The 12th District Worthless Check Program was designed to hold accountable people who write bad checks and achieve restitution for victims. Bad check reports are easy to file, and follow-up action is prompt.

A check is eligible if:

• It was received in Manatee, Sarasota, or DeSoto County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services, and was presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.

• A "Statutory Notice" was sent to the check writer via US Certified Mail allowing 15 days to make the check good.

• A photo ID (driver's license or state identification card with the state of issuance) number was recorded at the time of the transaction.

A check is ineligible if:

• It is post-dated.

• Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at the time of the transaction.

• It is a two-party, credit card, payroll, or business check.

• The identity of the check writer is unknown.

• There is no amount, date, or signature on the check,

• The numeric and written amounts on the check do not match.

• It is a stolen, counterfeit, or forged check.

• The check has not been processed by the bank.

• It is from a joint or overdraft protection account.

• There has been a partial payment accepted on the check.