Legal Question in Consumer Law in Maryland

Starter checks returned unpaid affect credit rating

I used bank issued starter checks to make payments on credit card accounts. All the checks were returned unpaid by my bank. I called my creditors to ask why. I was told that my bank returned my checks that that account does not exist. Now my credit card accounts are past due/ in delinquent and I was also charged for returned checks.

I want to seek a redress from my bank for damage to my credit. Do I have a case? Do I need an attorney? My account is still open with this bank.


Asked on 5/10/01, 9:45 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Lawrence Holzman Holzman Law Firm, LLC

Re: Starter checks returned unpaid affect credit rating

Your bank should get involved and make this right for you. If it does not, then you may have redress as the bank's return of the checks upaid is a breach of your checking account contract.

Please call if you require further assistance.

Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.

6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2200

fax (301) 220-1214

Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

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Answered on 6/24/01, 1:22 pm
Alton Drew Alton Drew, LLC

Re: Starter checks returned unpaid affect credit rating

I would recommend starting with your bank. Get a letter from the bank stating that your account was open at the time your starter checks were issued. Send this letter to the credit card company. Starter checks can be troublesome for use especially when the entity receiving the check can not verify the issuer's identity. I recently had a similar experience moving funds from an account in Maryland to an account in Florida via starter check so I have a sense of your frustration. Once the credit card company receives verification that the account was opened, request in writing that the return check charges and late charges be removed. You may not need an attorney for this but if the problem persists, please contact one.

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Answered on 6/22/01, 8:44 am
Michael Worsham Michael C. Worsham, Esq.

Re: Starter checks returned unpaid affect credit rating

First you need to see if your credit has actually been damaged. In Maryland you are allowed one free copy of your credit report a year from the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. Get a copy and see if the items you describe show up. If so, you can contest them by explaining what happened through procedures which will be explained in the information that comes with the credit report. - Michael Worsham, [email protected]

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Answered on 6/21/01, 8:26 pm


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