Check Fraud?

[bombay24]

What is the name of your state? Missouri

I was recently expecting to receive a bonus from work and therefore ran out and "wrote" a serious of e-checks only to find out later that I have been laid off and will not receive the bonus I was told I would receive and was expecting. Now my bank account has reached a negative balance over $1500 and there are several payments that have not cleared and I am not sure will clear. This has already caused me over $500 in overdraft and negative balance charges. I am wanting to squash this ASAP, but I do not know the laws. What I would like to do is go ahead and pay the bank and get the negative balance cleared and then close my bank account and handle the vendors that I wrote the checks to with my credit card since I lost my job. My question is whether or not I can be arrested for fraudulant activity by handling it this way. If I close the account will I still rack up bank fees for the checks that bounce after the account closure? Will I be flagged in the chex system if I handle it this way even if I clear the negative balance prior to closing the account due to the items that have not/do not clear? I am really not worried about the vendors, I can handle them, I am more worried about the bank side and what they can/will do in my situation.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by bombay24

My question is whether or not I can be arrested for fraudulant activity by handling it this way.

Unlikely, since each merchant would have to contact you with an opportunity to make good on your bad check first, where you can reclaim your bad check. However, this will likely incur costs from the bank (yes, you will still be liable) and from the merchant.

If I close the account will I still rack up bank fees for the checks that bounce after the account closure?

Yes.

Will I be flagged in the chex system if I handle it this way even if I clear the negative balance prior to closing the account due to the items that have not/do not clear?

If the bank is a member of the ChexSystem (likely), yes.

[Antigone*of*Greece]

Originally Posted by bombay24

What is the name of your state? Missouri

I am really not worried about the vendors, I can handle them, I am more worried about the bank side and what they can/will do in my situation.

Take care of the OD balance right away - including the NSF fees. If you do that in a timely manner, then you'll have one problem down.

I guess you don't need to be lectured on not spending the money before you actually have it in your hands - hopefully you've learned that lesson. Sometimes these life lessons sting, but don't let it get you down.

take care, ana