luvsmiths
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Certified check ( not cashier check) and on here I have taken personal checks many times.
Here is a little primer- and note at the bottom that certified checks can/should be verified by telephone when received.
That said, I have not heard of anyone ever having a problem on here, and my transactions ( selling) have been high money. But the below is just good info for other places.
What Is a Certified Check?
A certified check is like a personal check in that the funds are drawn from the signatory’s checking account. But with certified checks, the bank first verifies that the account holder has enough money in their account to cover the check. Due to this extra step, these checks are much less convenient for an account holder and generally unnecessary for everyday purchases.
You’ll likely need a certified check for a large transaction, such as making a down payment on a home, or to buy something from a stranger you met online. The certification process protects the seller from a bounced check in these situations.
Where to Get a Certified Check
The only place to get a certified check is a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union, and you must have an account at the institution. Online-only banks don’t provide certified checks, and even some traditional financial institutions issue only cashier’s checks. Before visiting your bank or credit union, call to see if it offers certified checks.
How Do I Get a Certified Check?
If your bank or credit union offers certified checks, head to a branch with a government-issued ID and the correct spelling of the payee’s name. Also, know the exact dollar value you want to assign the check, and be sure you have that much money in your bank account. (Note that you can’t get a certified check with cash unless you first deposit it into your checking account.)
Once at the bank, a teller will typically verify your account is active and in good standing and confirm you have the authority to write a check. You’ll need to present a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, then fill out the check in front of the teller, who will check your account balance to see if the necessary funds are available. If the money is available, it’ll be earmarked for the check, and you’ll be unable to spend it. Finally, the teller will stamp the check to show it is certified.
After paying the fee, if any, you’ll get a receipt. Hang onto it at least until the check clears. For major transactions, such as purchasing a car or home, you may want to file the receipt with your other papers related to the deal.
Beware Certified and Cashier’s Check Fraud
Although certified checks and cashier’s checks offer some additional security to both the check writer and the recipient, they aren’t foolproof. According to the Federal Trade Commission, several fraudulent check schemes rely on the fact that it can take banks weeks to detect a fraudulent check.
By law, banks must make the funds from official bank checks (including cashier’s and certified checks) available within one business day after those checks are deposited. This means a seller who accepts a fraudulent check will not only lose the items they handed over in exchange for the check, but they may also be on the hook for any money spent from the fraudulent funds.
Fraudsters often provide a certified or cashier’s check for more than a sale price, then ask the seller to send back the difference. But even if a potential buyer is offering you a certified or cashier’s check for the correct amount, it’s always a smart idea to make sure the check is good before completing the transaction.
Call the bank that issued the check—and don’t just call the phone number listed on the check, because that may also be fraudulent. Look up the bank’s phone number yourself, and ask the bank to verify the check number and the account holder’s name or check requester (if it’s a cashier’s check).
Here is a little primer- and note at the bottom that certified checks can/should be verified by telephone when received.
That said, I have not heard of anyone ever having a problem on here, and my transactions ( selling) have been high money. But the below is just good info for other places.
What Is a Certified Check?
A certified check is like a personal check in that the funds are drawn from the signatory’s checking account. But with certified checks, the bank first verifies that the account holder has enough money in their account to cover the check. Due to this extra step, these checks are much less convenient for an account holder and generally unnecessary for everyday purchases.
You’ll likely need a certified check for a large transaction, such as making a down payment on a home, or to buy something from a stranger you met online. The certification process protects the seller from a bounced check in these situations.
Where to Get a Certified Check
The only place to get a certified check is a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union, and you must have an account at the institution. Online-only banks don’t provide certified checks, and even some traditional financial institutions issue only cashier’s checks. Before visiting your bank or credit union, call to see if it offers certified checks.
How Do I Get a Certified Check?
If your bank or credit union offers certified checks, head to a branch with a government-issued ID and the correct spelling of the payee’s name. Also, know the exact dollar value you want to assign the check, and be sure you have that much money in your bank account. (Note that you can’t get a certified check with cash unless you first deposit it into your checking account.)
Once at the bank, a teller will typically verify your account is active and in good standing and confirm you have the authority to write a check. You’ll need to present a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, then fill out the check in front of the teller, who will check your account balance to see if the necessary funds are available. If the money is available, it’ll be earmarked for the check, and you’ll be unable to spend it. Finally, the teller will stamp the check to show it is certified.
After paying the fee, if any, you’ll get a receipt. Hang onto it at least until the check clears. For major transactions, such as purchasing a car or home, you may want to file the receipt with your other papers related to the deal.
Beware Certified and Cashier’s Check Fraud
Although certified checks and cashier’s checks offer some additional security to both the check writer and the recipient, they aren’t foolproof. According to the Federal Trade Commission, several fraudulent check schemes rely on the fact that it can take banks weeks to detect a fraudulent check.
By law, banks must make the funds from official bank checks (including cashier’s and certified checks) available within one business day after those checks are deposited. This means a seller who accepts a fraudulent check will not only lose the items they handed over in exchange for the check, but they may also be on the hook for any money spent from the fraudulent funds.
Fraudsters often provide a certified or cashier’s check for more than a sale price, then ask the seller to send back the difference. But even if a potential buyer is offering you a certified or cashier’s check for the correct amount, it’s always a smart idea to make sure the check is good before completing the transaction.
Call the bank that issued the check—and don’t just call the phone number listed on the check, because that may also be fraudulent. Look up the bank’s phone number yourself, and ask the bank to verify the check number and the account holder’s name or check requester (if it’s a cashier’s check).
. Money order usually satisfies me. As far as sending money, I will happily send whatever payment the seller wants as long as it is a money order. How can you trust me, one might ask. Hell I'm a lawyer for crying out loud-do you think I would risk my bar license over a bounced check or some sort of scam!!! I do NOT do venmo zello harpo or any other forms of transfer. I can however pay with magic beans and voodoo chicken bones if the seller so desires.
