should we secure our checkbooks?

[rh71]

For those who still use checks (there was a thread on this already so you can save it), should we be keeping our checks locked up since any burglar can just write a check to CASH? Do they need any form of ID to cash it and do banks keep a copy of the ID? The only other thing we'd have to rely on would be video surveillance but anyone can change their appearance.

Signatures when signing checks are such a joke of a security method.

 

[Lonyo]

Well, if you have a good bank it's not too terrible.
I had someone accidentally pick up my cheque book and write a cheque, money taken out of my account etc.
Rang the bank on Friday evening around 8pm, money was back in my account by Monday afternoon.

So yes, security is crap, but then you can also get your money back reasonably easily if you have a good bank.

 

[smackababy]

If they made the check out to cash and then cash it at your bank, they would easily be identifiable on security footage. If they took it to a check cashing place, those require you to have give you information (name, DL number, etc).

So, in the event that someone broke into your house and stole your checkbook, them cashing a check is the least likely thing they could get away with. Now, them using your account number, name, and address online somewhere would probably yield better results and a less chance of them getting caught.

For what it's worth, I leave my check book on my desk and it is the least likely thing I would expect to get lifted in the event of a burglary, as I have a bunch of easily movable electronics.

 

[phucheneh]

I think only banks will cash non-payroll checks anymore, so at least you don't have to worry about them cashing it at the grocery store or something.

The bank will want ID and a fingerprint (or thumb, can't remember). It goes right on the check. There is very little security in this regard, but it is a hard thing to get away with (as in, do it more than once and not get a visit from the cops).

 

[Newell Steamer]

Yes - a burglar will break into your house, leave finger prints and DNA all over the mother fucking place, take your checks,.. and walk into a place with video cameras, sign a check and then take out the $32.50 that is left in your checking account.

Guys,.. please don't ever look into a life of crime,... please.

 

[nageov3t]

I keep mine nestled amongst a bunch of books on a bookshelf. I can't imagine any burglar is going to pick through my paperbacks.

 

[Rakehellion]

Definitely do illegal things that leave a paper trail. I bought an ounce of meth using my Discover card last week.

 

[Exterous]

I have a bunch of easily movable electronics.

So...uh...what was your address again? I am asking for a friend

 

[smackababy]

So...uh...what was your address again? I am asking for a friend

I'd recommend not attempting this while I'm home. I have a strict shoot first, check AT username second policy.

 

[rh71]

Yes - a burglar will break into your house, leave finger prints and DNA all over the mother fucking place, take your checks,.. and walk into a place with video cameras, sign a check and then take out the $32.50 that is left in your checking account.

Guys,.. please don't ever look into a life of crime,... please.

lol you're that guy who doesn't know what the word racist means. Oh crap, I am being racist by saying that.

I already have my portable electronics we don't often use in a safe for when we step out... DSLR, camcorder, etc. So no there's not a whole lot of anything else they'd be running out the door with.

A wig and fake mustache can defeat video cameras. There have been bank robberies with pictures of the thieves and they still have not been caught. Finger prints for those who've never had a criminal record?

 

[OCGuy]

A home invader is not going to go after checks. Not only are they easily traceable (check is signed and image returned to your bank), but unless the burglar is a ninja, you are going to call and immediately have your account number changed.

Also, anywhere that will still take a check in person will require an ID as well.

If someone were to obtain your routing/acct # (which isn't exactly tough to get) , they would most likely try to use it electronically if they had the knowledge to do so. It is much easier to mask the activity, or at least the source of the activity.

Edit: Guess I should read the responses first, basically what smackababy already said

 

[Theb]

Definitely do illegal things that leave a paper trail. I bought an ounce of meth using my Discover card last week.

Points are points.

 

[who?]

Keep your checkbook in your pocket and the boxes of checks in the safe deposit box at the bank with the extra keys. Burglary is more common than robbery in most places so the checkbook is safer in your pocket.

 

[MongGrel]

I'd have to ask my wife, she has ours.

I don't think I've used a check myself in at almost 20 years, maybe more.

 

[Exterous]

I'd recommend not attempting this while I'm home. I have a strict shoot first, check AT username second policy.

What does your work schedule look lik for the next 5 days. I'm asking for a survey

 

[shortylickens]

Every place I know requires a photo ID for using checks.

 

[rh71]

Every place I know requires a photo ID for using checks.

The teller acknowledging the person matches the ID isn't an issue - is the photo ID captured/archived?

 

[Kadarin]

People still use checks?

 

[hanoverphist]

Definitely do illegal things that leave a paper trail. I bought an ounce of meth using my Discover card last week.

two words. Jerry Springer.

 

[Tech_Greek]

Finger prints for those who've never had a criminal record?

My fingerprint is on record and I have no criminal record. In elementary school they got everyone's entire set of fingers on ink and archived it.

If I only knew back then what I know now I probably wouldn't have allowed it haha

 

[Mixolydian]

I don't even endorse my checks when I deposit them at the ATM. :hmm:

 

[Tech_Greek]

I don't even endorse my checks when I deposit them at the ATM. :hmm:

You're lucky they haven't rejected them yet. I had a 6k check bounce the other day because it was one letter off - it was a deposit for supplies on a job site and they had to mail me the check back which took a week.

 

[Mixolydian]

You're lucky they haven't rejected them yet. I had a 6k check bounce the other day because it was one letter off - it was a deposit for supplies on a job site and they had to mail me the check back which took a week.

I've deposited hundreds of checks over the years, never endorsed any of them, and never had any issue.

 

[Tech_Greek]

I've deposited hundreds of checks over the years, never endorsed any of them, and never had any issue.

What bank do you use? Legally the bank could go back and reclaim the funds (even if you already spent them) if the check writer disputes the payment.

 

[Mixolydian]

What bank do you use? Legally the bank could go back and reclaim the funds (even if you already spent them) if the check writer disputes the payment.

Bank of America.

like I said, never had an issue with it.