Watch Out For This "Bounced Check" Scam!
You're offered a "free" or "courtesy" bounce-proof service when it comes to checks you write and electronic transfers and payment.
Or worse, your bank automatically puts this "courtesy" protection on your checking account.
The bank gives you a $400 "courtesy" overdraft protection.
Without telling you, they show the $400 overdraft protection as money in your checking account.
- That means you think you have more money than you do—and spend some of the bank's money.
- Some banks charge you up to 500 percent interest if you spend their money and don't pay it back quickly.
- You were tricked; they get fat.
So, how do you handle "Bounced Check" protection?
Tell the bank you do not want courtesy overdraft protection for your checks and electronic payments.
If you think you may be the type that bounces checks, tell the bank that you would like to apply for normal overdraft protection.
Be prepared to pay a fee of up to $100 per year for that protection.
You're better off to pay this fee than use the "free" bounced-check protection.