I did not receive a tax refund check and I have finally got to the stage of getting a copy of it. The signature is not mine, also written underneath is ‘one time deposit’. Can I find out where it was deposited from the bank’s electronic endorsements on back of check such as ‘BOFD’ (whatever that means), ISN, RT, TRUNCATED.? I live in the UK and I think it was deposited in the US.

A) Understanding the Issue and Potential Solutions

Understanding the Problem:

• You received a tax refund check with a forged signature.
• The check was marked “one-time deposit.”
• You believe it was deposited in the US.
• You want to trace the deposit using electronic endorsements on the check.

Understanding the Electronic Endorsements:

• BOFD: Likely stands for “Back Office Fraud Detection.” This indicates some level of fraud check was performed.
• ISN: Could be an “Item Sequence Number,” a unique identifier for the check.
• RT: Possibly “Return Item,” but this seems unlikely given the context.
• TRUNCATED: Means the check image was processed electronically, rather than the physical check.

Can You Trace the Deposit Using These Endorsements?

Unfortunately, the endorsements you’ve mentioned are unlikely to provide specific information about the depositing bank or account. They are primarily internal processing codes used by the banking system.

What You Can Do:

1. Report the Fraud: Contact the IRS immediately to report the fraudulent check. They have procedures for dealing with stolen tax refunds.
2. File a Police Report: Consider filing a police report in both the UK and the US (where you believe the check was deposited).
3. Contact Your Bank: Inform your bank about the fraudulent check and the potential unauthorized deposit. They may be able to provide some assistance or information.
4. Check Credit Report: Monitor your credit report for any fraudulent activity.
5. Consider a Refund Advance: If you need funds urgently, you might consider a refund advance service, though this is generally more expensive than waiting for a corrected refund.

Additional Information:

While the endorsements won’t help trace the deposit directly, providing more details about the check, such as the check number, issuing bank, and exact wording on the back, might assist in further investigation.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or financial advice. It’s essential to consult with professionals for personalized guidance on your specific situation.