How to Write a Check Safely

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How to Write a Check Safely

Author: WilliamA.Gordon | Total views: 49 | Word Count: 563 | Category: Finance | Date: Mar 11th 2008

For anyone that has little experience in check writing, it is strongly recommended that you read on. Although, safely writing a check may not be the hardest thing youll ever do, it is one of the most important.

Use Ink Only

Writing a check with a pencil leaves you at a huge risk of fraud. Someone could erase what you have written and simply fill in the blanks with how much money they'd like to receive. To keep from handing out blank checks to people, use some sort of ink. Though most people would say that a pen is good enough, it is best to use a permanent marker if at all possible. This is important because there have been instances where people have engaged in "check washing", a process where criminals use chemicals to remove ink from checks. If you go with permanent marker, this won't happen to you.

Dating and Identifying Tips

Upon first glance at the check, it might seem complicated to the inexperienced. If you know all of the information, however, the blanks are very easy to fill out. To start with, enter the current date on the check. It is illegal to post-date a check so always recheck the date that you put on the check. Once this has been completed, be certain to write the name of the person who shall be the recipient of the check on the "pay to the order of" line of the check. Make sure that you've accurately written the business name or the person's first and last name.

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 the Check

When you are all done with the other parts of the check, it's time to sign the check. It is very important that you sign the check with your standard signature, similar to the one that can be found on your driver's license. If you don't take great care to do this, then the bank could throw up red flags on your check and you could have to answer annoying questions about potential fraud. With the amount of check fraud and forgery going on today, banks are on the lookout for signatures that look suspicious or don't match your normal signature. The final part of the check is the "info" section, which is optional. Most people like to write what the check is for just for their own bookkeeping ease. Generally, the more information you provide, the better off you will be.

Overall, writing a check isn't a difficult thing. It isn't something that should be taken lightly, though. Take great care to fill out each part of the check as carefully as possible, so that there won't be any chance that your check is altered. This will save you a potential headache in the future.

Article Source: OrganizingWeb.net

About the Author

William Gordon is a regular contributor to http://www.PersonalChecksPro.com, a resource site for personal and business checking. His articles feature useful information for anyone buying artistic check designs online. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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For anyone that has little experience in check writing, it is strongly recommended that you read on. Although, safely writing a check may not be the hardest thing youll ever do, it is one of the most important. 
Use Ink Only 
Writing a check with a pencil leaves you at a huge risk of fraud. Someone could erase what you have written and simply fill in the blanks with how much money they'd like to receive. To keep from handing out blank checks to people, use some sort of ink. Though most people would say that a pen is good enough, it is best to use a permanent marker if at all possible. This is important because there have been instances where people have engaged in "check washing", a process where criminals use chemicals to remove ink from checks. If you go with permanent marker, this won't happen to you. 
Dating and Identifying Tips 
Upon first glance at the check, it might seem complicated to the inexperienced. If you know all of the information, however, the blanks are very easy to fill out. To start with, enter the current date on the check. It is illegal to post-date a check so always recheck the date that you put on the check. Once this has been completed, be certain to write the name of the person who shall be the recipient of the check on the "pay to the order of" line of the check. Make sure that you've accurately written the business name or the person's first and last name. 
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 the Check 
When you are all done with the other parts of the check, it's time to sign the check. It is very important that you sign the check with your standard signature, similar to the one that can be found on your driver's license. If you don't take great care to do this, then the bank could throw up red flags on your check and you could have to answer annoying questions about potential fraud. With the amount of check fraud and forgery going on today, banks are on the lookout for signatures that look suspicious or don't match your normal signature. The final part of the check is the "info" section, which is optional. Most people like to write what the check is for just for their own bookkeeping ease. Generally, the more information you provide, the better off you will be. 
Overall, writing a check isn't a difficult thing. It isn't something that should be taken lightly, though. Take great care to fill out each part of the check as carefully as possible, so that there won't be any chance that your check is altered. This will save you a potential headache in the future. Article Source: <a href="http://www.organizingweb.net" target="_blank">OrganizingWeb.net</a> About the Author: William Gordon is a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.PersonalChecksPro.com">http://www.PersonalChecksPro.com</a>, a resource site for personal and business checking. His articles feature useful information for anyone buying <a href="http://www.personalcheckspro.com/artistic-checks/">artistic check designs online</a>. Get a totally unique version of this article from our <a href="http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/home.php?id=112412&p=1065">article submission service</a>