>> 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.
Most banks don't even look at the signature, that is unless the check it presented in person at the issuers bank.