The development of a database for payment card embossing machines

Abstract

In order to meet increasing operational demands involving the forensic examination of payment cards, a software program was created to enable the cards to be linked by identifying characteristics found on characters embossed on their plastic surfaces. In doing so, a database was developed, reducing an otherwise insurmountable task into an orderly and efficient process. Counterfeit cards as well as altered genuine cards, from across Canada, can be accurately correlated and linked to the specific embossing machines responsible for their production.