One Cent Check

I walked out to get my mail yesterday to find an unexpected check in the mail. Of course, I am always thrilled when I get unexpected checks in the mail. Usually they are for rebates that I forgot about and simply mean a few extra bucks in my pocket, but I am never one to discount that it might be something much larger. Opening up the envelope to see what type of fortune made it’s way into my mailbox, you can imagine my surprise to find that the check was made out for a whopping $0.01.

The check was from JPMorgan Chase Bank for a class action settlement from eBay regarding final value fees from April 21, 2005 through August 26, 2009 (YingLing vs eBay Inc). The best part is where the notice above the check reads “You should contact your tax professional regarding the impact this distribution will have on your taxes.”

Of course, since a one cent check may be considered a once in a lifetime event for most people, the question that immediately comes to mind is what should one do with it? Here are three options I am considering:

1. Go to the bank and cash it to see the reaction of the teller.
2. Sell it on eBay.
3. Contact JPMorgan and see if I can get a replacement check, then wash, rinse repeat to see how many I can eventually get.

Which one of these do you think would be the best course of action or do you have even a better suggestion?

Jeffrey Strain

Jeffrey strain is a freelance author, his work has appeared at The Street.com and seekingalpha.com. In addition to having authored thousands of articles, Jeffrey is a former resident of Japan, former owner of Savingadvice.com and a professional digital nomad.