Tips for Check Cashing Procedures

  1. The cashier should compare:    
    • the pre-printed name with the signature; and
    • the date with the current date (do not accept post-dated checks); and
    • the numeric amount with the handwritten amount
  2. The check writer should be asked for either an Iowa Driver's License or an Iowa I.D.
        card. Both of these are photographic I.D. cards issued by the Iowa Department of
        Transportation.
  3. A comparison should be made between the photograph and the person presenting the
        check.
  4. The following information from the photo I.D. should be written on the front of the check:    
    • Iowa Driver's License number or Iowa I.D. card number; and date of birth; OR
    • Social Security number; and
    • cashier's initials or identifying code number
  5. The check writer should be asked for current address and phone number. These should be written on the face of the check if the pre-printed information does not
        match.
  6. It is not required, but helpful to note (particularly for suspicious checks):    
    • gender
    • physical description: height, weight, hair and eye color, distinguishing
              characteristics
    • race
  7. Photographic or videotape evidence, if collected, is the best evidence of identity!

Identification is critical, not only for prosecution; information such as address, social security number and date of birth are necessary for issuing an arrest warrant or serving a summons.

If we cannot identify the person passing the checks beyond a reasonable doubt, we will be unable to prosecute the case.

 

CHECKLIST FOR BAD CHECK ELIGIBILITY

  1. The check was written and passed in Black Hawk County
  2. The total face amount(s) of the check(s) is $10.00 or more
  3. The check fits in NONE of these categories:    
    • Stop payment chck
    • Government check
    • Payroll check*
    • Two-party check
  4. The check was presented in person
  5. The check was not pre-dated or post-dated.
  6. The check was NOT a payment on an installment loan
  7. The payee is NEITHER a credit adjustment company NOR a collection agency
  8. The check is NOT reported by the owner as stolen or forged
  9. There have been no partial payments on the check
  10. The cashier obtained ID from the presenter and wrote on the check the following:    
    • Iowa Driver's License number and Date of Birth; or
    • Iowa I.D. number and Date of Birth; or
    • Social security number of the presenter
  11. Either:    
    • The initials of the cashier are on the check; OR
    • The cashier remembers this transaction specifically
  12. Either:    
    • The cashier can identify the presenter personally; OR
    • The cashier can testify beyond a reasonable doubt that the person
              presenting the check was the person shown in the Iowa photo I.D.
              noted on the check; OR
    • The transaction is on film and the film establishes the check writer's
              identity**
  13. The cashier is willing and able to testify AND the cashier's name, address, and phone number are known and included on the bad check questionnaire.
  14. Either:    
    • The check presented is a closed account that was presented once; OR
  15. The check is an insufficient funds (NSF) check that was presented twice.
        A 10-day notice was sent by restricted certified mail or by personal service by
        the Sheriff's Department.
  16. ALL of the following documents are attached:    
    • The ORIGINAL bad check
    • The ORIGINAL postal return receipt or Sheriff's Department return of service.
    • A copy of the 10-day notice
  17. The Bad Check Questionnaire is completely filled out for each check
  18. The restitution form is completely filled out
  19. No collection fees or bad check fees are included on the restitution form

If you are unable to check all of the boxes (1-18), we will be unable to prosecute the case.
If you have any questions, please contact the County Attorney's office at 319-833-3001

* If you have a problem with a payroll check, you should contact the Department of Labor at
(515) 286-3606.

** If you have the transaction on film or video tape, the film or video tape must be surrendered to the Police Department so it can be preserved as evidence in the prosecution.