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Yet another probable bad check writer (at least this time it's was mgr's decision)

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  • Yet another probable bad check writer (at least this time it's was mgr's decision)

    Okay, yesterday I had this big tall guy in a Steelers cap wanting to buy two $100 American Express gift cards (which we sell very few of due to the $6 fee attached and the fact you can get one of our own gift cards at no charge), a pack of gum, with a check (get this, #1001). Alarm bells and red flags started going off in my head (just like the previous incident) but luckily this was during the day so at least I could call for back up this time. So I showed these to the front desk who told me I should have a manager give a go/no-go on this one.

    So I did and after what seemed like an over 5-10 minute wait, one of our asst manangers came (who BTW, is a very nice guy) and I showed him the questionable check/merchandise with my concerns and he said to go ahead as long as the man's driver's license/address/number matched up. Although the guy did ask earlier if there was a problem, he otherwise was surprisingly quite patient about it (or perhaps he knew getting angry would only make him look more suspicious). So I did. Now, I still have this feeling in my gut that that check (which was almost $225) isn't worth the paper its printed on, but at least now it's was the mgr's call and responsiblity and not mine.

  • #2
    IF your instincts were going off like crazy then you shouldn't have tendered the transaction. So next time something "feels" wrong then for goodness sakes, HEED THE WARNING!

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    • #3
      Estil, the company you work for must not use an automatic check approval service at the register? At Kmart they use Certegy and the check is approved or accepted right at the register, so it's not on the cashier's head if the check ends up bouncing.
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      • #4
        Quoth Bright_Star View Post
        IF your instincts were going off like crazy then you shouldn't have tendered the transaction. So next time something "feels" wrong then for goodness sakes, HEED THE WARNING!
        I DID heed the warning; why do you think I asked for a manager first? Now if this was during my overnight shift like last time (when there is no manager or anyone else to call for backup), then I most definetly would not have done it. But it was his (the manager's) call and I did in fact tell him afterwards that I still have a bad feeling about it. Trust me, I did absoultely everything I personally could do.

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        • #5
          You did the right thing. I think the fact that the customer stood there quietly would make me even more suspicious than if he bitched.

          Please let us know if your feelings were correct. I'm betting 2 cookies and a Steeler's Ballcap (I live right outside Pittsburgh so you know I have at least 1) that you are right.
          This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.

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          • #6
            So, what is the matter if, the check number is 1001?
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            San Joaquin Valley Paranormal Research

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            • #7
              I too think that the check would bounce. It would be interesting to find out though. But at least they can not blame you for the check bouncing. Let us know if they ever tell you if the check goes through or not.

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              • #8
                Wow, I'm glad that didn't happen to me when I started my checking account with check number 1000. Sears took it with a smile.

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                • #9
                  Quoth powerboy View Post
                  So, what is the matter if, the check number is 1001?
                  Most new checking accounts start the checks with either #101 or #1001. And those AMEX Gift Cards are among the top targets for bad check writers as well.

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                  • #10
                    Quoth draftermatt View Post
                    Wow, I'm glad that didn't happen to me when I started my checking account with check number 1000. Sears took it with a smile.
                    Trust me, if you used it to by a ton of expensive merchandise and/or gift cards (especially general ones like the AMEX ones mentioned earlier), they would have done some checking first.

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                    • #11
                      Quoth powerboy View Post
                      So, what is the matter if, the check number is 1001?
                      Most check companies issue a check number either starting out with 501 or 1001. This means to the average clerk is that this is a brand new account and thus a little suspect since it is very easy to get a fake ID, get a checking account by dropping $200 in the bank, remove all but $20, and then go on a check writing frenzy and bilk various companies out of thousands of merchandise.

                      We had a guy who did that. Spent $600 on fake id's, stole $10,000 worth of computers, TV's and DVD's before they caught him. Did it with three different checking accounts at three different banks with three different ID's.

                      M
                      I never lost my faith in humanity. Can't lose what you never had right?

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                      • #12
                        I often get customers that want to buy a couple of our store gift cards for a couple hundred dollars and write a check. 9 out of 10 times the register prompts me to call it in and it gets declined.
                        Most stores where I live that sell various gift cards including Amex have a sign that says when buying a gift card it needs to be in cash only.

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                        • #13
                          I seriously don't know why checks are still allowed to be used. Although I understand that most checks that are written are good, with today's credit cards and debit payment, why do we need them anymore. If you can carry a checkbook, then surely you can carry your bank card.

                          Anyone have an answer on this one?
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                          • #14
                            Quoth allniter View Post
                            I seriously don't know why checks are still allowed to be used. Although I understand that most checks that are written are good, with today's credit cards and debit payment, why do we need them anymore. If you can carry a checkbook, then surely you can carry your bank card.

                            Anyone have an answer on this one?
                            I think a lot of it has to do with people not wanting to change. My parents, who are 72, STILL drive to the bank and cash a check when they need money. No matter how much I tell them its so much easier to use a debit card at the grocery store, they won't do it. They don't even have an ATM card! But it works for them...and since I don't see them changing anytime soon....

                            Then again, they don't pay for much by check in stores; either cash or credit cards, so they don't hold anyone up. And I doubt very much their checks would ever bounce or be rejected....

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                            • #15
                              That is why when I opened my new checking account I had them put the starting check number at 1548 It makes it look like a well established checking account.

                              We had a guy come in and write checks all the time. Then his nephew started coming in and writing checks and asking for cash back. The checks were good for the first month or so then they started coming up as do not accept. So he came back again with a different check and it was good. Turned out what he was doing was changing the account number by a few digits and therefore it was registering as a good check. BY the time the cops started looking for him on the bad checks and "check kiting" he had taken well over 20,000 out of other peoples accounts.

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