Bogus Check Restitution Program
The District Attorney’s Bogus Check Restitution Program was established in 1983 to assist merchants and citizens in obtaining restitution for false and bogus checks. The Bogus Check Restitution Program is free of charge to all merchants and citizens. When we receive a bogus check complaint, the check will be screened for our program and if accepted, prosecution is deferred and restitution is sought through letters and phone calls from our office. If a check writer fails to comply with the program, a criminal charge may be filed.
Forms For Merchants/Citizens
Download Intake Form For Your County
Commonly Asked Questions by Merchants/Citizens
How do I submit a check for collection?
A check is submitted to the program when a merchant or citizen completes a Bogus Check Intake Form and submits a legal copy of the check, any bank receipts, and other required documents. All checks accepted into the program must meet statutory legal requirements. Forms are available on our website or from your local District Attorney’s Office.
How much does this cost the merchant/citizen?
The Bogus Check Restitution Program is a free service offered to all merchants and citizens in District 4. Law allows the Bogus Check Division to collect the amount of the check, a $25 return check fee, and any bank charges incurred by the receiver. Bogus Check writers are required by statute to pay a prosecution fee for being in the program that helps to fund the division and allows the service to operate free of charge.
When will I receive payment?
Monthly payments are not guaranteed but any funds collected toward the amount owed are paid at the end of the month they are received. Payouts are made monthly on the last business day of the month. Payouts may be the partial or full amount. A letter is sent with all payout vouchers with a detailed description of what is included in the specific payment.
How can I help with the collection of bogus checks?
- Always ask for a current ID - Write down the Date of Birth, ID # including letters, & Expiration Date - Verify the photo on the ID is who is writing the check - Verify the name on the ID matches the name on the check - Make sure the check has today’s date of it and not a past or future date. - Don’t agree to hold checks - Have employees initial the check so we can identify witnesses -Make sure the check is signed in your presence. - Do not continue to accept checks from check writers who you have submitted check to our office on. - Do not collect payments from check writers for Bogus Checks that have been submitted to our office for collection, please advise them to contact our office. While these procedures can take a little extra time, it will make a difference in our ability to collect restitution or prosecute a check writer in court.
Commonly Asked Questions By Check Writers
I received a letter/phone call, what do I do now?
If you receive notification that you have a check turned into our office for collection, please contact our office as soon as possible to arrange for payment in full or set up a payment plan. You can no longer make payments directly to the merchant. Failure to contact our office could result in a criminal charge.
How do I make a payment?
Payments are accepted in the form of money order, cashier’s check, or credit or debit card payment only. Cash and Personal Checks ARE NOT accepted. Payments may be made by mail, in person, or online.
What happens if I miss a payment or quit paying completely?
Payment plans are designed to allow check writers to pay off checks and avoid criminal charges. Failure to abide by your payment plan will result in your file being screened for criminal charges. If criminal charges are filed, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Staying in contact with our office is imperative while on a payment plan. If convicted of a criminal bogus check charge, you will still be required to pay restitution to our office along with the addition of court costs that will be payable to the Court Clerk.
