What is my recourse for a returned check?
As a member of a non profit rescue group, we charge an adoption fee for our animals. Recently, someone adopted a cat and the check for $75. was returned. The individual is not responding to my requests to pay the adoption fee. What can I do?
Answers:
In the future you might want to go to cash only transactions to avoid the collection problem, or at minimum, only accept debit or credit cards, but not personal checks.
You do not indicate where you live, as they can have a huge influence, but in general...
You can present at check twice for payment; if the check "bounces" a second time, you can file a complaint with your local police department and they will contact the person and/arrest them for fraud/theft by deception charges and their attorney/public defender will advise them to pay the fee prior to trial as it will help their case and see if can be dismissed, otherwise they will face criminal penalties and jail (so long as they live in same jurisidiction...if they move out of the jurisdiction or and cannot be located, your agency is likely out the money).
You could take them to small claims court. But even if they rule in your favor trying to get the money may present a problem.
I wish you well with this and thanks for helping the little animals.
Try processing the check again. If it does not clear again, go to the bank the checking account is with. Ask them what can be done.
If worst comes to worst, take them small claims court.
You can also file a police report. It ay depend on where you live, but some police jurisdictions will take a report and make a contact.
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