- Tips for detecting bad checks
  - How to submit a bad check compliant 
  - Is my complaint eligible?
  - Things to do to fight bad check fraud 
 

   TIPS FOR DETECTING BAD CHECKS

   *  Check the finish on the black magnetic computer numbers on the bottom.  The magnetic ink is very dull and never shiny.
  *   Check the first four magnetic numbers to the left of the account number.  Each area of every state has its own bank routing numbers.  Learn yours.
   *  Look for at least one perforated edge.  All checks, except government or computer produced checks, should have a perforated edge.
 

    HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BAD 
    CHECK PROGRAM

  1. Use the complaint form provided by the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Deferred Prosecution Program.  (You can make your own copies of this form)
  2. Complete all portions of the form, legibly, and accurately.  Include driver’s license number, FOID number, and all other identification data.  If identification on check writer was NOT obtained, the complaint may not be considered for prosecution. 
  3. Attach the worthless check(s) and any other pertinent information to the complaint form.  The check writer must be notified by mail in regards to the worthless check. 
  4. NSF checks must be submitted to and stamped by the bank twice, at least seven days apart, before filing a complaint.
  5. Cease all collection effort after you file the criminal complaint.  Restitution should not be made to you after filing this form.  Restitution must be made to the State’s Attorney’s Deferred Prosecution Program.
  6. Send all completed complaint form(s) and check(s) and any other related correspondence to:

     TAZEWELL COUNTY DEFERRED PROSECUTION
     334 Elizabeth St, SUITE 200
     PEKIN, IL 61554
     (309) 477-2294
  Please Note:
  Forms may NOT be faxed or e-mailed to our office.  To file the complaint, we require the actual check(s) to be submitted with the proper forms. 
 
 

  WHAT CHECKS ARE  ELIGIBLE?

  Eligible Cases
  *  NSF checks and Account Closed checks issued for goods and 
       services. 
  *  C.O.D.’s 
  *  All transactions must have taken place in TAZEWELL COUNTY
  *  Restitution will be sought on all above cases, there is no minimum 
       dollar amount.

  Ineligible Cases
  *  Post dated checks
  *  Payroll checks
  *  Two-party checks
  *  Checks for payment of rent
  *  Stop checks payments
  *  Checks held over 90 days
  *  Forged or stolen checks (These cases should be reported to the police or sheriff’s department)

  If your check is ineligible for the program, you may file a civil complaint with the Tazewell County Circuit Clerk’s Office in the Tazewell County Courthouse or call (309) 477-2216.  Any other questions, call the office at (309) 477-2294.
 

  THINGS YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT BAD CHECK FRAUD

  *  When employees accept checks to sure to copy down the writer’s driver’s license or ID number, correct address, and phone number. 
  *  Display a sign in your store, showing your cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s Office
  *  If you take a high volume of checks, implement a photo or camera process for subsequent identification.  This also acts as a strong deterrent to bad checks.
  *  During the holiday season, back-to-school, or other busy seasons, store employees are distracted and busy, and professional bad check writers may be working in the area.  Please advise your employees to use special care during these periods.
  *  If a person’s check has bounced before, do not take another check.  If our office sees a pattern where a victim continues to accept bad checks from the same offender, we may decline to prosecute the bad check(s).