A friend gave us a check for a significant amount of money at our wedding, but he never signed it. Is there a way we can ask him for another check in the same amount so it can be cashed, or do we have to count our losses here?
2006-12-05 15:40:58 · 14 answers · asked by Ryan's Ma 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Do not attempt to deposit the check without a signature, as some answerers have suggested. If the bank does not accept the check without a signature, there will be a fee to both your account and the account of the person who wrote the check, and that would be rude when you've already noticed the oversight. Imagine when the bank contacts your friend, and lets them know about the fee - would you be able to confess that you'd noticed that it wasn't signed but just deposited it anyway?
In all likelihood, from a friend, the check was given in good spirits and the lack of a signature was just an oversight. Contact your friend - he's probably wondering why the check never cleared but is thinking of your feelings and doesn't want to call you. I'm sure this can all be cleared up easily, and you'll both get a laugh in the end!
2006-12-06 01:06:35 · answer #1 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do it politely. A significant amount of money is nothing to sniff over. You didn't have it before....but it would be nice to be able to keep it.
There is also the otherside of the coin to think about. It could be an insult. There is no respctful bank that will cash that check. And rude people can easily say they gave a nice gift but in fact since it isn't signed you never really got it.
1) do it nicely, if you know them enough to call them. call them and thank them over the phone. Pull it out and look at it (while on the phone) and then say oh wow, I didn't even notice this. It isn't signed. Always give them an easy way out, otherwise they could be embarressed about it all.
2) if that doesn't work, when it comes time to mail thank you cards for the gifts. Send them one. Thank them for their thoughtfulness but "decline" the gift and send it back. Make it sound like it's too much to accept. Send it back in the thank you card or fed ex it back with signature acceptance. If they are thoughtful persons they will catch their own mistake and attempt to make it up to you as a last ditch effort.
3) still no luck.....write them off as a lost cause. There is nothing you can do about it if they don't willfully sign the check or make it work in your favor.
2006-12-06 01:52:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be rude to bring it to his attention. Simple turn a blind eye to the blank signature line and deposit it. If it is for a small amount, the bank will in all liklihood just pay it. If it is for a significant amount of money, the bank will contact the person who wrote the check and get their authorization. Either way, you are off the hook and avoid having to put your benefactor in an embarassing position.
2006-12-06 01:39:09 · answer #3 · answered by N C 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
go ahead and deposit in your bank. I bought a fork lift for $4,000.00 and forgot to sign my check and the company that I gave the check to went ahead and cashed it despite it not having my signature. The bank honored the check.I got the copy of the cancelled check and it had no signature of anykind on it. Bank of America.
2006-12-05 23:52:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could write him a note thanking him for coming to the wedding, how nice it was to see him etc. Enclose the check and say that you weren't able to deposit it because it wasn't signed. Hopefully he'll sign it and send it back to you. If he doesn't, let it go.
2006-12-05 23:46:43 · answer #5 · answered by keren 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he lives close, just drop by and jokingly tell him he forgot to sign the check. Then after he signs it, invite him over for dinner to show your appreciation.
If he lives a distance, mail the check to him with a return envelope (add the stamp) and put "WHOOPS! Thank you so much for the gift,but the bank asked that we get your signature before we use it." Then tell how the honeymoon was, yada yada to make small talk and thank him again in the end.
2006-12-05 23:46:42 · answer #6 · answered by Rainfog 5 · 7⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the guy with the fork lift. When I got married an elderly family member forgot to sign her check and took it to the bank anyway and it went though. I guess it depends on the bank but if it doesn't work just call them up and ask about it nicely. I mean if its family they shouldn't have a problem with it!
2006-12-06 00:49:45 · answer #7 · answered by Canes Girlie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Count your losses. Most people don't forget to sign checks. Just send it back with a note.
2006-12-06 00:43:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would call him and say "Uncle Charlie (or whoever) Thank you SO much for your wedding check. But I just noticed that it wasn't signed. Would it be ok for me to drop by so you could sign it?" And when you do - be sure to take a box of his/her favorite chocolates, wine, etc....
2006-12-05 23:47:45 · answer #9 · answered by Julie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it came from me...call me and let me know..I am happy to sign it and apologize...
I use cash most of the time...cheque only for special purpose or emergency..I don't know what other's reason.. it is like forgetting your credit card when you have always cash...
Yes...let your friend knows about it...what are friends for?
btw..congratulations on your wedding !
2006-12-06 00:20:55 · answer #10 · answered by Ny 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋