An altered payee scheme typically involves altering the payee line to insert a different name on a check. Which element is most characteristic?

• A. Inserting own name
• B. Forging the check maker's signature
• C. Processing payment behind a concealable counter
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

An altered payee scheme hinges on tampering with the payee field to redirect payment. The defining move is inserting the thief’s own name into the payee line, turning the check into one payable to the thief. This is what makes the scheme recognizable, because it directly changes who the check is issued to. Forging the check maker’s signature points to a different type of fraud (signature forgery or counterfeit checks), and processing payments behind a concealable counter describes concealment tactics rather than the specific act of altering the payee. So the standout characteristic is putting the thief’s name on the payee line.