Hey welcome to 2003!
What you're describing is the Check 21 law. This is common place now and has been for seven or so years. Kohl's, or any creditor you write a check to, can decide to take your money for payment electronically instead of physically cashing the check you sent them.
You have made the dumbest ROR ever. You're complaining about something that's been around for nearly a decade, and something that's totally legal.
I believe the word you're looking for is "duh".