What should I do when I receive a worthless check?

Send the required 15-day statutory notice letter to the person who gave you the worthless check. This gives the person passing the bad check adequate time from the receipt of your letter and notice to pay you the face amount of the check, plus a service charge. Service charges should not exceed certain amounts depending on the value of the check.

Amount of Check
Service Fee
Less than $50$25
$50.01 to $300$30
$300.01 or More$40


Depending on what is greater, the service fee can also be an amount equal to 5 percent on the face value of the check.

Show All Answers

1. What is a worthless check?
2. What information should be taken on the check?
3. What should I do when I receive a worthless check?
4. What is the advantage in sending a registered or certified letter (recommended but not required)?
5. What are the penalties for passing a worthless check?
6. What happens if a case of a worthless check cannot be prosecuted?