do banks accept checks with only a first name on it?

Write your last name in and have ID(try to use the same color pen to avoid confusion and spell your name correctly)

I would have the person who made out the check add your last name so that your entire name is in the same handwriting and won't look "forged".

If you take a check to a bank made out to "Joe", how is the bank to know which Joe it is meant for? I doubt a bank will cash it because if the check bounces or the person was meant to cash it steps forward, the bank loses out of the money.

The only additional "tips" I would accept from this person would be cold, hard cash.

If you go to the bank the check was written on (the bank name on the check), and show ID, they should cash it. If they are suspicious, and it is a lot of money, they might make you wait for the money, or they might contact the person that wrote the check. However, eventually you should get the money.

I do not see a problem if you deposit to check into your bank acct.