I recently received a check from an very popular
affiliate program.
The bank that the check was issued from was located in Germany.
When I attempted to cash the check I was told there would be a
10 day hold on the check. The bank ( a national branch)
said they where very hesitant to even take the check.
I asked the teller to explain to me why I had to wait for
10 days to have the funds made available to me. it wasn?t a
huge check but it was needed.She then explained to me that.
Any checks issued from any country that might have
any possible terrorism ties had to be federally
investigated before clearing.
She also told me that this was because of the patriot act.
The banks have some leeway on deciding what and who
is investigated. If you are a very trusted biz-ness owner
they MAY not investigate. The banks choose to use this option
because of check fraud.
Basically what it comes down to is that international checks
are monitored along with your acct by the US Government.
Now that is seriously fucking with our civil rights.
Before the Patriot Act the government was not allowed to
monitor any individuals Income without a Federal Court order.
So whether you know it or not you are being affected...