The Do’s of Check Acceptance:
Name address and phone number imprinted.
Current date only.
Compare ID picture with that of the person cashing or writing the check.
Make sure signature matches ID signature.
Make sure phone number is a working phone.
Ask for street address – no Post office boxes.
The Don’ts of Check Acceptance:
Don’t let the check writer rush you.
Don’t take any check or person for granted, ALWAYS obtain proper ID.
Don’t accept prewritten personal checks. At least the signature should be written in your presence.
Don’t accept unsigned checks.
Don’t accept started checks.
Don’t accept two party checks.
When accepting a check, remember what is important:
- The check
- The Identification
- The person
Spotting A Possible Problem Check:
Checks that have a number under 300.
Checks that do not have a phone number printed on them.
If the address on the check is written by hand or if the current address is changed.
No photo ID.
Checks drawn on out-of-state banks.
Checks for more than the amount of purchase.
Two party checks.
Check number is handwritten, stamped or typed.
Loose checks not being recorded in a check register.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO ACCEPT A CHECK AS A FORM OF PAYMENT IF YOU THINK IT PRESENTS A RISK!
Spotting a Forged Check:
The check writers name is different than the name printed on the check.
If the top or side of the check is smooth and not perforated.
If the bank numbers across the bottom appear glossy or irregular.
Any difference or misalignment of type styles.
Printing on the check appears faint or photo copied.
Photo ID does not match information on the check.
REMEMBER…Acceptance of a check as form of payment is a privilege extended by you.
Michelle Dunn is the author of “Starting Your Own Collection Agency” and “MAD Collection Letters and Forms.” Visit her site at http://www.madagency.com or her online credit and collections community at www.credit-and-collections.com.
