What's the punishment for check fraud in UK & US?

In the U.S. it varies by state. Kiting checks or forging and altering them is a different offense than passing bad checks but in general any amount over $500 not paid for any reason is considered a felony. Some states have lower thresholds. UK I have no idea because banks there allow overdrafts as short term loans.

Its a federal offence and you could get 10 to 15 mabe. Have you ever watched the Movie "Catch Me if You Can" with Leo Decaprio and Tom Hanks? If you do you should also check out the "true crime" section of the nearest bookstore for the book too. It was realy cool to learn how Frank Abignale did this for 3 to 5 years. He started from age 18 and did this for a while. He now works presently for the FBI under in the check fraud department.

Could end up in prison for a long time

i believe its a minimum of 5 or 7 years in a federal penitentary

fines and prison