ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A BAD CHECK COMPLAINT

1. Prior to filing a complaint, send a statutory demand letter to the check writer at his last known address by Regular or Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested. Copies of an approved demand letter are available from the District Attorney's Office (and by the link below).

If the check writer does not pay you within 15 days as set forth in the demand letter, you may file a complaint with the Economic Crime Unit.

2. Send:

• The original bad check
• Affidavit of service by mail (if letter was sent out regular mail) or Proof of certified mail. Either the signature card or the unopened envelope returned by the postal service. If the signature card is signed, you must wait 15 days from the date signed.
• A properly completed and signed complaint form for each check to:

District Attorney's Economic Crime Unit
500 Courthouse Square, Suite #3
Columbia, Ms 39429

3. There is no fee for filing a bad check complaint. If the Economic Crime Unit succeeds in collecting the check, you will be reimbursed the full face amount of the check plus a $40.00 victim's fee.

4. DO NOT FILE A COMPLAINT IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY:

• The check was post-dated or you agreed to hold it
• You have accepted partial payment(s) on the check
• The check was given in payment of a loan or on account
• The check is payable to someone other than the complainant
• The check was returned for any other reason other than insufficient funds or account closed.

5. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Economic Crime Unit, at 601-736-2164.

BAD CHECK COMPLAINT FORM              BAD CHECK FORM LETTER