A program for merchants by
District Attorney John Morganelli
1. Make a personal contact with the check writer: if you are unsuccessful, send a certified notice. The check writer has 10 days to respond and remit payment.
2. If you do not hear from the check writer or receive payment, simply contact the:
BAD CHECK RESTITUTION PROGRAM AT 1-866-382-9302.
3. FILL OUT THE CRIME REPORT, ATTACH ORIGINALS (YOU RETAIN THE PHOTOCOPIES) OF ALL CHECKS AND NOTIFICATION DOCUMENTS, SUCH AS RETURN RECEIPTS AND BANK NOTICES, AND MAIL TO:
Northampton County
District Attorney
Bad Check Restitution Program
P.O. Box 1150
Easton, PA 18044-1150
If you do not receive restitution within 60 days, contact the Northampton County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution program.
The Northampton County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program Works because....
Bad check crime reports are easy to file and follow-up action is prompt.
Upon recovery, 100% of the face value of the check is returned to the merchant.
There is no minimum dollar restriction.
Bad check offenders must complete an educational class at their expense.
The program operates at no cost to the victim, the county or the taxpayers.
A check is ELIGIBLE for this program if:
The amount is no more than $1000 (or multiple checks do not exceed this limit). There are no minimum dollar restrictions.
It was received in Northampton County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services and was presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.
A "Certified Notice" was sent to the check writer allowing 10 days to make check good.
It is submitted to the program within 90 days from the date on the check, but no later than 10 months from the check date.
A photo I.D. (driver's license or state ID card) was recorded at the time of transaction.
A check is INELIGIBLE if:
It is post-dated
Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at the time of transaction.
It is a two-party, stop payment, payable to cash, or credit card check.
The check was stamped "unable to locate".
The identity of the check writer is unknown.
There is no amount, date or signature on the check.
The check has not been processed by a bank.
The numeric and written amounts on the check do not match.
The check involves an "extension of credit" or was payment on account.
Institute a check acceptance policy. A clearly posted check acceptance policy for your employees and customers can go a long way toward reducing your losses.
Accept checks written only with today's date. Post date-dated checks are civil matters and are not accepted in the Northampton County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program.
Trust your instincts! If someone doesn't seem right, ask questions or ask for another form of payment. You are not obligated to accept a check.
WE WILL ASSIST YOU IN YOUR QUEST.