Nick Steals Two Checks from Pauline-A Blank Check and a Check

question 57

Essay

Nick steals two checks from Pauline-a blank check and a check payable to the order of Retail Outlets Company, drawn on Pauline's account with State Bank. Nick forges Pauline's signature on the blank check and makes it payable to himself. Nick forges Retail Outlets's indorsement on the back of the check payable to Retail Outlets, and adds "Pay to the order of Nick." At United Credit Union, Nick indorses the back of both checks with his own name and gives them to United for cash. United does not know about the theft or the forged signatures and presents the checks to State Bank, which pays them. Pauline, who was not negligent, discovers the forgeries and asks State Bank to recredit her account. Who suffers the loss on each check?