by Sarah Mulholland
ABSTRACT - Capturing a criminal's fingerprint has long been a key piece of the evidence used by law enforcement to prosecute their cases. With the advent of biometric technology, supermarkets are using fingerprint identification to reduce check-cashing fraud. Industry consultants say that criminals with the latest computer technology can produce checks that pass through check-verification systems. Harlon Earp, VP of Harp's Food Stores Operations in Springdale Arkansas, estimates fraudulent checks may reach $250,000 annually for his stores. Harp's uses CrimeBite Authentiprint system to combat check fraud and identity theft. Anyone cashing a payroll or government check at Harp's leaves a fingerprint via the CrimeBite Authentiprint system. Earp commented that "It's a good deterrent. I wouldn't operate without." Trey Williams of IGA in Camden SC said that the local police have solved at least two cases using the CrimeBite Authentiprint system. Williams uses the CrimeBite Authentiprint system at all the registers for payroll, government, or any questionable check.