DevilsPGD wrote:
>> >>> 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.
Correct. But a quick phone call to your bank (or potentially some signed paperwork) will get the cheque reversed.
I've written cheques with no date, with a date over a year earlier (and not around Jan/Feb), without a signature, with mis-matched written and numeric dollar amounts, and that had the word VOID in the signature line, all cleared without difficulty.
However, should I have disputed any of the above, a simple email or phone call, I'd get the money back immediately.