What term describes an expert in passing phony checks?

• A. FORGER
• B. PAPERHANGER
• C. CHECK WRITER
• D. COUNTERFEITER

Answer: (B)

Passing phony checks is all about how the fraudster handles the paperwork that goes with a payment. A paperhanger is someone who uses fraudulent documents to support a bad transaction, making a fake check look legitimate and convincing the recipient to cash it. This focuses on the manipulation of the paper trail—the receipts, endorsements, and other documentation—that enables the bad check to slip through.

A forger implies creating forged signatures or documents in general, and a counterfeiter deals with producing counterfeit money. A check writer simply issues checks and doesn’t necessarily imply fraudulent paperwork. Because the term paperhanger specifically captures the role of handling and presenting deceptive paper to pass off phony checks, it’s the best fit.