D & J Bail Bonds

A large amount of retail sales are handled by personal checks. To many thieves, there is a lot less risk of getting caught stealing by using a bad check than by shoplifting. Telecheck and services like that have cut down on a large amount of fraud. But what if your a small retail establishment that does not have a service like Telecheck? How do you prevent Check Fraud? Here are some tips that may help you.

Types of bad checks

1. Drawn on non existant or closed accounts

2. Forged checks drawn on a legitimate accounts

3. Counterfeit checks

Ways to insure your not taking a bad check

1. Accept only personal checks payable to the store

2,Inspect the check and look for

a. No Postdated or Undated checks

b. Must be written in ink with no erasures or corrections

c. Numerical amount and written amount must agree

d. Check the signature on the check against the signature on the drivers license & ask for 2 forms of ID when taking out of town checks.

e. Check the person presenting the check against the picture on the drivers license

f. Check should be for the exact amount of purchase only

3. Be very cautious of starter checks. Usually I call the bank and verify the account before I take one of these.

4. If you are at all suspicious, call the bank that the check is drawn on and ask if the check will clear.

What if the person giving you the check doesn't have ID?

Other acceptable forms of ID include Permits, ID cards, (Military etc.) Local bank cards, Medicare Cards for elderly persons, Gun permits,

What do you do if you do get a bad check?

The following procedures should be instituted:

Insufficient funds fee's,

Redeposit and notify maker,

If still insufficient, request immediate payment ;

turn it over to collections and to the prosecuting attorney's office.

What if you get a Closed Account or Forged Check?

Identify the check passer to your local law enforcement agency

Notify the bank that the check was supposedly drawn on

In some states it is legal to post & publicise the names or aliases being used

Communicate with other retailers and the police

PROSECUTE when absolute identification is done

Alert your Refund Department in case the person tries to double scam.

These are just some of the things you can do with this situation. Check with an Attorney in your local area for specifics to your locale.