Gift check bounces?

[Spocknasty]

You receive a check in a card for x-mas from a relative. Delighted, you proceed to cash the check. Soon after you are notified that the check does not go through.

This happened to someone I know, and they contacted the sender and let them know and asked for another check!

Discuss. Personally, I wouldn't ask for another check and just appreciate their gesture.

[teh DIRT]

thats rough. yeah I wouldnt ask for another check. BUT most banks charge you for bounced checks, that would suck.

[Ender81]

If I were charged for the check I would say something but I think it really takes a pair to call and ask for another check lol.

[licensedtothrill]

i havn't had a gift check bounce yet

FYI
There are a bunch of people going around to stores that leave the gift cards out on the shelf and are writing down the card numbers. They then called in a week or so later to see if the card has been activated. If it was then they already have the card number and 3 digit pin off the back. Alot of online shopping done at others expence this year. If your buying someone a gift card grab it from the back of the stack or ask for any behind the counter.

[slavetothemuzic]

Originally Posted by CRXed

Personally, I wouldn't ask for another check and just appreciate their gesture.

Appreciate the generous gesture that just cost you $20+ in service fees?

I'd be pissed. Cheap is one thing, but a gift that costs you money is worse.

[ScoobyNubieToo!]

Well, don't yopu sidestep these charges if you go directly to the bank where the check was drawn on (if possible)? Then only the checkwriter gets charged.

[slavetothemuzic]

Originally Posted by ScoobyNubieToo!

Well, don't yopu sidestep these charges if you go directly to the bank where the check was drawn on (if possible)? Then only the checkwriter gets charged.

Sure, but who's going to suspect a family member of giving them a bad check for a gift? And, what if you get a bunch from remote family? Are you going to run around to a bunch of banks, or just stop at your bank and make one deposit?

[smoger]

Originally Posted by licensedtothrill

There are a bunch of people going around to stores that leave the gift cards out on the shelf and are writing down the card numbers. They then called in a week or so later to see if the card has been activated. If it was then they already have the card number and 3 digit pin off the back. Alot of online shopping done at others expence this year. If your buying someone a gift card grab it from the back of the stack or ask for any behind the counter.

im pretty sure this is a new urban legend. most, if not all, giftcards i've ever seen have the online number covered until you scratch it off with a coin. so unless these people are standing there in the store scraping off the numbers, i doubt this has much merit.

[slavetothemuzic]

Originally Posted by smoger

im pretty sure this is a new urban legend.

This was in the news this past week. They mentioned specifically watching for cards that had a bent backing, or playing it safe by asking for a card that was behind the counter space.

[smoger]

Originally Posted by slavetothemuzic

This was in the news this past week. They mentioned specifically watching for cards that had a bent backing, or playing it safe by asking for a card that was behind the counter space.

a few weeks ago the news also reported that the psp comes with porn ;)

the lesson? sometimes the news likes to use scare tactics based on a few isolated incidents. im not saying this NEVER happens, i just have my doubts about how widespread it is

[CobaltGrl]

Originally Posted by ScoobyNubieToo!

Well, don't yopu sidestep these charges if you go directly to the bank where the check was drawn on (if possible)? Then only the checkwriter gets charged.

Im almost positive that if you go to a branch the only info they can disclose to you is whether the account is still open, they wont verify if there are enough funds in the account to cover said check. Atleast, this is the procedure at Commerce.....


Had someone written me a bad check as a gift I probably wouldnt say anything, obviously they meant well and Im sure once they realise the check has bounced the embarrasment is bad enough.

[slavetothemuzic]

Originally Posted by smoger

the lesson? sometimes the news likes to use scare tactics based on a few isolated incidents. im not saying this NEVER happens, i just have my doubts about how widespread it is

It's happened enough to attract attention.

I don't see that it's so much to check for bent cards before making a purchase.

It was only a couple precautions. It didn't say anything like ALL cards are being spent.