<prompt> Human: Hello rpersonalfinance,I am a long time lurker but am desperately in need of some advice. For the last three years, I have been working for a cafe in Chicago. This cafe has been around for a long time with the same ownership in the same neighborhood. When I first started, my manager told me that I would be receiving my pay from the drawer. The owner was writing checks, but they would all say in big bold letters VOID, PAY OUT OF DRAWER. I was a college student and didnt really care about the timeline for pay so it wasnt a huge issue. About a year ago, the owner finally started issuing paychecks employees can actually deposit. Unfortunately, many of these checks will bounce. Every few months a big group of people will quit for this reason. I stuck around because I really like all my coworkers and have been lucky with my paychecks not bouncing. Ive gotten so lucky because I hoard checks and make sure they will go through. I cant afford to have them bounce. Now, he owes me three checks, and Ive just had my second check bounce. I dont know what to do. I have filed a formal complaint with the better business bureau and have gotten a new job, but I really need the money he owes me as Im sure many other employees of his do. Should I go to the government? Will that just shut him down and deny the pay owed to all of his employees? Would it be better to turn to a lawyer? Update: Thank you for all your responses! I have contacted the Department of Labor and will be heading to my employers bank in the future to cash my checks. Hopefully I will be able to resolve the issue without resorting to legal action.  <response>: BBB isnt a government agency, they will not help you. 