Combing PDF's data changes

[Jorge23814930fikf]

Hello, I recently came across a significant and subtle issue while combining PDF's.

Source Files = Directly from Chase Bank (Check Images)

I downloaded several years of check images and wanted to combine them into a single PDF. After doing so, something caught my eye and I began to compare. 

The conclusion was that the check images stayed the same on all pages but the information was completely different from the original files. This is a major concern as these are financial files concerning legal matters. I honestly don't even know how this is possible, let alone a possibility. 

What do I do from here?

This puts all my legal work in serious jeopardy 

[ls_rbls]

Hi @Jorge23814930fikf ,

Please be more specific about the sources files that you are referring to.

Are these source files images or PDF documents?

It would be helpful if you can share a screenshot of the issue with no sensitive data, for example.

Some users are reporting issues with the combine tool.

In my case, adding files with the Combine Files tool crashes Acrobat almost as soon as the files are processed.

In fact, what I've observed is that, when I add files regardless of their source file format, it causes Acrobat to stall and freeze.

To avoid this hassle, I group the desired files on a separate folder and manually print them to PDF (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excell), and as for the secured PDF forms I open them with Acrobat and use "Save As" =>> postcript(.ps) file.

Converting all my desired files to PDF or postscript files allows me to group them all with no issues and merged into a single PDF document.

[Jorge23814930fikf]

"In my case, adding files with the Combine Files tool crashes Acrobat almost as soon as the files are processed.

In fact, what I've observed is that, when I add files regardless of their source file format, it causes Acrobat to stall and freeze."

Hello, I agree 100%

[try67]

Do these files happen to contain form fields? That should not be the case for financial documents, but it's worth checking. Also, bank statements are usually digitally signed or encrypted, which should prevent them from being merged like that, as well as from other forms of editing. Was that not the case with these files?

[Jorge23814930fikf]

Hello, so basically I downloaded check images direcetly form Chase Bank. Chase has a limit of 6 months per request so it ended up being dozens of files. I noticed something off and that is attached below. 

  

[try67]

Go to Tools - Forms - Prepare Form. Do you see any form fields in these files?

[missellienotes]

Adobe,  I am adding to the comments made by Jorge23814930fikf about Adobe and Chase Bank statements when using the "combine function."  I uncovered a significant issue and ran a test to isolate when the problem occurs.  I too, downloaded several PDFs of cancelled checks - front and back - from the Chase website.  Chase prints information above the check to include date the check cleared and amount.  What occurs is the following...   As the check PDF files are combined, all looks good to the user.  The files appear to hold their integrity.  Then, once the file is saved, the data above the check changes.  So imagine that you are the United States Government conducting an audit and the party has to submit cancelled check copies.  Imagine that one of those cancelled checks was written in April 2024 and yet above the check is a clearance date of December 2023!  Now it appears as though someone manually editted the PDF and dated checks that were cancelled in December with an April date of the following year.  That is huge.  Appears as fraud to any auditor.  I noticed this minutes before submitting my combined PDF.  This is a serious problem.  I would gladly send the data however in the spirit of security and protection for the individual, I cannot.  You have my information and are welcome to call me.  Had I not reviewed the combined PDF twice before submitting, I would have missed this.  Again, after the combine function is completed, the PDF files retain their integrity so it appears that all is good to the user.  Pages can be reorganized and again, all appears to be good to the user.  Based upon my test, the change occurs when the file is saved.  And the field is not a form field that I had to complete.  It is a field of data that Chase populates when parties create PDFs of cancelled checks displaying the front and back of the check.  This issue places our party in jeopardy for their lifetime support from the government.  And that's big.