>> 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.
> And they *don't* do any comparasion with the signature card that is
> 'on file'. This has been the case for 20 years or more.
Actually, this is starting to change thanks to computers -- No more signature card required, but they do sometimes check the signature against an online image of the signature.
It certainly doesn't happen often, and probably only above a certain amount, but they do perform checks of cheques in some cases -- I know because I've had a cheque held while they called a bank officer over to approve a signature because the signature wasn't close enough for the rep to eyeball it and approve it.