bad check
Worthless bank draft
A bad check is one that cannot be honored by the bank—typically because the account lacks sufficient funds, the account is closed, or the check is fraudulent.
Writing bad checks deliberately is illegal; doing so accidentally still incurs fees and damages relationships.
Also called a bounced check or rubber check, from the image of the check "bouncing" back unpaid.
Returned after hitting surface
- insufficient fundsLacking required money
- NSFInadequate balance indicator
- overdraftSpending past zero
- dishonoredBrought shame upon
account balance · bank fees · clearing · stop payment · float · account holder · penalty · chargeback
Serious criminal offense
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- arrestSeize by law
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
conviction · incarceration · restitution · probation · civil liability · criminal charges · district attorney · warrant
Airborne recreation or fraud
- forgeryCreating fraudulent imitations
- counterfeitingMaking fake money
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- swindleDeception for financial gain
embezzlement · defraud · bunco · flimflam · false pretense · misrepresentation · fictitious · identity theft
bounced
Returned after hitting surface
- insufficient fundsLacking required money
- NSFInadequate balance indicator
- overdraftSpending past zero
dishonored · account balance · bank fees · clearing · stop payment · float · account holder · penalty · chargeback · collection agency
felony
Serious criminal offense
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- arrestSeize by law
indictment · conviction · incarceration · restitution · probation · civil liability · criminal charges · district attorney · warrant · plea bargain
kiting
Airborne recreation or fraud
- forgeryCreating fraudulent imitations
- counterfeitingMaking fake money
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
swindle · embezzlement · defraud · bunco · flimflam · false pretense · misrepresentation · fictitious · identity theft · shell company
- misdemeanorsmisdemeanor, petty theft, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, petty larceny
- Payment Problemsunderpayment, shortfall, NSF, partial payment, short change
bad checkcertified check
Bank-verified payment instrument
cashier's check · cash · money order · bank draft · liquid assets