Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A blank check is a type of check that has been signed by the person who wrote it, but has not been filled out with the name of the person who will receive the money or the amount of money that will be given. This means that anyone who gets their hands on the check can fill it out and take as much money as they want. Blank checks are not safe to use and should be avoided.
A blank check is a type of check that is signed by the drawer but left blank as to the payee or the amount, or both. This means that the person who receives the check can fill in the amount and the name of the payee.
For example, if a person gives a blank check to their contractor to pay for home renovations, the contractor can fill in the amount they want to be paid and their own name as the payee. This can be risky because the contractor could potentially fill in a larger amount than what was agreed upon or even write the check to themselves.
It is important to be cautious when giving out blank checks and to only do so with people you trust.