Trouble Shooters: Bounced Check Errors

We all use checks from time to time. But, what if you're told that your check bounced even though it never hit your bank? That's exactly what Linda Stanley's dealing with.
 
She wrote a check to Fred's in Haughton for $50.88 and a few weeks later, she got a call from Security Check, a Mississippi collection agency. "They said that my check came back to them with insufficient funds," Stanley said. However, Linda's check never made it to her bank therefore it did not bounce. According to Security Check and Fred's, a routing mistake by the banks could be the problem, but, Linda says she feels like she's been made to take the blame.

Officials for Fred's and Security Check say they tried to work with Linda but she refused their offers because she wanted her check back; something they would not do because Linda still owed Fred's money. Linda has come to an agreement with Fred's and Security Check. They will run her check through one more time, waive the fees and wipe the collection off her record.

A spokeswoman for Security Check tells us that Linda's kind of problem has become more and more common because so many banks have merged. She says her company deals with 3 or 4 misrouted checks every week. If you're ever in that situation, be sure to contact the company directly and get proof from your bank.