Time Frame to Return a Check for Fraud

Acceptable reasons for returning a check are very specific. "Fraud" could involve many things; it is not specific enough.

Generally, a check can be returned for a forged drawer's signature up to midnight of the banking day following the banking day of presentment. The same time frame applies to counterfeit checks. For an alteration, the time frame may be one year. For a forged endorsement the bank may have up to three years to return the item. (Time frames vary according to your state's version of the UCC.)

First published on BankersOnline.com 11/21/11