depositing check not written to me

[unfalliblekrutch]

I just realized a check that i've been holding onto doesn't have my name on it (the person who wrote it wrote the wrong last name), and it would be a hassle to track her down and get her to write a new one, so is there any problem with me endorsing it as the non-existing person on the check and depostiting it?

 

[Farang]

I think the bank will catch on to that one.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Originally posted by: Farang
I think the bank will catch on to that one.

back before I had a bank account, I could endorse checks written to me and my dad could cash them with his bank...this is basically the same thing...i'd endorse it as the person who's name is on the check and deposit it in my account

 

[mugs]

How close is your name to the name on the check?

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Originally posted by: mugs
How close is your name to the name on the check?

My name is "Ma"...she wrote "Wu"

so i guess it's the same number of letters

 

[imported_weadjust]

I doubt they will notice. I accidentally wrote Comcast on my house payment check (Chase Mortgage) and it cleared with no problems.

 

[V00DOO]

Most banks check processing are automated and chances of them knowing it isn't your name on the check is very very slim. Just deposit using the ATM along with other check or checks under you name and you'll be fine unless it's a large amount like $5K plus then might look at it a little more careful. I just deposit a rebate check to my personal account that was payable to my company's name.

One more thing, if the bank won't process the check they'll mail the chech back to you therefore nothing to loose.

 

[mugs]

Well, I can say this... I use my middle name instead of my first name, so I often get checks with the wrong first name on them. Sometimes the teller notices, sometimes they don't. If they ask, I just say "it's my middle name" and they accept that even though I have no piece of ID with my middle name on it.

If they question you, you could just say, "I guess the person who wrote the check thinks all Asians are named Wu" and hope that it makes the teller uncomfortable so she accepts the check.

 

[glenn beck]

I've deposited checks on my bank many times with someone else's name on it, but their signature has to be on it first then yours, just make up
a signature with the name on it with like a different colored pen and writing style, they really won't know the difference

 

[blue1friday2]

I'd just go ahead and try to cash it but definitely not by forging someone's name. Just try to cash it as is. At least then if they catch it you haven't done anything illegal and could just claim not to have noticed the error.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: glenn beck
I've deposited checks on my bank many times with someone else's name on it, but their signature has to be on it first then yours, just make up
a signature with the name on it with like a different colored pen and writing style, they really won't know the difference

This could work, but even though you aren't trying to steal anything, it's probably fraud. I understand that hassle is hassle, but so are legal problems. I'd tend to deposit it at the ATM with no signature of any kind on it, and see if you get a phone call.

 

[aswedc]

Your plan would work. An endorsed check becomes bearer paper. This means that it can be redeemed by anyone with physical possession.

Whether it is legal or not to endorse a non existent person's name, I don't know...

 

[Mermaidman]

IIRC, you do not need to endorse a check just to deposit it in the payee's account.