I remember watching an episode of Columbo. He was having his Peugeot (a “foreign car”) serviced. He said he left his chequebook at home and the mechanic said it was ok, he could use a “Counter cheque”.
I wondered what a counter cheque was, it seems to have been a cheque that didn’t have any particular customers account written on it.
A dangerous idea! it would mean I could withdraw money from anyones account if I knew their account number.
Well, the use another anecdote, today while brwosing the Revenue Commissioners website I heard of a “Single debit authority”. It is the same thing as a “Counter cheque” except the receivers name is printed on it - The Receivers name being the Revenue Commissioners. So its like writing them a blank cheque.
Its nice to know that paper still has a place, as the IPSO plans to phase out actual cheques by 2016.
I am a great fan of the Cheque. It is the ultimate “push” mode of payment, and it has the added benefit of delivery notification; cheque you bank statement and you know if your letter arrived because the cheque will have been debited! An Post charge EUR 5.25 for delivery confirmation on an envelope they call it “Registered Post”!
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