Cheque bounced? What to do in the first week

When a cheque is returned unpaid, it is easy to wait and hope the other person will pay. The law, however, sets short deadlines, and the first week is when most mistakes are made.

Keep every paper safe

You will need the original cheque and the bank's return memo, which states the reason and the date. Keep the invoice, agreement or messages that show why the money is owed. Take clear photographs of everything and store the originals somewhere safe.

Write down the dates

Note the date on the cheque, the date you presented it and the date on the return memo. The time limit for sending a legal notice is counted from when you receive the bank's information, so these dates matter later.

Do not change or return anything

Do not write on the cheque, return it, or accept a new cheque without a written record of what was agreed. If the other person promises to pay, ask for the promise in writing or by message.

Speak to an advocate early

The notice must be drafted carefully and sent in a way you can prove, such as registered post with a receipt. An advocate can check the dates and the papers before the notice goes out.