Restitution

     The primary goal – and the primary activities – of the Check Enforcement Program is to recover money lost to worthless check crime. It is very important that the worthless checks referred to the Program meet basic requirements. The Program Guidelines, a publication that is part of the Worthless Check Protection Kit, explains those requirements in detail.

     Once a check is accepted into the Program we contact the check writer by letter and phone. The check writer is required to complete the requirements of the Program that include:

•  Pay full restitution of the worthless check(s)

•  Pay a victim fee to cover bank charges that the victim has incurred

•  Pay a Program administrative fee

•  Complete an Educational Course to help them get their finances under control

      If all the requirements are met, the writer avoids prosecution. However, if the check writer does not comply with the Program requirements, he or she faces possible prosecution that could result in a criminal record.

 Returning Recovered Funds

     Within seven days of receiving restitution, the Program will issue a check to the victim of the check that includes the recovered check funds plus a victim fee.

     The Program returns 100% of the amount recovered on behalf of the victim. Again, it costs nothing to participate in the program. Worthless check writers pay the entire cost of the Program.