Answer :
In this scenario, when Laurie checks her monthly bank statement and finds a negative balance, the most likely outcome would be that she will be charged an overdraft fee.
Here's why:
1. Overdraft Fee: When a bank account goes into a negative balance (more money is spent than is available in the account), most banks charge an overdraft fee. This fee is a penalty for spending more than what is in the account. It is a common practice for banks to charge overdraft fees to cover the shortfall.
2. Fraud Charges: Laurie checking her bank statement and finding a negative balance does not necessarily mean she will be charged with fraud. Fraud charges typically involve intentional deceit or illegal activities, which may not be the case here.
3. Account Closure: Although having a negative balance is not ideal, it does not usually lead to automatic closure of the account. Banks may work with customers to resolve negative balances and may only close accounts under certain circumstances, such as chronic overdrafts or fraudulent activities.
4. Legal Action: The situation described does not indicate that the bank would sue Laurie in small claims court. Typically, banks try to resolve negative balances through communication with the account holder and the imposition of fees rather than resorting to legal action.
Therefore, based on the information provided, the most probable outcome for Laurie noticing a negative balance in her bank statement would be that she will be charged an overdraft fee by the bank.
Here's why:
1. Overdraft Fee: When a bank account goes into a negative balance (more money is spent than is available in the account), most banks charge an overdraft fee. This fee is a penalty for spending more than what is in the account. It is a common practice for banks to charge overdraft fees to cover the shortfall.
2. Fraud Charges: Laurie checking her bank statement and finding a negative balance does not necessarily mean she will be charged with fraud. Fraud charges typically involve intentional deceit or illegal activities, which may not be the case here.
3. Account Closure: Although having a negative balance is not ideal, it does not usually lead to automatic closure of the account. Banks may work with customers to resolve negative balances and may only close accounts under certain circumstances, such as chronic overdrafts or fraudulent activities.
4. Legal Action: The situation described does not indicate that the bank would sue Laurie in small claims court. Typically, banks try to resolve negative balances through communication with the account holder and the imposition of fees rather than resorting to legal action.
Therefore, based on the information provided, the most probable outcome for Laurie noticing a negative balance in her bank statement would be that she will be charged an overdraft fee by the bank.
