Does the new Handbook require vendors to add control numbers to check stock that is completely blank?
No. The Handbook requirements on pages 9-3 and 9-8 were intended to address blank check stock that was pre-printed with the bank’s logo, MICR bank account information, and, possibly, other information. Typically, these checks had a numerical control number, other than the check number, and would be used by a trustee for multiple estates. The control number and log helped the trustee keep track of the sequence of checks assigned to each estate. By reviewing the log each time checks were run, the trustee could determine if any check stock was missing. With the type of check stock described by the vendor, many of these control features are unnecessary. Check stock that is completely blank does not need a control number. However, the trustee should keep it in a locked or secure area, because the special paper can be used to create fraudulent checks. The trustee is still responsible for monitoring and verifying the numerical sequence of estate checks, in order to detect if unauthorized chec
