What happens if I write a check with disappearing ink?
I believe that the current process is for the amount of the check to be input into the register, and the check numbers (bank account and routing number at the bottom of the check) gets scanned by one of those check readers. That’s probably how the debiting transaction takes place. Not sure if what is written on the check ever really matters…
On the general check topic: I have had checks returned to me by my bank for not being endorsed, but I did have something else rather interesting happen. When I was aboutg 16 I worked for Meijer and they gave my check to someone else, who had a similar name. I’m pretty sure he was able to cash it from how reluctant they were to print another check. So endorse your checks, but don’t worry too much about whether it actually matches, I guess.
What happens: The first time, you can probably get away with it, claiming “mistake,” provided you immediately write a new check in real ink. If you try to get away with it, you will go on that store’s “no checks” list, and a copy of the check, showing your name, will be pasted up in public view next to all checkout points. The second time you try, a fraud report will go to the credit reporting agencies, so you can’t get credit or a new credit card. Third time, a criminal prosecution for fraud is possible. Remember that the disappearing ink doesn’t go away. It only fades. It’s easy to bring back, to prove what a crook you are.
I work in fraud prevention at a financial institution, so I find this kind of stuff really interesting… If the merchant’s bank accepted the check while the writing was still present, but it disappeared before the check was processed, I would imagine the bank would reverse the deposit, since it has suddenly become a non-negotiabe item and would not be honored when presented for payment at your bank. So, the merchant would be stuck with a loss and would attempt to collect the funds by other means. Since they have your account number and bank’s routing number from your check, their accounting department could probably create a “substitute check” of some kind to clear your account, or originate an ACH transfer to electronically claim their money, assuming they still have a record of the purchase amount. Or, they would just pass it on to a collection agency, along with all their other bad checks. You’d probably get a visit from the police either way, though.
