The problem with checks is that all I need is your routing and account
> number, and guess what? Those are printed on every one of your checks
> in plain human readable numerals. I can print up new checks on my
> computer with any ID on them I want, and your account number. I can
> start passing them around town same as your sneak thief. And guess
> what? I can easily get a fake ID to match the ID of the person I put
> on the check. Checks are terribly insecure.
You also need a signature, at least if you want the money to come from my account.
Now you obviously don't care if a merchant gets screwed since you've long since run off with the goods, but for the consumer, it's not as bad as the above makes it sound.