1. A written order to a bank that has been forged. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. A lot of fake checks have been circulating in the area lately, claiming to be from the local university; in reality, they are scams trying to swindle people out of money.

2. A written order to a bank for a certain amount of funds that has been dishonored, either because such funds are not available or because the given checking account does not exist. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. My ex-husband has been writing fake checks all over town to pay for his gambling debt.