Which of the following is a potential risk associated with handling checks?

The potential risk associated with handling checks is that they can bounce. Bouncing occurs when a check is written for an amount greater than the issuer's bank account balance, or if there are issues like a closed account or insufficient funds. This can create complications for both the payee and the payer, as it can lead to non-payment, additional fees, and potential legal consequences.

In contrast to the chosen answer, the other options do not accurately represent the risks involved with checks. Checks are not guaranteed funds, as they depend on the availability of the funds in the issuer's account at the time of processing. Additionally, while checks do require processing, they do not have to be processed immediately—in fact, there can be delays in processing depending on various factors. Finally, the notion that checks have no associated risks is misleading, as there are significant risks involved in accepting and processing them.