How to Spot a Fake Check

According to the National Consumer League, a nonprofit organization that helps stop fraud and other consumer misconduct over the United States and abroad, the number one scam reported to their Fraud Center is fake checks. Fortunately, you can use several methods to examine checks to determine if they are fake. It also helps to be aware of common check-related scams so that you can protect yourself.^[1]

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Examining the Check

1. Look at the edges. Most checks that were written by a legitimate business have one edge that is rough or perforated. Examine the sides of the check to see if all sides are smooth. If they are, it might have been printed on a computer.^[2]
   
2. Check the bank logo. Look on the front of the check for the logo of the bank where the checking account is held. If you don't see a logo, the check is likely fake. If the logo is faded or faint, this is probably evidence of the logo being copied from another source. This signals a fake check as well.
   
   • If the logo seems legitimate, look for an address. You need to check the validity of the bank address, which you can do by going online to the bank's website or calling the bank. Make sure each part of the address is correct.
   • If the check has no address or just a PO Box, the check is likely a fake.^[3]
3. Find the check number. Any legitimate check issued by a bank has a check number. The check number appears at the top right hand corner of the check. If the check does not have a check number, the check is fake.
   
   • If it does have a check number, check the number against the number in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line. The MICR line is the line of numbers at the bottom of a check printed by the issuing bank that gives all the relevant numbers for a check. From left to right, the long string of numbers contains the routing number, the account number, and the check number. The check number should match the numbers on the far right of the line. If it doesn't match, the check is likely a fake.
   • If the check number is low, from 101-400 on a personal check or 1000-1500 in a business check, the check may be fake. This signals a new account, and 90 percent of fake checks are written from new accounts.^[4][5][6]
4. Examine the MICR line. The MICR line appears at the bottom of every check issued by a real bank. Rub your finger over the line to check the feel of the ink. Also look at the ink's quality. The special ink used for the MICR line is dull and should print smoothly. If it is raised or shiny, the check is fake.
   
   • You also need to examine the routing number in the MICR line. This will be the first series of numbers in the MICR line. Go to the Federal Reserve Bank Services website and search the routing number of the institution issuing the check. If it exists, check the information of the bank against the name and address given to you by the Federal Reserve. If it doesn't match, you likely have a fake check.^[7][8]
5. Feel the paper. Real checks are typically printed on thick, sturdy stock paper. Rub your fingers along the check. Notice the thickness of the check. Bend the check back and forth, noticing the resistance the check gives. If the check is thin and flimsy, it is likely a fake check.
   
   • Fake checks are also typically printed on shiny paper. If the check is not printed on matte paper, it might be fake.
   • You can also try an ink test. Dampen your finger and run it across an inked area of the check. If the color smears, it was printed on a color printer and is fake.^[9][10]
6. Notice the signature. Most signed checks have a consistent signature. Look for gaps in the signature, a digital appearance or shaky and erratic pen strokes. These are signs that may indicate the signature was forged or scanned from another source and printed.
   
   • This doesn't always mean it is a fake check, but you should look for other clues if the signature seems forced.^[11][12]
   • There are some instances where a stamp is made up to sign checks, which can make it look printed or irregular. Be aware of this issue.
7. Check for irregularities. A few irregular aspects of a check can show it as being fake:
   
   • Look for an address of a payee. Notice if it is typed instead of printed on the check.
   • Check for spelling or typing errors within any of the printed areas.
   • Match the amount of the check with the spelled out amount.
   • Pay attention to areas where things have been added or erased from the check. If you see anything out of the ordinary in these areas, you might have a fake check.^[13]

[Edit]Avoiding Common Scams

1. Develop a policy for accepting checks. If you run a business, it's essential that you make stringent rules for accepting checks. Do not rely on just a physical examination of the check to protect yourself from fraud. The following are common guidelines for check policies:^[14]
   
   • Checks must be from a local or in-state bank
   • Checks should not be written and accepted for more than the purchase amount
   • Checks should not be accepted that are starter checks, unnumbered checks, or non-personalized checks
   • The customer's complete name and address must appear on the check
   • The date must be accurate
   • The check should be signed in your presence and verified with the signature on a photo identification (driver's license, military ID, or state ID)
   • You may want to write down the person's driver's license number
2. Do not send money to people you don't know. If you get a check in the mail that claims that you won a sweepstakes you never entered or that you won the lottery, you should be wary of the check. Often these scams say that this check only represents part of your winnings and is the first of many. They also ask you to send money for taxes on your winnings. This is an obvious sign of a scam. You should never send money to anyone you do not know.
   
   • A legitimate company or sweepstakes will never ask you to send money to them. Taxes on such winnings should always be paid directly to the government.
   • Also never send money through wire transfer under these circumstances. This is the same as sending someone cash. Once the scammer picks it up from the wire service, there is no way to get your money back once you realize it is a scam.
3. Double-check companies. Many check scams use legitimate businesses as a cover for their corrupt ventures. If you recognize a real company attached to a check you receive and the check looks real, contact the company. Don't use any of the information that was sent with the check. These details could have been created by the person scamming you. Look for information about the company from an independent source to verify if the check you received is real.
   
   • Research the company on the web or look up its number in a phone directory. Most businesses will let you know if they sent you a check or if they are participating in a sweepstakes.
4. Do not spend the funds before the check is verified. A fake check isn't always spotted by a bank. You may be able to cash a check, even if it is fake. A bank may not know a check is fake until the bank tries to clear the check. This process can take weeks. If you cash the check or deposit the check and then spend the funds, you will be responsible for paying the money back to the bank. It does not matter that the check is a scam or that you were unaware of it being fake.
   
   • Do your due diligence to ensure the check is legitimate. Then wait until the check is cleared by the bank before spending the money.
   • The bank holds you responsible for determining the legitimacy of a check before you try to cash it.
   • If you fail to comply with the bank's request to return the money, your accounts can be frozen. The bank can also take legal action and sue you for the money.
   • You can also be charged with fraud, even if you were unaware of the circumstances.
5. Avoid working-at-home scams. Some check scams seem like job offers. If you are contacted to be a mystery shopper or an account manager at home, this is likely a scam. Most legitimate companies that hire mystery shoppers will never send you checks or money orders ahead of time.The scammers will likely tell you that all you need to do is deposit the checks or money orders they send you. You take your pay as cash from the checks when you deposit them. Never deposit checks for someone you don't know or try to make money fast by working at home for an unknown business.
   
   • Mystery shopping is a legitimate business, but it is not a get-rich-quick opportunity. You are only paid after you complete the necessary tasks and send in a survey form. If you are ever asked to buy something, the company will always reimburse you.
   • If you think it might be a legitimate mystery shopping opportunity, check with the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.
   • This kind of scam can also apply to many other scenarios where you do a small amount of work from home. A legitimate company would never ask you to deposit checks on their behalf or pay you in such a way.^[15]
6. Shy away from foreign investments. Many scams will write you and ask you to invest in a foreign company or property. They will then send you an check that is an advance on your profits. This is a scam. Never cash a check that is supposed to be an advance on a foreign investment.
   
   • You should also avoid investing in anything that you do not perform extensive research on beforehand.
7. Refrain from taking unsolicited grants. If you receive a notification that you received a grant that you did not apply for, this is a scam. Grants are always awarded for a specific purpose. They are not a form of free money. A scam organization may send you a check advance of the amount and ask you to send in some form of payment to get the rest of the grant. The check sent to you is fake and you will lose any money you send to the organization. Real grants are never given unsolicited. You must always apply for grants to receive them.
   
   • Grants are also typically given in conjunction with an organization or institution where you will be performing some kind of research, paper, or study.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Detect Counterfeit US Money
• Spot Fake DVDs
• Report Fraud

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.consumerfed.org/elements/www.consumerfed.org/file/CFA%20Fake%20Check%20Scams%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
2. ↑ http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-04-2011/scam-alert-fake-checks.1.html
3. ↑ http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-04-2011/scam-alert-fake-checks.1.html
4. ↑ http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-04-2011/scam-alert-fake-checks.1.html
5. ↑ http://www.sourcetech.com/micr-printers/what-is-micr
6. ↑ http://www.ckfraud.org/ckfraud.html#signs
7. ↑ http://www.occ.gov/publications/publications-by-type/other-publications-reports/pub-other-check-fraud.pdf
8. ↑ http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-04-2011/scam-alert-fake-checks.2.html
9. ↑ http://www.occ.gov/publications/publications-by-type/other-publications-reports/pub-other-check-fraud.pdf
10. ↑ http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-04-2011/scam-alert-fake-checks.2.html
11. ↑ http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-04-2011/scam-alert-fake-checks.2.html
12. ↑ http://www.occ.gov/publications/publications-by-type/other-publications-reports/pub-other-check-fraud.pdf
13. ↑ http://www.occ.gov/publications/publications-by-type/other-publications-reports/pub-other-check-fraud.pdf
14. ↑ https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/managing-business-finances-accounting/accepting-checks
15. ↑ http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/Fake-Check-Scam-Consumer-Tips-6-14-11.pdf

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/41ywDXr

How to Organize a Filing Cabinet

Organizing a filing cabinet can be tough, whether it’s a home cabinet filled with paid bills and tax information or a work cabinet filled with completed projects and invoices. Organize your filing cabinet by getting rid of old files, finding a filing system that works for you, and continually maintaining it.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Purging Old Documents

1. Buy a filing cabinet if you don't have one. Look for a good quality cabinet that’s a good size for your home or office within your budget. Consider a fireproof and waterproof cabinet, in case of any natural disasters that may strike your home. A bundle of such cabinets are found in local stores, furniture shops, carpentry shops and malls.^[1]
   
2. Begin to go through your files. Set aside anything that’s obviously old or unnecessary. Set aside:
   
   • Receipts for products you no longer own.
   • Junk Mail
   • Old bills for services you no longer use
   • Business letters from an old job
   • Stamps you no longer need
3. Don't be afraid to get rid of things. While certain documents like birth certificates and tax information are obviously important, there may be junk mail or old receipts that looks important but really isn't. Think about each document as you make your decision, and think about whether it could actually be useful in the future. If you wouldn't miss it if it disappeared for a year, it's probably alright to throw it out.^[2]
   
4. Be careful when throwing things away at work! Make sure to ask your supervisors before you throw anything out, as it may be more important than you think. Your company may also have policies about how long things need to be kept and how they need to be disposed of.
   
5. Decide which things need to be kept. This will generally depend on how recent or useful they are. Use discretion and think about whether the documents will be useful or necessary in the future. If they're truly important, keep them.^[3] For tax info, insurance records and vital documents, keep them for the following periods of time:^[4]
   
   • Keep tax return information for 7 years, as well as any receipts for items you deducted from your taxes. The IRS can audit any return up to 6 years after your taxes are filed.
   • Keep insurance records, mortgage statements and proof of charitable donations for up to three years.
   • Make sure to keep very important documents like birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, titles, deeds, and passports. Keep them safe and never get rid of them.
6. Shred every document that you've set aside. Throwing out unshredded documents can leave your personal information exposed to anyone who sees them. Even if you're not sure whether the document is sensitive, it's best to shred it as it may contain addresses, birth dates or other info.
   
7. Shred or destroy digital media too. Many towns and businesses will have shred days where locals or employees can bring old floppy disks, CDs or hard drives to be destroyed. They'll make sure it's done correctly. ^[5]
   

[Edit]Organizing Your Important Documents

1. Start to organize the remaining files. Move to a desk or big table and organize the papers into piles that are logical and sensible to you. These will become your individual files. Make piles that will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.^[6] Consider categories for home cabinets such as:
   
   • Utilities
   • Auto
   • Medical
   • Pet
   • Business
   • Home
   • Taxes
   • Finances
2. Ask coworkers for advice about work cabinets. There may be specific company conventions for organizing papers at your workplace. If not, file chronologically or alphabetically. Ask tidy coworkers what systems work best for them.
   
3. Keep your categories simple. The more specific you get, the more files you’ll have, which will mean more clutter in your cabinet. Keep your main files more general, and then organize documents within them. ^[7]
   
4. Decide whether to organize by name or date. Once you've sorted each paper into its correct pile, begin to organize them in a way that'll make it easy to find.
   
   • For alphabetical listings, like brands on receipts, place items starting with A at the top of the stack, working down to Z.
   • For chronological filings, like dates of tax returns, place the most recent documents on the top of the stack, working towards oldest documents at the bottom.
5. Place each of your stacks into a folder. Put the papers in so that the document at the top of the stack is at the front of the folder. This will keep the documents in the same order that you organized them in.
   

[Edit]Making Files Easy to Find

1. Clearly label each folder. Make sure that the writing on the tab is large, legible, and makes sense to you and others in your office or family. Use a label maker for extra clarity.^[8]
   
2. Let each drawer hold its own category, and label it clearly as well. Divide your files among drawers in ways that make sense to you, with each drawer containing a distinct category. Each category should contain related files, which will help you find things more easily.
   
   • Financial information like tax documents, investment files and mortgage statements might go in one drawer.
   • Personal documents like birth certificates, passports and medical records might go in another drawer.
   • Instruction manuals for various items might go in another.
3. Consider using colored folders. If you commit the corresponding color to memory, it'll make your papers much easier to find. If you already have manilla folders, add color to them with highlighters or colored markers. Colored labels can be used more subtly for the same purpose.
   
4. Use your color system to create subcategories within your drawers. An Informational Materials drawer, for example, might be divided into folders like "Electronics Manuals," "Power Tool Manuals" and "Cleaning Supply Manuals".
   
5. Change your system if it doesn’t make sense. After a month or two of use, don't be afraid to change the things that aren't working for you. Move different files to the front, or break up categories that are hard to tell apart. Remember that your filing cabinet is a system for you, and it needs to conform to your work flow.
   

[Edit]Maintaining the Organization

1. Be proactive to stay organized. Pay immediate attention to mail and documents as they come in, and once you’ve dealt with them, file them right away.^[9]
   
2. Set up an inbox on your home or office desk. Look through your incoming mail once a day. You won’t lose track of anything this way, and it won’t pile up. Filing won’t seem like such a chore it's done a little bit at a time.^[10]
   
3. Reorganize your cabinet often. Yearly reorganization is recommended, and you can even clean it out quarterly if you have a large number of files. The main source of clutter in filing cabinets is old documents that you no longer need, so purge and shred the old things as necessary.
   
4. Consider converting some of your files to digital media. The more documents you can keep in digital format, the less physical clutter you’ll have in a filing cabinet. Good candidates for scanning include receipts, proofs of donation, or bank statements. Some may even be available online already. ^[11]
   
5. Make a master document. In the document, explain how your filing system works and where things are located. In the event of an emergency or unforeseen problem, others may need to know how to look for your files. ^[12]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Keep your filing cabinets locked if you've got curious children or prying family members.
• If you have a problem with opening the lock, see How to Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock.
• Store very sensitive documents like birth certificates or title deeds in a safety deposit box or fire-proof document case if you're worried that the file cabinet isn't safe enough.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you live in an earthquake prone area, bolt cabinets to a stable wall. This will prevent them from falling on a person or blocking a door during a seismic event.
• Load your files carefully. If a top drawer is full and drawers below it are empty, it may tip over. ^[13]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Address an Envelope in Care of Someone Else
• Switch to a Dvorak Keyboard Layout
• Open a Sealed Envelope

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/gttk_article.php/cPath/CAT9_CAT283
2. ↑ [v161238_b01]. 14 January 2020.
3. ↑ [v161238_b01]. 14 January 2020.
4. ↑ http://www.cleanmama.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/How-Long-Should-I-Keep-It-For-Clean-Mama.png
5. ↑ https://www.semshred.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/2480
6. ↑ [v161238_b01]. 14 January 2020.
7. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/eight-tips-for-organizing-your-paperwork.html
8. ↑ http://www.smead.com/hot-topics/filing-system-1396.asp
9. ↑ [v161238_b01]. 14 January 2020.
10. ↑ [v161238_b01]. 14 January 2020.
11. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/command-center/shrink-filing-cabinet
12. ↑ http://www.thesimpledollar.com/a-fresh-start-how-to-organize-all-of-your-financial-documents-in-a-filing-cabinet/
13. ↑ http://ehs.ucsc.edu/programs/safety-ih/office-safety.html

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/FE2mT3o

How to Clean a PS4 Controller

If you're a PlayStation 4 fan, then your controller gets a lot of use. And while it comes into contact with germs often, it's easy to forget to clean it. If your controller has experienced a lot of wear and is starting to look dirty, it's time for a clean! Luckily, whether you want to clean your PS4 controller from the outside or inside, the procedure is fairly simple.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Wiping Down the Controller

1. Mix 1 part water with 1 part rubbing alcohol. Fill a 1 quart (943 mL) spray bottle a quarter of the way with water. Pour rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol) on top of the water until it reaches the halfway point. Screw the cap on tightly and gently turn the bottle upside down and back up to mix the solution.^[1]
   
   
   • Give the bottle a few sprays into the sink to make sure it's working properly
2. Wipe down the controller with the mixture using a microfiber towel. Spray 2 to 3 spurts of your disinfectant onto a clean microfiber towel. Wipe down the entire surface of the controller. Once the clean side of the towel gets dirty, flip it to the other side.^[2]
   
   • You can also use a soft cloth or lint-free paper towel. However, microfiber towels are better at trapping dirt and reducing the risk of scratching glossy parts of the controller.
3. Pour 100% rubbing alcohol into a small container. Fill up a small container or tray and place it next to your controller. If you can't get 100% rubbing alcohol, make sure it's as close to 100% as possible.^[3]
   
   
4. Dip a cotton swab into the rubbing alcohol and squish it. Be sure that the tip is flat after you squish it down with your fingers. Always wear cleaning gloves (nylon or latex) as you do this to avoid getting alcohol on your skin.^[4]
   
   
   • After squeezing the cotton, it should be flat enough to get inside the controller's tight spots.
5. Stick the cotton in between the controller's buttons and gaps. After sticking the tip of the cotton swab in, move it around side to side and up and down to remove the dirt. Continue doing this for each button, including those on the D-pad. Don't worry if rubbing alcohol gets stuck inside the button gap—it will eventually evaporate.^[5]
   
   
   • Use a toothpick to get dirt that your cotton swab can't reach. Just be careful not to jam it in too hard and damage the buttons.
   • If you're having a hard time cleaning the button gaps, focus on the surfaces.
   • Wipe the buttons down with a clean cloth or towel when you're finished.
6. Scrub around the rubber tops and bases of the analog sticks using a new swab. Dip another cotton swab into the rubbing alcohol and squish it. Drag the tip around the tops of the analog sticks, including the edges. Afterward, begin scrubbing the bases of the sticks. As you're cleaning the bases, move the stick around to expose more of them for a complete clean.^[6]
   
   
   • Use a toothpick to get under the lip on the controller where it connects to the sticks.
   • Switch to a clean cotton swab in between analog sticks.
7. Clean inside the gaps of the trigger buttons. Loosen dirt inside the gaps by gently pulling it out with a toothpick. Afterward, use a new cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean all the way around the gaps in face of the trigger buttons.^[7]
   
   
   • Don't push the toothpick into the gaps past the tip.
8. Scrape all the way around the touchpad. Shimmy out any dirt that is stuck in the gap with a toothpick. Wipe it down with a clean cloth or towel when you're done. Afterward, dip a new cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and clean the edges of the touchpad to pick up the remaining dirt.
   
   
9. Scrub down the "Options," "Share," and "PlayStation" buttons. Dip a new cotton swab into rubbing alcohol. Hold the swab horizontally and scrub the surface of the buttons and the gaps around them.
   
   
   • Find the "Share" button to the left of the touchpad, the "Options" button to the right of it, and the "PlayStation" button below it.
10. Drag a toothpick all the way around the gap between the controller pieces. Place the tip of the toothpick into the gap. Hold it parallel to the gap and drag it around the perimeter of the controller. Continue doing this until you remove all of the dirt.^[8]
    
    
11. Gently stick a new toothpick in and out of the speaker grill holes. Twist the toothpick as you're going in and out of the holes. This should remove any dirt stuck in them. Be careful not to twist the toothpick too roughly.
    
    
    • To avoid damaging the insides of your controller, don't insert the toothpick past its tip.
12. Clean the controller ports using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. After dabbing the swab in alcohol, twist the cotton swab into the headphone jack. Don't force it—just apply a light amount of pressure. For the "EXT" and Micro USB ports, squish the swab flat with your fingers. Afterward, scrub the inside of the ports by moving the swab left and right.^[9]
    
    
    • Don't worry about washing out rubbing alcohol—it will evaporate by itself.

[Edit]Cleaning the Inside of the Controller

1. Remove the 4 screws from the back of the controller. Flip the controller over. Remove all of the screws by turning each screw counterclockwise with a Phillips #0 flat head screwdriver. Use a screwdriver for the best results.^[10]
   
   
   • Replace the screws if they are difficult to turn. The screws are M2X6 Phillips flat head machine screws.
2. Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the crease and lever it open. Press the screwdriver firmly in between the crease at any point along the controller. Begin levering it up until the pieces open. Continue working around the crease until it pops open completely.^[11]
   
   
   • Be gentle when levering open the controller to avoid damaging it.
3. Remove the back piece of the controller. Pull the controller apart from the indent on the bottom between the analog sticks. Gently remove the back of the controller by jiggling it up and forward. Take care not to pop the buttons off.^[12]
   
   
   • Spray the back piece with a surface cleaner and dry cloth if it's dirty.
4. Pull out the white ribbon cable from the connector slot. After opening the controller, take care not to break the ribbon cable. Gently remove it from its connector slot with your hands and set the front piece of the controller aside.^[13]
   
   
5. Remove the black piece underneath the battery by pulling it upward. Push the battery connector out of the controller. Use a small flathead screwdriver and jiggle the connector gently out and then remove the battery. Afterward, pull the black piece upward. Continue pulling it and wiggling it gently until it comes loose.^[14]
   
   
   • Be patient—this piece can take a while to shimmy off.
6. Pull off the chipboard. Remove the small screw in the center of the chipboard using a Phillips #0 flat head screwdriver. Afterward, remove the blue ribbon cable on top of the chipboard. Pull the chipboard out by gently pulling it upward.^[15]
   
   
   • Be careful not to break the wires attaching the chipboard to the battery.
7. Pry apart the 2 parts of the front controller pieces to reveal the inside. Grip each of the pieces of the controller. Gently pull them apart, taking care not to do pull them apart too suddenly.^[16]
   
   
   • Pop off the L2 and R2 buttons before prying the piece apart to give yourself more room.
8. Remove the buttons and analog sticks. The analog sticks can be popped off of the controller easily. To remove the buttons, pull off the rubber cradles that hold them into the controller and dump them onto a flat, clean surface.^[17]
   
   
   • You should now have a green triangle, a red circle, a blue cross, and a pink square; a D-pad; 4 shoulder buttons; a PlayStation button; and analog sticks.
9. Clean each piece using 1 part water with 1 part rubbing alcohol. Pour your water and rubbing alcohol into a small bowl. Wet a microfiber towel with your solution and gently scrub each piece separately.^[18]
   
   
   • You can use a lint-free towel or soft cloth as well. However, microfiber towels are more effective at trapping dirt and decreasing the risk of scratching the pieces.
10. Dry each piece with a microfiber towel. Once the pieces are cleaned, gently rub the surface of each one with a dry microfiber towel. Afterward, lay them on a clean surface for about 5 minutes.
    
    
    • Standard cloths and towels also work. However, they can sometimes scratch the surface of your pieces.
11. Reassemble the controller. Insert all the keys into their proper locations. Afterward, place the rubber cradles on top of them and firmly press the analog sticks into the holes on the chipboard. Insert the analog stick through the holes in the front piece and screw the chipboard back in place. Press the black piece back on top of the chipboard and place the battery on top of it. Now you can snap the back controller piece back on and screw it into place.
    
    
    • Reattach any ribbon cables as you reassemble the controller.
    • Keep the front controller piece facing down as you reattach its buttons.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Unplug your PlayStation 4 before cleaning your controller to avoid accidentally turning it on.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHKXOIUV5w
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/y5ePFMu8i9A?t=43s
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/y5ePFMu8i9A?t=1m17s
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/y5ePFMu8i9A?t=1m20s
5. ↑ http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/01/12/how-to-clean-ps4-controller-psls-help-desk
6. ↑ http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/01/12/how-to-clean-ps4-controller-psls-help-desk/
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/y5ePFMu8i9A?t=1m59s
8. ↑ http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/01/12/how-to-clean-ps4-controller-psls-help-desk
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/y5ePFMu8i9A?t=3m21s
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=26s
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=1m16s
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/EfeFv0tWhOE?t=1m8s
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=1m28s
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=1m51s
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=2m30s
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=2m53s
17. ↑ https://youtu.be/byO3HOA3nzU?t=3m9s
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/y5ePFMu8i9A?t=43s

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How to Make Banana Chips

If you like bananas, you just might like banana chips. They are sweet and crunchy, and perfect for snacking on. This wikiHow will show you several ways of making them.

[Edit]Ingredients

Baked banana chips

• 3-4 bananas, ripe
• 1-2 lemons, squeezed

Deep fried banana chips

• 5 green/raw (unripe) bananas
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Oil for deep-frying (peanut oil is a good choice for deep frying)

Deep fried sweet banana chips

• 5 green/raw (unripe) bananas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Oil for deep-frying (peanut oil is a good choice for deep frying)

Microwave savory banana chips

• 2 green/raw (unripe) bananas
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spice flavored banana chips

• Bunch of just overripe bananas
• Juice from 1-2 lemons
• Favorite spice, for example, cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Baked Banana Chips

1. Preheat the oven to 175-200ºF/80-95ºC. The low temperature allows a dehydrating effect as opposed to a real baking effect. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or a silicone sheet.
   
2. Remove the banana peel. Slice the bananas into thin slices. Make sure they're all fairly much the same slice width, to ensure even cooking.
   
3. Arrange the slices across the baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer and do not allow the slices to touch.
   
4. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top of all the banana slices. This helps to hold back natural blackening and adds a slight tang.
   
5. Place the sheet in the oven. Bake for an hour to an hour and three quarters. Test after an hour to see if you like the consistency; if not, continue baking.
   
   • Baking times may vary depending on the thickness of the slices.
6. Remove from the oven. Set aside to cool. Most likely the banana chips will be soft and oozing but in cooling, they'll dry and harden up.
   

[Edit]Deep Fried Banana Chips

1. Peel the bananas. Place them into iced water.
   
2. Slice the bananas into even slices. Place back in the water as you slice them. Add the turmeric powder.
   
3. Leave in the water for 10 minutes. Then drain and place on a clean tea towel to retain the moisture.
   
4. Heat the oil. Drop in a few slices at a time to deep fry (don't overcrowd the oil). Use a slotted spoon to add and retrieve the slices.
   
5. Repeat until all slices have been fried.
   
6. Drain by placing the slices on kitchen paper towel.
   
7. Let cool. Once cooled, they can be served or stored. To store, place in an airtight container, such as a glass container or resealable bags.
   

[Edit]Deep Fried Sweet Banana Chips

1. Peel the bananas. Place in slightly salted iced water for 10 minutes (note that salt will melt the cubes faster but it'll stay cold).
   
2. Slice the bananas thinly. Keep them as evenly sized as possible.
   
3. Arrange the banana slices on a wire rack. Leave to dry slightly, to remove moisture.
   
4. Heat the oil. Add the banana slices in small batches and fry for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to add and retrieve the slices.
   
5. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper towels.
   
6. Make the sugar syrup. Add the two sugars, water and cinnamon to a heavy based saucepan. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves and thickens into a syrup. Turn off the heat source.
   
7. Dip the fried bananas into the sugar syrup. Toss well to coat.
   
8. Arrange on a wire rack covered in parchment paper. Let cool and set.
   
9. Serve or store. Place in an airtight container for storage.
   

[Edit]Microwave Savory Banana Chips

1. Place the bananas, whole and in their skin, in the saucepan. Pour in water to cover, then bring to the boil for 10 minutes.
   
2. Remove from the water. Let cool.
   
3. Remove the skin. Slice thinly. Make sure that the slices are even, to avoid uneven microwaving.
   
4. Coat in the olive oil and turmeric. Season to taste with salt.
   
5. Lay across a microwave-proof flat dish or pan. Keep in a single layer and don't allow the slices to touch.
   
6. Place in the microwave. Microwave on high for 8 minutes.
   
   • Every two minutes, stop the cooking, remove the plate and flip the slices over. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
   • Be extra vigilant in the final two minutes, to avoid burning the banana chips.
7. Remove from the microwave. Let cool and the banana chips will crisp up.
   
8. Serve. Arrange in a small bowl. To keep, place in an airtight container.
   

[Edit]Spice Flavored Banana Chips

This method requires the use of a dehydrator.

1. Peel the bananas. Slice into even thin slices. Be aware that the thinness determines the final crispiness, so keep them as thin as possible.
   
2. Arrange the slices in the dehydrator. Only add them single layer and avoid touching.
   
3. Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the top of the slices. Then sprinkle over the top with your favorite spice. If possible, use fresh, such as grated nutmeg or buy as fresh a spice as possible.
   
4. Dehydrate at 135ºF/57ºC for 24 hours. They're ready to remove when they look a caramel color and have dried totally.
   
5. Place on a wire cooling rack and let cool.
   
6. Store or serve. To store, place in an airtight jar or resealable bags. They can be stored for up to a year.
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Banana chips can be stored for a decent length of time provided they're kept in an airtight container but don't leave them too long, as they taste better when still fresh from cooking than after months of storage.
• Iced water can be made simply by tipping a bunch of ice cubes into the bowl with the water. Use a metal bowl to increase the iciness.

[Edit]Warnings

• Be careful to note which recipes require unripe bananas and which need ripe ones, as this affects the outcome.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Knife and chopping board for making slices
• Baking sheet or microwave-proof dish; or deep frying gear for cooking
• Airtight container for storage
• Dehydrator (for spice flavored method)
• Wire cooling rack
• Bowl for ice water plus ice cubes (for deep fried recipes)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Dried Bananas in the Microwave
• Dehydrate Bananas

[Edit]References

• Deep fried banana chips adapted from: http://www.indobase.com/recipes/details/banana-chips.php
• Microwave savory banana chips adapted from: http://fireworksinmykitchen.blogspot.co.nz/2009/03/microwave-plantainraw-banana-chips.html
• Spice flavored banana chips adapted from: http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2012/03/23/nutmeg-banana-chips/

[Edit]Quick Summary

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