[Alana]

Seeking info on checks pro-tips
Some people still use paper checks, and my mom is one of them.

She is due to reorder and her banker advised her to without her name and address on the new checks.

My guess is that’s to minimize the chances of fraud, but on the other hand, I wonder how that would be received by people and institutions that still use checks, no pun intended.

Thoughts?

For context, it would also be helpful to know if you have personal experience using checks in your comment.

TIA!

[Vincent]

First time I’m hearing of this. I would think that some kind of identifier — like the customer’s account number with the vendor — ought to be on there to ensure that payment is credited to the correct account.

Or I guess we may as well start transitioning to a no-paper-checks future in the U.S.

[Jackie]

I still use checks periodically. And they have name/address on them. If/when I reorder, I would get the same info on them, as I would assume a check without might be fake.

[Dawn]

My checking account was hacked years ago. They made up checks with a fake name and address.

All they needed was the routing number and account number. Bank didn’t catch it.

Online banking ever since.

Checks are risky.

[Amanda]

Which bank is this? If it’s a big one I would take their advice, they likely have a cybersecurity department who has more insight into current international electronic crimes than any of us do.

[Katie]

I do use checks, semi-regularly. Most of them are to my city and schools for things like extra curricular activities. They don’t take cards and I don’t care to go get cash to pay.

I also pay our handyman with a check. I’ve never seen checks without name and address, except starter checks.

I do remember places that wouldn’t take starter checks, and I figured it was because of the lack of personal information.

I remember when stores used to ask for ID and would write one’s driver’s license number on the check as additional identification.

Knock on wood, I’ve never had any check fraud, but am not spreading them around a lot of places.

I have noticed that checks have the same routing and checking account number that could be used to initiate an ACH draft, but not changed habits based on that fact.

[Bill]

I think most people dropped the address, but honestly, criminals don’t really care.

They are either washing checks or just using the routing number.

[Jeremy]

I remember a time forever and day ago where some people wouldn’t accept the starter checks you got when you opened an account because it didn’t have name and address.

Mine don’t have addresses, but I don’t see the benefit of not having a name.

[John]

I get 10 temp checks printed at my credit union. That usually lasts me for about 4 years, then I get 10 more. Move mom to online payment and automated bill payment.

Far less chance of fraud that way, fewer postage stamps and trips to the post office, and vastly simplifies life.

All my payments are managed on a single website (my credit union checking account.)

[Author]

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