>> 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.
You don't really think the bank checks the signature do you? Only if you complain about an unauthorized check. The problem isn't the possibility of losing money, its the work required to clean up the mess after the fact.