Difficult to find data on the "market" of the document falsification in France and Europe. Nevertheless, American studies on the phenomenon are eloquent. American institutions have become aware of the extent of this risk which is increasing constantly. The advent of electronic trade and other means of payment did not alter the curve of progression of the use of the cheque, nor even use of documents and written contracts.

Checks Forgery

$12.000 Million ...

The Office of the Controller of Currency indicates that check fraud reached $12.000 million in 1996. Each day, more than 1,2 million fraudulent checks will penetrate the American banking structure in 1998, representing more than $300 million.

+1.300%...

In 1981, the FBI declared 1.825 cases of falsified checks worth more than 100.000 dollars. In 1991, the number went up to 26.931 (an increase of 1.300%).

400 Million Checks...

Ernst & Young and American Bankers Association record practically the same figures: 300 to 400 million falsified or copied checks for an amount of $10.000 million each year.

62.000 Million Checks...

In 1997, 62.000 million checks were issued by American citizens and companies. This number has been in constant growth since the Eighties, about 3 to 4 % each year. The volume treated by Electronic Check Presentment (ECP), whose leader is the Wells Fargo Bank, represents 2.000 million checks, that is to say 3% of total volume. (Bank Systems Technology, Déc.97).

+25% per year

The American Bankers Association estimates that losses due to fraud will increase by 25% per year. The development of mail order business will amplify the phenomenon to a significant degree.

A world of Fraud

$28.000 Million ...

The U.S. Government Accounting Office reports that $28.000 million were paid to the defrauders using false administrative documents (identity papers, birth certificates, cards of social security and driving licences).

Vouchers...

Cash vouchers are also the subject of many forgeries and falsifications.

$110.000 Million ...

The losses undergone by the system of health add up to date nearly $110.000 million, in particular due to the falsification of prescriptions. (Insurance Business, Jan. 16 97)