In four-step check fraud, which item is listed as the fourth step?

• A. Forging
• B. Use of false or stolen identification cards
• C. Use of presentation that overcomes a merchant's reluctance to cash a check upon minimal identification
• D. Con artist's sense of right time, place, and victim

Answer: (D)

Four-step check fraud centers on moving from preparation to execution. The final step is when the fraud is actually carried out by exploiting the moment—choosing the right time, place, and victim to cash the fraudulent check. After forging the instrument, using false or stolen identification, and presenting the check in a way that bypasses safeguards, the scammer relies on timing and targeting to maximize the chance of success. That execution-focused element is captured by describing it as the con artist’s sense of right time, place, and victim, making it the correct fourth step.