Cheque
Lost, stolen, forged or unpaid cheques: what can you do?
By Charlotte GAUCHON8 April 2025Whilst cheques remain a practical means of payment, they are not without risk. In addition to the well-known problem of bounced cheques, other incidents can occur: loss, theft, forgery, etc. What should you do if you find yourself in one of these situations? And if, quite simply, the cheque you have been given goes unpaid, what steps can you take to try and recover what you owe? This article explores the various difficulties that can arise once a cheque has been issued, the responsibilities involved in the event of fraud, and the remedies available in the event of non-payment. How do cheques circulate? A cheque, the basis on which it is issued, is essential to understand, but it is not always intended to be cashed directly by its first beneficiary. It can circulate, i.e. be passed on to other people. The main method of transmission is by endorsement. Translational endorsement: transferring ownership...
Paying and being paid by cheque: what the law says
Cheques, Credit and consumer lawUsing a cheque to pay for a purchase or receive a payment seems to be part of everyday life. However, behind this apparent simplicity lie precise legal rules. Can you refuse payment by cheque? What does "handing over" a cheque really mean? What are the obligations of...NSF cheques: understanding bank bans and their consequences
Cheques, Credit and consumer lawThe "wooden cheque". The expression alone is enough to cause concern. Writing a cheque without the necessary funds in your bank account is not a trivial act under French law. Far from being a simple oversight, it triggers a strict process known as a "bank ban", the consequences of which are...Understanding how cheques are issued in France: the basics
Cheques, Credit and consumer lawDespite the proliferation of electronic means of payment, cheques still play a significant role in everyday transactions in France. However, although cheques may seem simple to handle, they are subject to precise legal rules, and failure to understand them can lead to difficulties and even disputes. For a broader understanding of the rules...
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