The Ann Arbor Police Department follows the guidelines established by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office Bad Check Restitution Program. Before a police report is filed, the victim of a non-sufficient funds or no account/closed account check incident must participate in the Bad Check Restitution Program.
A police report will be filed for any non-sufficient funds and no account/closed account check over $5,000.
Please be advised that for all non-sufficient funds and no account/closed account check incidents a five-day bad check/demand letter (PDF) must be mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) before any investigation can occur.
Criteria for Police Action on Bad Checks
No two-party checks (i.e., checks endorsed to a second party).
Single-owner checks (i.e., account held in only one name).
Checks must be $50 or more.
Identity of check writer known to recipient or positive identification from a drivers license or personal I.D. card number must be verified and written on check by clerk.
Must be reported within 60 days after receiving notification from the bank.
Five-day bad check notice must be sent by certified mail (return receipt requested).
No partial payments can be accepted by receiver of bad check.
No post-dated checks.
No rent payment checks.
No checks drawn on out-of-state banks.
Forged/Counterfeit Checks
Forged/Counterfeit checks are not eligible for the Bad Check Restitution Program.
The Ann Arbor Police Department will investigate forged/counterfeit check complaints when all of the following are met:
The check was passed in AAPD jurisdiction.
Complaint is reported within 60 days after the check was returned from the bank
The victim provides the original check or a legible copy.
The victim provides a statement of goods or services that were purchased.
If the account holder is the victim, a copy of the affidavit of forgery from the bank in which the check was drawn on is provided.
A five-day bad check notice is not needed for forged/counterfeit checks.
Questions
If youhave questions regarding bad checks or fraud, please contact Detective Brad Rougeau, 734.794.6930, extension 49305 or brougeau@a2gov.org.
