Microprint on Bank Checks

On a paper bank check, for a checking account, the line under the signature is actually microprint, not a line. According to this post, the line says, “Authorized Signature.”

Beside the line are the letters ‘MP’ – standing for…micro print!

Portion of a bank check showing the letters MP beside the signature line.

The banks are obviously trying to hide this. The word “DOLLARS” appears clearly but they obscure the part about “authorized signature.”

Now, why would a man or woman who has a checking account need to be authorized to sign checks for that account?

One reason may be that the name on the account is actually a corporation name, and the man or woman is an authorized agent for that corporation.

On contracts, if one party to the contract hires an agent to administer or sign the contract, then below the signature line, the contract might have “Agent for” or possibly “Authorized Agent for” below the line:

________________
Agent for

This is needed because the man or woman signing the contract is the agent for the party agreeing to be bound by the contract.

Microprint is a good security feature, but why use it in this instance? And why not also put “Authorized Signature” in normal-sized, readable type below the line? Suspicious!

Somewhat related is the point by David / De Reimer who possibly says that one can get out of a legal matter by saying, “That is not my authorized signature.” I think he said someone targeted for tax evasion used this point. Further, this might be part of option #2 on his website about stopping legal proceedings. (Update: David’s website seems to be down, but here is related content that is simple and effective and enlightening.)