NSF (not sufficient funds) checks are regulated under State Law. The law is pretty tricky since it differentiates between NSF checks used for payments of existing debts versus handing over of NSF checks in exchange of a COD (cash on delivery) shipments.
The reason I mention this is to warn those of you (logistics businesses) where containers of freight or other high-value "cargo" is delivered in the exchange for a check. According to the law, the legal title of the goods has been handed over since the other party has fulfilled its part of the contract by handing over a check. The person who handed over the goods has lost legal control of the goods, and all they can do it so file a Lawsuit for NSF. Depending on the amount involved, a felony, or even prison charge. If you are ever in such a situation, have the driver request the recipient for a "treasury check" or go to the bank and have funds transferred into the shipper's bank account.
That's why you will most probably not be able to cash a check at a bank in person unless you have a bank account with that bank. They credit the check first to your account and withdraw the funds against your account - just in case.
Talking about checks - I often see blank checkbooks on accountants desks. They are as good as "cash" for certain people. Unless you do have a "special agreement" the banks are not responsible for checking the signatures on the checks that you put into "overnight deposit box" or mail-in. But there are many banks that offer systems that you give them a "check-run" of the weekly check payments in an electronic file. Only checks that are listed in this file will be accepted. Another method to limit the problem in this area is to keep the balance of the checking account to a minimum to cover just the outstanding checks.
