeit.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 11.3.1 – LO: 11.3.1
46. Discuss what is generally covered in the confidentiality section of a bank’s code of ethics.
Banking business is confidential, so only authorized individuals can receive information.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 11.2.1 – LO: 11.2.1
47. Describe two distinct ways websites can be used for identity theft.
(1) Fake websites can be designed to look like authentic businesses. When an unsuspecting
consumer enters credit card information to pay for a product, the thieves can use that credit
card information for personal gain. (2) Exploiting weaknesses in the Domain Name System
can allow thieves to redirect consumers from legitimate websites to non-legitimate websites.
Once the consumer enters personal credit information into the non-legitimate location, the
thieves can use that information to illegally make purchases.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 11.4.2 – LO: 11.4.2
48. What are the powers of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002?
The board has the power to set rules, investigate suspected wrongdoing, punish violators, and
conduct regular inspections of accounting firms.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 11.2.2 – LO: 11.2.2
49. What is a straw buyer?
A straw buyer is someone who agrees to use his or her personal information to buy the home
at a falsely inflated price. The straw buyer agrees to state that they intend to live in the home
even though their actual intent is to flip the home.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 11.3.2 – LO: 11.3.2
50. Discuss some common sense precautions you can take to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.
Keep your radar up at all times regarding any suspicious activities or inquiries. If someone
unfamiliar is walking around your neighborhood and looking into mailboxes, keep an eye on
them. If you think they are stealing mail, contact law enforcement authorities. Never provide
account access codes, Social Security numbers, or other personal identifying information
over the phone or online unless you are absolutely certain of the validity of the parties with
whom you are interacting. Shred all documents containing personal identifying
information—including offers for new credit that arrive in the mail.