What to do if a “friend” keeps on bouncing checks that they have written to me?
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What to do if a “friend” keeps on bouncing checks that they have written to me?
I have paid some bills for a friend who was having a hard time. He gave me a check which was supposed to cover the amount but it bounced multiple times. I asked for the $340 to be given to me in cash, which never happened. I am at loss now and cannot believe that a friend would do that. Is there a legal way to get my money or is it a case of lesson learned?
Asked on December 11, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, North Carolina
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You can sue your friend in Small Claims Court for the amount you are owed ($340) plus any bank fees charged to your account for the bounced checks. Your damages (the amount you are seeking to recover in your lawsuit) should include the above amounts plus court costs. Court costs would include the court filing fee and process server fee.
If you get a judgment against your friend, it would be advisable to request a wage garnishment from the court to insure that your friend will pay the judgment given his track record of bounced checks.
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