Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Does Wal-Mart verify the status of you checking account when using a check to purchase things?

Does Wal-Mart verify the status of you checking account when using a check to purchase things?


I had recently closed out my checking account, but a couple of days ago my checks were stolen. I suspect someone stole them and was going to try to use them at wal-mart.(from what I hear) I was just wondering...when they run the checks through the little machine isnt it checking to see if the account is valid and if funds are available, or is it just checking for bad check history?
Does Wal-Mart verify the status of you checking account when using a check to purchase things?
It's running the checking account numbers to find out if you have a history of writing bad checks. If you don't, then a check presented against your account will be cashed or used for purchases.





If your checks have in fact been stolen (even though your account is closed), I would recommend reporting the theft to your bank.





It is possible to get into trouble (financial %26amp; legal) for writing checks against a closed account too. You're protecting yourself by reporting it to the bank. Fortunately, the user of your checks will be presenting phoney ID (unless they stole your drivers license), so it should come back on them.





Wal-Mart also has cameras and video to catch such perpetrators, so they'll also have a record of the date %26amp; time the check was run through the system and they'll be able to see an image of who cashed the check as well.
Reply:its like a direct to the bank,


the person who stole the checks is screwed





No worries for you,





Meg
Reply:They check to see if it is a valid account and also verify fund.
Reply:At least the Wal-Marts in the area which i live... they do what is called an "ACH" transaction when they run the check. ACH stands for "Automated Clearing House" which means... basically... the check is cleared right then and there. Using a check at Wal-Mart is nearly the same thing as using cash or a debit... it's taken immediately. If the account is closed... then it will come back as "closed account."





In fact Wal-Mart hands the check right back to the person after they write it.





However... some places who run their checks through a machine may just be checking a check systems verification company like Certigy to see if the person has written bad checks in the past or is suspected of fraud/identity theft or something of that nature.





I would contact your financial institution immediately about the stolen checks even if the account has been closed.
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