Bad "Cold" Checks

Writing a Bad Check is Stealing!

The passing of bad checks is a very serious problem in Hart County. The Hart County Attorney’s Office will aggressively pursue those who write bad checks. There is no cost to someone who needs to prosecute a cold check. If you have been given a cold check, please bring a copy of the check to our office.

A letter will be sent to the person who wrote the cold check. A merchant may charge up to $50.00 for its time and efforts in dealing with cold checks. A merchant must inform the County Attorney’s office the fee that you charge or we will not know to collect it. You must also post in a conspicuous place in your business the fee that you charge for cold checks.

How to Minimize Bad Checks

• Identification

1. Always ask to see the check writer's driver's license or state ID card. Always get official photo identification;

2. Compare signature on ID to signature on check and compare ID photo to the check writer;

3. Make sure you are the one who writes the Drivers License #, date of birth, race and sex on the check, not the check writer;

4. Verify that the imprinted check address with the address on the ID;

5. Never accept a counter check.

• No Identification

1. If they don’t have a driver's license or state ID card, you should not accept the check.

2. There is NO requirement for you to accept the check.

3. At worst, you lose a sale, but you do not lose merchandise and get stuck with a bad check.

• Keep Records

For your purposes, it is a good idea to keep copies of checks, forms, and any correspondence to and from the check writer.

Learn More

If you have questions or for additional information, call Tracy Johnson or email her at tjohnson@prosecutors.ky.gov

Hart County Attorney

Bad "Cold" Checks

Writing a Bad Check is Stealing!

How to Minimize Bad Checks

Learn More

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