Checking on Bank Checks
By jands1
@jands1 (835)
United States
January 21, 2009 12:08pm CST
I have a friend with a dubious checking history. While in the last year he really has gotten himself together, I am still a bit nervous about this Xmas check he sent me.
Is there any way to find out if the check is good before I deposit it into my account? A telephone number or something?
I really do not wish to get hit with banking fees for NSFs on his check.
Thanks for the help!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@celticeagle (166976)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Jan 09
You could just call your bank and ask that question without giving your name. Call the customer service number and ask their advice. Can't you ask your friend for the cash. Why would a 'friend' give you a check that could be bad? I would think about that one! He is basically perpetrating a fraudulent act against you if he knows he has no money to cover a check he writes you or anyone!
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (166976)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Jan 09
No. I understand that. I am just saying to ask them for advice as to what you can do. I would either ask him for cash or destroy the check if you really think there is a possibly it will come back as NSF. Why take the chance?
1 person likes this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
21 Jan 09
That is not true. I used to work at a bank. If a person goes in to the place where the check was written on to check,they will find out if there sufficient funds to cash the check. If there is not, they won't cash it. And they won't be arrested, not here in America, anyway.
1 person likes this
@jands1 (835)
• United States
22 Jan 09
If my bank had a local branch then I would try this. If his bank had a local branch, I would try this.
But my bank is in Utah. And his is in Massachusetts.
I have never heard of anyone being arrested for fraud or attempting to defraud unless they were trying to cash a stolen check or they forged information. Then they have had a variety of theft charges piled on top of it all.
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@MagicGuy (157)
• United States
21 Jan 09
Yes, there is. I still have over $10,000 worth of bad checks in my possession, because they are fraudulant. Just tell your bank manager that you think the check may be fraudulant and they will check to see. Because you have done this, the bank will not be able to deposit the check (if bad), and you will not be held liable as you have notified the manager before you tried to deposit. If you try to deposit without the bank manager's 'checking it out', you will be liable (if bad). Of course, if the check is good, you'll know before you deposit. Good luck.
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@MagicGuy (157)
• United States
21 Jan 09
For future reference, you can do the same thing with 'MoneyGram' checks also. Just tell the teller or manager that you think the check may be fake before you try to just cash it, and they will check to see. You will not be held liable, unless you try to just cash it without this upfront question and revelation.
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