Suppose I receive a check. Maybe it's for employment, or a class-action settlement, or maybe even just a graduation present from a relative. Doesn't matter. Point is, it grants me some amount of money.
Now, let's say that I somehow lose the check in a public place. The details of that doesn't matter either, except that the check is still intact and is easily found.
Assume the following:
- I live in the United States, specifically New York state.
- The check is made out to me, and my name (which is very uncommon) is spelled correctly. It also specifies a valid monetary amount.
- I still have my wallet, debit card, bank account credentials, and other important financial info.
- The check itself is perfectly legitimate, as is my reason for receiving it.
- The person who found my check does not know who I am.
- I haven't endorsed, signed, or otherwise written anything on the check.
- The person who found my check is in the United States, but not necessarily in New York (maybe I had to go to New Jersey for the day).
Given the above, if someone else acquired a check made out to me, could they use it for nefarious purposes (i.e. to bleed me dry)?