Is there some way for a bank to know if a check that's being presented for deposit, is valid or not? I deposited a check, the bank said the funds would be available to me the next day, but I asked when they would know when the check had cleared the other bank and they said to wait an extra day. I did, then two days later they called and said the check was no good and in fact, the account didn't even exist! It's beyond me, how with today's technology, they can't determine if a check is valid or not. This is a very major, nationwide, bank too! The lady I spoke to at the bank did say, rather under her breath, that there are a couple of things they look at. But stopped short of offering too much information. I just want to know if a bank has a way of verifying a check's validity before it's deposited.

The only bank that is in a position to verify that a check is authentic is the bank on which the check is drawn. With "today's technology" a crook can purchase check stock from any office supply store and print fake checks using Quicken, Quickbooks, etc. Due to privacy concerns, most banks will not provide details about an account via telephone.
The short answer is, "No" the bank that accepts the check for deposit cannot verify if it is a legitimate check. It is your responsibility as a depositor to know why you are receiving a check and with whom you are doing business. If you are asked to wire money from the proceeds of a check you have received, it is most likely fake and an attempt to defraud you.