Dealing with bad-check clients

Is it legal to leave a message on a client's answering machine saying that you received a returned check? What's the best way to handle this situation?

Dr. Karl Salzsieder, JD

"I'd never leave a message about a bad check," says Dr. Karl Salzsieder, JD, an advisory board member, consultant, veterinarian, and attorney in Kelso, Wash. "If someone besides the intended recipient hears the message, you could end up in hot water with the client." Dr. Salzsieder recommends leaving a general message asking the client to call back instead. "You can address the sensitive information later when you actually have the person who wrote the check on the phone," he says.