Check Enforcement Program

Each year merchants lose millions of dollars to bad checks.  Bad checks affect everyone, pushing the costs of goods and services higher.  They can be devastating to small businesses.  Make no mistake – unlawfully negotiating a bad check is a crime.

The Check Enforcement Program is designed to assist merchants in recovering losses from intentionally written bad checks.  The program is FREE to all merchants within Washington County.  Our primary goal is to assure full restitution for the victim – including any bank charges – without adding to the financial burden of the criminal justice system.

Merchants in Washington County benefit from the program because they receive restitution without paying any fees.  First time bad check writers benefit from the opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution by completing an offender education course and by paying restitution.  Finally, an improved economic climate in Washington County helps us all, businesses and individuals alike. 

The Check Enforcement Program collected a total merchant restitution of $21,358.81 in 2011.

If you are a Washington County merchant and are interested in participating in this program, we encourage you to contact us at 1-888-229-6276 or on-line at www.hotchecks.net/washington for further information.