does using check packs out of order cause trouble?

[JimKiler]

Poorly written sarcasm or ignorance?

That seems like sarcasm to me.

My first checking account they gave us checks starting at 1000 because vendors did not want checks from newly opened checking accounts (assuming they had a higher rate of no funds) and then i got to pick my checks so I chose a totally random number. The last time the bank started us at 1. I have to laugh that they used to jump to 1000 or higher to avoid merchants who restricted check numbers.

 

[jtvang125]

I once paid something online using an e-check and forgot to void it. I ended up using that check for something else. The bank just informed me that there was a duplicate check number used and if it wasn't me then I'll need to contact them.

 

[alkemyst]

That seems like sarcasm to me.

My first checking account they gave us checks starting at 1000 because vendors did not want checks from newly opened checking accounts (assuming they had a higher rate of no funds) and then i got to pick my checks so I chose a totally random number. The last time the bank started us at 1. I have to laugh that they used to jump to 1000 or higher to avoid merchants who restricted check numbers.

I thought so too, but his finishing line makes it seem serious. Good time to throw in a free emoticon.

Yeah, I remember that old workaround prior to debit cards. I actually had my account date printed on my checks during that time (however, again this was not anything 'legal' so you could have requested 1/1/1920 from a third-party check printer).

The fact is is that many people truly believe the check number is significant to keep in order. In the past I was writing checks so much that it was really rare to have any sense of order in how they posted. Now it's almost guaranteed as so few merchants only take check to pay them that they trickle in in the order I wrote them.

What's really odd is some take only electronic checks...I guess that 2% fee adds up.

 

[alkemyst]

Since we are talking about checks, another little known fact:

if you put a stop payment on a check, the onus is on you to get that check back. The stop payment is not permanent usually and if the holder waits long enough and passes it, it will be paid.

 

[CraigRT]

I have wondered that too, honestly. I never use them almost ever so I had no idea.

 

[CPA]

Hey, OP, did you know that you could use a piece of toilet paper, put a date, your account number, routing number, signature, Pay To Order, Amount and any check number and it's still considered a check. Now, that doesn't mean the bank or payee has to accept it, but they could. There is nothing special about the paper checks you get from the bank other than some security devices they put on it.

 

[CPA]

Since we are talking about checks, another little known fact:

if you put a stop payment on a check, the onus is on you to get that check back. The stop payment is not permanent usually and if the holder waits long enough and passes it, it will be paid.

correct. However, if you "cancel" the check with the bank, it's on their skin if it gets cashed. That service is usually only for companies and comes at a cost.

 

[alkemyst]

that cost is usually a fighting game.

They have fulltime legal, I haven't really.

cheaper to walk away.

 

[Red Squirrel]

In some states it's a felony to use checks in the wrong order. Badly ordered checks have been linked to drug trafficking activity and it raises alarms. If you are caught you could go to jail for up to 5 years.

No, not really.

Poorly written sarcasm or ignorance?

You may have to change the batteries in your sarcasm meter. :biggrin: