Washoe County Fraud Check Diversion Program

District Attorney's Office Updates Fraud Check Program

Monday, November 16, 2015
Reno, Nevada

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office would like to inform the community about recent improvements to the office’s Fraudulent Check Program and invite the public to learn more about this alternative to prosecution that provides local businesses with a viable means of recouping financial losses.  Each year, Washoe County merchants suffer significant financial harm due to bad checks.  This program has returned over $317,000 to area merchants this year alone and is on track to surpass last year’s total.  In addition to this direct benefit to the victimized business owner, a portion of the administrative fees charged to the bad check writers participating in the program is available to the District Attorney for use in supporting victims of crime in the community through a victim service fund.  Each year, thousands of dollars are used to provide direct victim services and distributed to community organizations that support victims.  An example is a recent donation of $5,000 to the Committee to Aid Abused Women’ s (CAAW) expanded transitional housing program due to open in Spring 2016.

Fraud Check Program Update and Information 

On August 17, 2015, the Fraud Check Program began accepting online restitution payments through a secure user account.  This new tool is improving the program’s efficiency and restitution collection.  As of October, $24,000 has been collected online from issuers of bad checks who can access this payment option by establishing an account through www.washoecounty.us/da 

Updated program posters are currently being sent to local merchants for display in their businesses.  These posters indicate partnership in the program and cooperation in preventing bad check losses.  New versions of this publication can be requested by calling 789-7171.  A downloadable version of this poster is being made available online at www.washoecounty.us/da/  and a copy accompanies this release.  Program information and forms are also available on the District Attorney’s Office website. 

The program is voluntary for businesses and their participation is free, those who issue bad checks pay all administrative costs.  Bad check cases are reviewed by the office for acceptance into the program and issuers are required to complete classes in responsible check writing, budgeting and the consequences of repeated criminal conduct.

Program History

The Fraud Check Program was established in 1992.  Since its inception, over $9,000,000 in restitution has been recovered and returned to local businesses.  Additionally, over $500,000 in victim assistance has been distributed into the community.  The primary goal of the program is to assist local businesses recoup losses due to receipt of fraudulent, non-sufficient or closed account checks.  Nevada law authorizes the District Attorney’s Office to design and supervise the program in the hopes of obtaining full restitution from fraud check writers by providing them with the incentive of paying restitution and avoiding criminal prosecution.  Failure in the program results in criminal charges.             

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office encourages businesses to learn more about the program and consider or renew participation.  District Attorney Chris Hicks stated, “If bad checks are a concern to your business, I am confident that your active participation in my office’s program will help your business improve its bottom line. Working together, we will provide a valuable service to all law-abiding residents of Washoe County.” 

For additional information on the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office Fraudulent Check Program please contact the PIO.