Check Acceptance Tips

Using SCAN at the point of sale is not a panacea for all returned check problems. The merchant should assume part of the responsibility for making a good business decision when accepting checks.

While SCAN does not impose mandatory requirements at the point of sale for the merchant, it is highly recommended that the merchant do at least the following to increase the collectibility of the check, should it be returned:

• Make sure the check is made out to you.
  
  
• Make sure the name on the check matches the name signed by the check writer.
  
  
• Ask to see a picture ID, preferably a driver's license. Write the license number on the check. If the check is returned, the license number will be entered into SCAN, as well as the checking account number.
  
  
• Be careful of "scratch-offs" on the address portion of the check.
  
  
• Make sure there is a telephone number on the check. The merchant should ask for a daytime phone number as well.
  
  
• Make sure there is an address on the check.

SCAN issues a decline only when the check writer has current, outstanding, unpaid checks with a SCAN member, or has an account "closed for cause" by a financial institution that has been reported to ChexSystems.

SCAN does not have access to bank account balances. No check authorization service does.