Bad Check

Technically, a bad check is a check written on a non-existent bank account, or one that has insufficient funds to cover the value of the check presented. A bad check is every bank and landlord's worst nightmare, and every college student's greatest fear.

Bad checks gave birth to collection departments of banks, which gave birth to collection agencies, which gave birth to the really bad collection agencies that have a guy named Arnie call and threaten and bully you until you pay up or go into hiding. A whole industry has risen from bad checks.