my check book was stolen, how hard is it to catch someone if they write out checks?

Question

I have closed out my old account and started a new account at the same bank. i just got a message from my banker that theres been some activity in the old account. It's been 3 weeks since i lost it.

Answer 1

The checks that were written, assuming you reported it right away, will not be honored by your bank and will be returned. The store or whoever will have to either try to catch who did this or eat the check. If you closed the account and therefore stopped payment on any checks except the ones you had written that were outstanding, you are not liable. You can try and get video from wherever it was presented at to see if there is some evidence to be gleaned from there. Good luck.

Answer 2

you better file a police report and tell the bank it's been stolen
Consequences of Check Theft and Forgery

1. The thief and their accomplices will be able to use the checks. They needn't even bother to convincingly forge your signature.
2. You may be vulnerable to identity theft, particularly if the thief has obtained your social security number.
3. You may be liable for the forged checks, though this is unlikely in most states. This isn't like fraudulent credit card charges; there's no liability protection for check forgery. In practice if you can show you took reasonable precautions you may not lose any money -- but there are no guarantees.

If you stop payment (checks bounce at bank)

1. If you are able to stop payment on the stolen checks so, then the checks will "bounce". The vendor who's been stuck with a bad check will turn the check over to their check service companies. You will receive intimidating and threatening letters from these companies and from larger vendors who have their own internal recovery programs. Some of the letters will allow that the bad check might have been forged, others will assert that you are a thieving scum who will be hounded forever. Sometimes the same check service company will send you both kinds of letters.
2. You have to cancel your checking account. If checks have bounced, then your account has been marked as 'bad' by the check service companies. There's no way to undo this. You need a new account. You will have to fix up your direct deposits and automatic withdrawl arrangements.
3. If the thieves use your stolen driver's license to cash the checks, that license number will be entered as 'bad'. You will not be able to use your driver's license to cash checks again. If you are in a state, like Minnesota, where it is hard to change your license number, you will be unable to use checks in the future. (Of course you probably shouldn't use checks anyway!)
4. For each bad check, you will have to submit an affidavit of forgery. You will need copies of the police report! (You must report this crime to the police, or you'll have a hard time proving forgery occurred.)

If bank accepts check before payment can be stopped

If you don't stop payment, and you discover the forgery with your bank statement, your bank will handle the matter. Surprisingly, this may be better than if you'd stopped payment! The bank is likely to be a lot easier to work with, and they are prepared to absorb the cost of the forgery (or fight it out with the merchant). They are much less likely to destroy your credit rating.

Answer 3

I worked at a bank. This happens all the time. You just have to keep in touch with the bank, they will tell you what to do, and make sure the police have a report about it. most likely they won't tell you anything about what they are investigating, they don't have the time to track you down. besides, was it really stolen or did you just lose it and someone else found it. if you were robbed you could press charges.

Answer 4

Thank goodness you had the sense to close out your old account. It's not always easy to catch the person who's using your old check book. But usually stores will not cash checks with out ID but at least your off the hook.

Answer 5

Go to your bank and cancel those particular ones and order some new checkbooks...Hurry.

Answer 6

stop your account