Check Offender Program

[ The Program | Screening Tips | Program Eligibility | Restitution Process ]

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The County Attorney is always concerned about the negative impact of bad checks passed to local businesses. Millions of dollars are lost every year to merchants as a result of this ongoing problem. Bad checks affect everyone in terms of higher consumer costs that must be passed on to offset losses, and increased taxes to cover the additional costs for law enforcement and prosecution.

In an effort to combat this problem, the Check Offender Program was organized to assist merchants with bad check losses. The primary goal of the program is to obtain full restitution for the victim without adding to the financial burden of the criminal justice system.

The Check Offender Program operates in conjunction with Check Offender Services Inc. as a unique cooperative effort between the private and public sectors. Merchants in Scott County benefit because they receive restitution without paying any collection fees. First time bad check writers are given the opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution by attending an intervention class, in addition to paying restitution. All this is accomplished without any cost to the taxpayers.

Your interest and participation in this special program will benefit all law-abiding citizens and help business improve its bottom line.

Cutting Your Losses As Easy As 1-2-3

1. Make 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 the check writer fails to respond, download and complete the complaint form found in the Merchant's Agreement Packet. Attach originals (you retain photocopies) of all checks and notification documents, such as return receipts and bank returned-check notices.
• Merchants Agreement Packet (19.9 KB)
3. Mail form to: Check Offender Program, P.O. Box 3788, Rock Island, IL 61204

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact the Scott County Check Offender Program, Monday - Friday, 9am to 2pm, (563) 326-8283 or (888) 700-0602. Correspondence by mail and phone only. No walk in facility available.

If you do not receive restitution within 60 days, contact the Scott County Check Offender Program.