My daughter got hold of my cheque book and cheque card and, forging my signature, made cheques out to herself to the value of about £3,400. Shouldn’t the bank have checked the signature, and am I entitled to my money back?
Banks have a responsibility to check whether your signature is genuine or not. Without your signature they have no authority to debit your account, and as long as you weren’t negligent they are liable for any loss. Assuming your daughter hasn’t done this type of thing before I think they would have difficulty arguing that you were negligent in keeping your card and cheque book at home. Of course if you succeed in recouping the money the bank will require your authority to inform the police and/or take proceedings against your daughter.