Is it illegal to change the date on a check written to you, and what could be the consequences?
Depending on the circumstances, changing the date could be a material alteration. If the issuer of the check could prove that the check would not have been paid if the date had not been changed (admittedly difficult to prove), the issuer might have a case for damages that resulted from payment of the check.
The case for material alteration becomes a lot stronger, however, if the item altered is the dollar amount or the name of the payee.
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Depending on the circumstances, changing the date could be a material alteration. If the issuer of the check could prove that the check would not have been paid if the date had not been changed (admittedly difficult to prove), the issuer might have a case for damages that resulted from payment of the check.
The case for material alteration becomes a lot stronger, however, if the item altered is the dollar amount or the name of the payee.