<P> Non-sufficient funds (NSF) is a term used in the banking industry to indicate that a cheque cannot be honored because insufficient funds are available in the account on which the instrument was drawn . An NSF check is often referred to as a bad check, dishonored check, bounced check, cold check, rubber check, returned item, or hot check . In England and Wales and Australia, such checks are typically returned marked "Refer to Drawer", an instruction to contact the person issuing the check for an explanation as to why the check was not honored . </P> <P> The reasons for receipt of bad checks mostly relate to the party issuing the check not having sufficient funds available in the amount presented for withdrawal from the checking account . Other reasons that checks may not be honored include the account holder cancelling the check to deliberately withhold payment; the account holder's funds being frozen; the account not actually existing due to a false check being presented; and damage to the check . </P>

A cheque returned by bank marked nsf means that