ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Business Related Discussion Bounced check

I received a bounced check in the mail today that I deposited 3 weeks ago. I called the customer up that wrote me the bad check for $1500.00. He says he will call his bank tommorow and find out what happended. What are my options if he is not telling me the truth and has no intentions of making the check good. Small claims court, lawyer, hit man (jk). Thanks for any help.

I know in some places, the local police have a special phone number you can call for someone who tries to "negotiate a worthless instrument". I would document everything said, make copies, etc... talk to police, there may be something in that particular jurisdiction for an amount over let say $500.00 where they step in. Just my two cents worth.

In Illinois, under specific conditions you can sue for triple the check (bounced, not stop payment). The easier route is to call the bank that the check is written from. Ask if funds are available in the account. Usually around the end of the month accounts are a bit more flush. If the bank says funds are available, deposit it quick.

A good customer will appologize and bring you payment in a day or two. A bad one will tell you lies. It's the risk we all take accepting checks.

Dave

What really sucks, is this idiot knew, for 3 weeks that the check was bad, you had to find out when you got it back from the bank. I'm sure he played it like it was a big surprise, gee wiz, I made a mistake, etc...

But he knew all this time and instead of CALLING YOU and taking care of business, he just blew it off, no biggie...

Make this tool pay you cash and pay the fees that you incurred due to his bad check.

I've bounced a check twice in my life. Once because I was struggling and made a math error and once because my bank screwed up. Solved both right away and paid up as soon as I found out about it.

I've also had checks given to me bounce twice. Same thing happened...check writer appologized, was very embarrassed, and paid right away.

Unless this guy seemed like trouble before, it will probably work out fine. A customer who is trying not to pay will make excuses and not pay. A guy who writes a check usually has good intentions.

My bank will mail me a bad check in 4 or5 days...get a new bank? The customer will tell you to redeposit the check. Do so and ask the bank to call you ASAP if it does not go through. Or if you have the time, go to the customers bank and cash the check in person. If the check bounces twice you cannot deposit it again. You must get a new check from the customer. If this goes on and on...get a Mechanics Lien form and fill it out and mail it to the customer(before you file it) Include bad check charges and interest at 18% on the lien. This may get you a response!

AdamAtoms, whats the status on that bounced check? DId the customer make it right or still yanking your chain?

The customer gave me cash for the check.