Glen wrote:


It doesn't matter if there was anything on the check you cashed or not.
They can still put your credit so far in the hole that it can take a long
time to get out of it. Plus they can turn it over to a collection agency
who can keep it on your credit report for the rest of your life or 'til you
pay them what they say you owe by then. Interest continues to accrue over
that long time.

Seven year, max, in California. (Not sure about the other 49)

In most cases they can only win judgements against you for 4 years, but
they can keep it on your credit report for 7. The statute of how long
they have to file judgements varys by state, but the 7 years on the credit
report (with a few exceptions like student loans, bankruptcys) is federal.

Glen