The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21 Act) allows recipients of paper checks to create a digital image of the original check, eliminating the need for further handling of the actual check. The Federal Reserve Board has created a consumer guide (www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/check21/consumer_guide.htm). Locate the guide to answer questions about Check 21.

Required
a. What is a "substitute check"? Does it constitute a legal copy of the check?
b. How does Check 21 affect the payment of your checks?
c. Do banks have to return actual cancelled checks? Explain.