Cheque - different value words/ numbers

[AndyAudi]

Quick q,

I’ve been given a cheque for a few hundred pounds but value in numbers is 4p more than in words.

This was second attempt at getting cheque, so not really wanting to ask again…

If I bank using online app & use the lesser value, does anyone actually check that?

[Your Dad]

Depends on the Bank. Some specify that if there's a mismatch the cheque is rejected.

[ferret50]

Correct the error and initial it?

[Your Dad]

ferret50 said:

Correct the error and initial it?

Pistonheads, because cheque fraud matters.

[9xxNick]

For the sake of 4 pence, I'd be inclined to deposit it citing the lower of the two values.

If it was difficult to get hold of in the first place, I suppose the payer is hoping this will prevent it being deposited.

[dingg]

I believe its the wording that counts on a cheque, but saying that cheques are scanned by computer and therefore if you deposit it stating the lower amount there will be a miss match and chances are cheque will be returned.

Whoever is writing the cheque is playing with you

[AndyAudi]

So will see what happens

My thinking was if I visit a bank teller (remember them) they scan which takes the sort details & a/c number then key in the value. (Which they’d see was wrong)

I know writing cheques they don’t bother to check the signatures unless over a certain value & wondered if it would be similar using a pay in app (didn’t see them trying to do anything complicated for the tiny amount of small cheques written these days) hence the “you can pay in cheques <£1000 yourself”

Anyway didn’t get chance to find out as old man saw the cheque on the desk, changed the value & took it to the post office to pay into our a/c, so I’m assuming someone opening the envelope somewhere will decide if they like the look of it with an altered penny amount.

Crossing fingers for common sense rather than computer says no