Tips for Merchants

Helpful Hints for Merchants Accepting Checks for Payment

In order to prosecute check deception cases more effectively, and give improve your chance at obtaining restitution for an unpaid check, do the following when accepting a check for payment:

1. Never rely on a person’s word – obtain a valid identification from at least two sources at the time the check is accepted for payment such as:
   • Photo I.D. or Driver’s license with date of birth;
   • Obtain driver’s license number;
   • Social Security number.
2. Make sure the check is complete with date, including year, and signature;
3. Never alter, add information to, or write on the check after it is returned to you by the bank; and
4. Have the person who accepts the check for payment initial on the front of the check verifying they checked the identification (this helps if we need to have a witness).

Once the check is turned over to our office for prosecution, we work with the check writer to collect restitution on your behalf. We make every effort to obtain restitution, but we cannot guarantee the outcome. Some cases result in jail time for the check writer and a judgment on your behalf.