Overview | Information | Procedures | Customer Notification | Thumbprint FAQs Thumbprint Signature Program ProceduresWhen to Obtain a Thumbprint SignatureThumbprint Signature should be obtained when:
NOTE: To comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations, a Thumbprint Signature should be obtained from every non-customer every time a check is presented for payment. Distinctions should not be based on appearance or suspicious vs. non-suspicious circumstances. Financial institutions in rural markets may want to develop a specific policy requiring a Thumbprint Signature only from non-residents of the community or county, but it is important to apply equal treatment to all non-customers once a policy is adopted.
Steps to Use in Obtaining a Thumbprint SignatureTellers and other personnel should use the following procedures to obtain a presenter’s Thumbprint Signature:
Suspicious ActivityIf the presenter leaves the branch abruptly and leaves the identification or the check, immediately contact a supervisor or your security personnel. Tellers should document the time and date of the transaction and the presenter’s description. Tellers and officers should follow established documentation and reporting procedures regarding known or suspected fraudulent transactions.
Use of the Program at Drive-In FacilitiesIt is recommended that non-customers seeking to cash checks be required to enter the premises to complete their transaction and to affix their Thumbprint Signature to the face of the check. Some participants may elect to adopt policies providing for the use of Thumbprint Signature pads in drive-in facilities and others may elect to permit non-customers to cash checks through drive-in facilities only after normal banking hours.
Program Identification, Customer Awareness, & Collateral MaterialsA Thumbprint Signature logo has been developed and generic customer information materials are available for use in making customers and non-customers aware of an institution’s participation in the program. It is recommended that participants use a Thumbprint Signature decal on all entrances to banking facilities. Security professionals believe this early visibility of the program will act as a significant deterrent.
Notification to Business/Commercial CustomersIt is recommended that all participating financial institutions write to their business/commercial customers at least two weeks prior to implementing the Thumbprint Signature Program. Letters and/or follow-up telephone calls should encourage these customers to notify their employees that a Thumbprint Signature will be required if the employees are not depository customers of the institution. Notification of the program is a courtesy to business/commercial customers and will assist in the process of making the policy known to larger numbers of non-customers who may seek to cash checks. See Customer Notification for suggestions.
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