How Quickly Should You Act on a Dishonored Cheque?

The answer depends on the facts and legal route

Important dates may include the cheque date, presentation date, bank refusal date, and the date the relevant person became known. Civil debt recovery and criminal issues must be assessed separately.

Documents to review promptly

• The original cheque and a clear copy
• The bank return memo or refusal notice
• The contract, invoice, or evidence of the underlying debt
• Demand letters and payment negotiations

Do not wait until a deadline is close

Have the dates and original documents reviewed promptly. General information cannot replace a calculation based on the actual cheque and transaction records.