AUTO ZONE KEEPS SENDING A NOTICE TO ME THAT I OWE $377.00, ON A CHECK THAT DOES NOT EXIST Grapevine Texas

AutoZone does not accept checks unless they process automatically using a check processing system, just like Walmart. It runs the check thru a company that automatically debits the amount from your checking account, to prevent situations such as this one. Perhaps you have the wrong business named. We don't even keep the check, after it processes it voids the back and you get the check right back.

Since this was check fraud you should have reported the crime as soon as you found out. Of course when you ignored them they were going to report you.

This could have been cleared up rather fast had you followed up with them.

He's not exactly right in the head, since he had an injury during the war. He thinks he's a lawyer, but he's really just on disability and tries to sell stuff on ebay from time to time (without too much luck, since it's usually craigslist curb alerts that he sells). Just start by going to the bank in question, and don't spend as much on a lawyer as what's at stake here. All parties are responsible for bearing their own legal expenses, outside of court costs. You'll never be reimbursed for hiring a lawyer. Any bank should be glad to help you, providing you work with them.

Dirk,

First of all, stay off the phone at this point. You need everything documented to protect yourself, and to support your inevitable lawsuit for damages.

It appears that you have a legitimate suit for damages against both Auto Zone and the bank, and possibly chexsystems if they fail to investigate your dispute.

Communicate ONLY in writing AND by Certified Mail, Return Reciept Requested. Be sure to put the certified# on each letter and make a copy of each for your records.

First, by the means above, write to your old bank and explain the situation, and DEMAND a front and back copy of the alleged check. This is needed for several reasons, and will be needed for you to turn into authorities for investigation and possible prosecution of the offender.

A front and back copy of the check will give you the signature of the offender, and will also indicate if Auto Zone checked and recorded a valid ID of the person presenting the check. If Auto Zone accepted the check without ID Verification, they are the losers here.

If you can prove that the check was written after you closed the account at the bank, the bank is on the hook, as the check should have been returned/dishonored.

I have been through the identity theft thing and the forged check thing. It is an uphill battle, as nobody wants to accept responsibility.

However, by law, you are only responsible for a check that was written by you, and while the account was open and in good standing. It appears that both Auto Zone and your old bank dropped the ball here on due diligence.

Do what I suggested first, and then start shopping for a good lawyer. Sue for your damages.

Good luck!