We have a customer that has a low-use deposit account. A check was written and presented for payment. This is the first check written on the account and it has been opened since Oct 2022. Our banker attempted to contact the writer to verify the check, but was unable to do so. The check was then returned for the reason "Refer to Maker." The funds were available in the account when the check was denied.

I feel like this may be in Wrongful Dishonor territory. I'm doing more digging, but for now the only thing I have uncovered is that the only reason for the check's denial is the length of time between account opening and the issuance of the first check - which I do not believe to be enough to deny a check.

Thoughts, please?

I think you are spot on. Did you not have a signature specimen to compare? This is an oldie but goodie from 2003: https://www.bankersonline.com/qa/handling-refer-maker-return-items

Thank you, Randy. Much appreciated!