Check Writing Safety Tips

Filed Under Finance |

by William A. Gordon

If you are new to check writing, then listen up. Though it’s not the most difficult thing in the world, safely writing a check is something that everyone needs to know before it is all said and done.

Never Use a Pencil

Always use a pen to write a check to prevent any kind of tampering with the check. Never use a pencil when you are check writing because someone whod prefer to fill in the blanks with the amount theyd like to receive could easily erase your pencil marks. To avoid dishing out blank checks to people, be sure to use some kind of ink. Although a pen is acceptable according to most people, it is wise to use a permanent marker if possible. This is significant due to those occurrences in which people have committed “check washing”, which is a process in which criminals use chemicals to remove checks’ ink. A permanent marker prevents this possibility.

Dating and Identifying Tips

When you first glance over a check, it may strike you as extremely complicated. However, once you have all of the information, the blanks are easy to fill in. First, you need to fill out the current date on the check. A lot of people post date checks. Did you know it is illegal? Write the correct date on every check. Once this has been accomplished, be certain to clearly write the name of the recipient on the “pay to the order of” line. Be absolutely certain you’ve written their complete name.

When Filling in the Amount

The most important article of information on the check, of course, is the dollar value that you are assigning to it. It is required to write the amount in two places. Put this information in the dollar amount line first. The line is titled Dollars and is located below the Pay to the order of line. When you write out the amount, write it out in full, including any cents. To prevent someone from changing your numbers, you must fill out this area of the check. Afterward, you will need to print the numbers in the box to the right.

Signing Your Check

Once you’ve filled out all other areas of the check, you’ll need to place your signature on the check. When signing the check, it is important to remember that your signature shouldnt vary too greatly from how you normally sign checks or documents. It should resemble your driver’s license signature for a reference if need be. If exceptional care is not taken in the signing process, then your bank could very well single the check out as a potential fraud, leaving you having to answer a barrage of irritating questions about a legitimate check. Due to ever increasing check fraud and forgery, banks pay close attention to signatures and make sure they match. Finally, you have the option of filling out the “info” section of the check. Just to keep their bookkeeping organized and efficient, most people like to note what the check is for. Generally, if you give out more information, you will be in better shape.

In general, it isn’t difficult to write a check. However, check writing isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Be certain to take a great deal of care in filling out each section of the check as carefully and completely as possible, so as to minimize the possibility that your check will be manipulated. This will prevent future headaches from occurring.

About the Author:

William Gordon compares check designer company offerings to provide independent buying recommendations and help consumers find the best online check purchase retailers. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.