Returned Check Reason 31: What should I do?

You deposited a check into your account and were surprised it bounced. When you receive the check back, you discover it was marked "returned check item 31" or "reason 31." But what does that mean?

When a check is returned for reason 31, this means that it was returned due to irregularities, such as errors in the description of the data of those involved in the transaction, that is, in this case, the person filled out the check with errors (which may, in the bank's view, constitute fraud).

In this case, the check may be returned because the person failed to include the issue date, had an invalid signature, or misspelled the month or amount. Any of these details will result in the check being returned for reason 31. 

This is one of the most common reasons for checks to bounce and can cause some inconvenience for the person who needs to receive their money.

See the article for what to do in this situation. 

Check Returned for Reason 31: What to Do?

If you've received a bounced check in this situation, it's important to act quickly to rectify the situation and receive your money. Here's what you should do. 

1. When you receive the check back, write down the reason number on the back of the sheet, as well as the issuer's contact number and ID.
2. Contact the customer to inform them of the problem and settle the check.
3. If you are unable to locate the customer, request a microfilm of the check from the bank to identify its origin.
4. Therefore, you must go to the bank and pay the bearer the amount corresponding to the check in cash.

However, it's important to remember that checks returned for this reason are due to filling errors. So, the quickest and safest way to resolve this is to ask the person to correct the errors and resubmit the check to the bank. 

If this is not possible, there are other options, such as protesting the check or judicial execution.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Reason 31

Learn more about what to do when you find yourself in this situation! 

What is the meaning of “paragraph 31”?

It means that the check was returned because an error was found in the check.

Can a returned check for reason 31 be resubmitted?

Yes. This is the easiest way to resolve the issue. When a discrepancy is noted in the check's completion, it becomes compliant with the regulations, meaning that reason 31 is no longer applicable.

Can You Protest?

If the check returned for reason 31 does not have the issuer's signature or the signature is incorrect, it cannot be protested. 

Can I Enforce a Returned Check for Reason 31?

Yes, it is possible to enforce a check returned for reason 31 if the issuer cannot be reached or refuses to resolve the issue. To do so, you must file a lawsuit against the issuer. 

It is important to note that the judicial enforcement process can take time and there may be a need to hire a lawyer, especially if it is a return due to a filling error.

Can I deposit this type of returned check?

A check returned under paragraph 31 may be redeposited if the issuer corrects the problems that led to the check being returned. 

Can I deny a returned check for reason 31?

No. Checks returned due to incorrect completion cannot be considered negative. This only applies to bounced checks. 

What are the reasons why a check bounces?

There are several reasons why a check may bounce. Here are the codes for each bounce:

• Bad check: which includes reasons 11, 12, 13 and 14.
• Payment impediment: 20 to 28, 30 and 70.
• Irregular check: 31, 33, 34 and 35.
• Incorrect presentation: 37 to 45, 48 and 49.
• Improper issuance: 59, 60, 61 and 64.

Conclusion

A check returned for reason 31 is one of the most common and can be resolved simply by talking to the issuer and asking them to resolve the issue.

This is the simplest way to resolve the issue and be able to resubmit the check to receive your money. 

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