I want to write a check in the US, to be sent to the recipient via standard mail (USPS). What (and where) do I need to write on the check (in addition to the standard recipient name, $ amount, date and my signature) in order to protect it from being cashed or deposited by any person other that the intended recipient?
For example, if the envelope is lost in the mail and the check arrives at some stranger's hands, how do I guarantee that person cannot use (deposit, transfer, cash) the check?
You can't really, it's the bank's job to do that. That's the whole point of writing a name on the For line. Banks aren't supposed to accept checks endorsed by someone other than that person. When you get your canceled check images (or the actual checks if your bank still does that), you should be checking that that the depositor is who you wrote the check to.
In USA, on Check you cannot write "To the payee only" as in Israel or "account Payee only" as in India.
In USA it is assumed that the Bank will verify that the name matches with the person cashing the check.
I understand that basically you want that check to go to an account rather than being cashed, I don't think that can be limited by writer. So if you write a check to "John PQR" any one with same name ( multiple people can have same name) can withdraw the fund.
So first defense is to put the correct address and possibly use certified mail.
For example, if the envelope is lost in the mail and the check arrives at some stranger's hands, how do I guarantee that person cannot use (deposit, transfer, cash) the check?
You need to minimize the chances of it getting lost. In the United States the USPS has certified and registered mail. Certified mail requires a person to sign for the letter, registered mail allows you to track online the progress of the letter though the system.
If you use these options you will have proof that it was delivered and who signed for it. You can also give the recipient the shipping number for the letter to let the recipient know that the letter is coming, and they can track the progress. They will then know to alert you if it doesn't arrive.
You then have to trust the banks to do their job, to make sure it is only cashed/deposited by the intended recipient.
