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

[Estil]

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.

[Estil]

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.

[draftermatt]

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.

[i4wolves]

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.

[powerboy]

So, what is the matter if, the check number is 1001?

[bigjimaz]

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.

[Estil]

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.

[RammsteinGirl]

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.

[Bright_Star]

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!

[Estil]

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.