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Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:03 pm Subject: Bounced Checks

I am in a terrible predicament and can use some advice. I have had 3 checks returned in the past 2 months (due to insufficient funds). I have made arrangements for one and the other two were just in the past week. Can I be arrested for writing 3 of them or are you arrested if you don't make good on them? I am really scared and am feeling really stupid about now.

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:11 pm Subject:

Lorri, unfortunately I have had bounced checks in the past, and due to these pdl's, I have some currently as well. I have never been arrested-you only get arrested if you don't make good on them. Breathe-it will be ok. Just pay them as soon as you can. I had one last year to Wal Mart and I am ashamed to say it took me a couple months to get it paid but I just stayed in contact with Telecheck that had the check and let them know I intended to pay and I didn't have any problems.

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:13 pm Subject:

By the way Lorri, don't feel stupid. It happens to a lot of people!

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:19 pm Subject:

Lorri, I think as mentioned above, if you keep in contact with the people the checks were written to, letting them know that you have every intention of making good on them, they won't take it any further. Good luck.

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:28 pm Subject:

Everyone has bounced a check before, most of the time it's an honest (but costly) mistake. Most of the time, you will get a letter from the vender to whom you wrote the check and telling you to come and make good on the check (within a specific period of time). Usually, the people you hear about going to jail are habitual hot check writers, and do it knowingly (as in theft by check). Don't worry about it if you are planning to make good on them.

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:48 pm Subject:

I bounced a check, too -- on the account I had to close because of payday loans. I called the company up letting them know that I had to close the account because of unauthorized transactions, and I asked them what would happen, etc. And they were very polite and understanding and put in a "flag" that I had made the bounced check known to them.

IT will be OK -- just as long as you make good on them!! I think the returned check fee will range from $25 to $35 depending on the state you are in.

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:54 pm Subject:

Thanks so much all of you---I appreciate your input and kind words. Like I said I have made arrangements with one and just now spoke to the other creditor(who was very nice about it surprisingly). The other one will hit the account tonight. I just panicked and thought I had screwed everything up (AGAIN!) God Bless all of you.

Since this has never happened to me before, I don't know the answer to this question. Does it immediately get reported to Telecheck (or whatever its called)? or is that after you don't pay?

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:59 pm Subject:

I have one out to walgreens right now...I wrote it for 8 bucks and owe 38, but I think it takes months before it gets to that point. Just make sure you make payments on it or pay it when you say you will....Also, in most states its not even criminal unless its multiple checks to the same vendor or over a certain amount...I have been stressing about this check as well because even though its only 38 I dont have th money to pay it right now

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:59 pm Subject:

Do you happen to have overdraft protection? You may want to ask your bank about it -- they sometimes charge you a very small monthly fee for it-- and someitmes it is free. How it works is that they will "cover" a check up to a certain amount (my bank covers up to $500) -- and they will charge you $25 PLUS you have to make good on the check within a certain time. This does two things: 1) the check won't bounce according to the person you wrote to the check to, and, if you are getting paid a few days after you write the check, you can cover it quickly knowing you will only owe $25 (or whatever) for the "advance." Just don't get into the habit of using it! The fees can pile up!!

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:04 pm Subject:

Lorri, it only gets reported if you do not make good on the check. So as long as you have made arrangements and take care of them, you will be ok.

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:07 pm Subject:

Thanks steelers---I figured that was the case. It just hasn't been my week (or month or YEAR for that matter).

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 7:15 am Subject:

Yeah - what Steelers said. Usually, you will get a letter about the bad check and get a few days to resolve before you are spanked onto TeleCheck.

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:21 am Subject:

I didn't know that spanking would be involved---hmmmmmmmmm!

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:08 am Subject:

Lorri,let's get our minds out the gutter even though it is an interesting idea! Laughing

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:28 am Subject:

Plus, even if you are reported to Telecheck, once the item is paid it is removed from the report.

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