How
to determine a check's
eligibility
for the program.
A check is Eligible if...
- The amount is no more than $2,000 (or multiple checks not exceeding this limit). There are no minimum dollar restrictions.
- It was received in Santa Barbara County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services and was presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.
- A "Courtesy Notice" was sent to check writer allowing 10 days to make check good.
- A photo I.D. (driver's license, state identification card) 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 transaction.
- It is a two-party, government, credit card, payroll check.
- The identity of the check writer is unknown.
- There is no amount, date, or signature on the check.
- It has not been processed by a bank.
- The numeric and written amounts on check do not match.
- The check involves an "extension of credit" or payment on an account.
- Victim agreed to hold or check was partial repaid.
Checks
ineligible for the Santa Barbara County District Attorney Bad Check
Restitution Program may be pursued via Small Claims Court or by a private
collection agency.