Check Division/ID Fraud
Check Division Guidelines | Check Division FAQs
A six-member task force created in 2004 and devoted to the investigation
of identity fraud is housed within the Dallas County District Attorney’s
Check Division. The task force is made up of four DA investigators
and two Department of Public Safety investigators.
Texas is second only to California in the number of identity theft
victims annually. Last
year, more than 26,000 Texans had their identities stolen.
The Check Division receives about 400 forgery claims a month. Many
of the claims are related to hot check cases, but others result
in identity theft or forgery charges being filed. The task force
has already proved highly effective in locating leaders of local
identity theft rings, seizing their equipment, and arresting
and prosecuting the offenders.
In addition to identity theft investigation, our Check Division
investigates and prosecutes theft by check and issuance of a bad
check cases.
The checks division is located on the 11th Floor of the Frank Crowley
Courts Building, 133 N. Industrial Blvd. Dallas, Texas.
Contact: 214.653.3672
Payments should be made to:
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
Attn: Check Division
133 N. Industrial Blvd., LB19
Dallas, TX 75207
Tips for protecting your identity and what to do if you are a victim: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Check Division Guidelines
The Check Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s office will accept for investigation complaints alleging that a person committed Theft or Theft of Service by issuing a check which the issuer’s bank refused to honor. A letter will be mailed to the issuer of the check requesting that he/she make restitution through our office. If restitution is not received criminal charges may be filed against the issuer of the check only as defined below:
1.The check cannot be
A. A bank draft
2. The check must have been exchanged for property or service which was provided at the same time the check was issued. A Check that is written for A, B, C or D may or may not be a criminal offense. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis.
A. Payment on an open or billed account.
B. Payment on an outstanding debt or loan.
C. Payment for payroll or contract work.
D. A replacement held or post-dated check.
3. The check must have been presented by the person who signed the check, in person, and in Dallas County. The signature on the check must have been witnessed by the person who received it. A Check that is written for A, B, C or D may or may not be a criminal offense. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis
A. Received through the mail.
B. Passed by another party on behalf of the issuer.
C. Accepted by an unknown employee, courier, or delivery person.
D. Pre-signed by the issuer.
E. A two-party check (not written to the receiver)
4. The check must have been presented to the issuer’s bank within thirty (30) days of the date it was issued. Stamping on the check must show that payment was refused because:
A. The issuer did not have sufficient funds on deposit with the bank to pay the check when it was issued (“Non-Sufficient Funds” or “NSF”)
B. The issuer did not have an account with the bank when the check was issued (“Account Closed” or “No Account Found”).
If the check is stamped “Refer to Maker”, “Uncollected Funds”, “Funds Unavailable,” “Unauthorized Signature”, “Lost/Stolen”, “Forgery”, or “Other” may or may not be a criminal offense. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis.
5. The issuer of the check must have been sent written notification via certified mail that payment was refused by the issuer’s bank. The issuer must have failed to pay the holder of the check in full within ten (10) working days of receiving the written notification.
Note: Notification is not required when the issuer did not have an account with the bank when the check was issued
6. The Check Division complaint form must contain adequate information to identify and locate the person who physically received the check from the issuer. It must also contain adequate information to identify the issuer of the check. i.e., the check writer’s true date of birth and a verifiable state driver’s license or identification number
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHECK DIVISION
- Complete and notarize a separate DA Theft by Check / Issuance of a Bad Check form for each check.
- Attach the original check or the legal copy from the bank.
- Enclose the invoice, sales slip, or detailed description of property or services stolen.
- Enclose postal receipt showing that the issuer of the check was sent written
- Written notification via certified mail of the bank’s refusal to honor the check or written notification by first class mail with affidavit of service by mail in lieu of certified letter.
- Deliver or mail the complaint(s) to:
Dallas County District Attorney
Check Division
133 N. Industrial Blvd. LB 19
Dallas, TX. 75207-4399
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING OUT THE THEFT BY CHECK COMPLAINT FORM
- One Complaint Form per check.
- Fill out as much information, as possible, in each section of the form.
- All Complaint Forms must be signed and notarized.
- Completed Complaint Forms may be submitted in person or by mail.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT
Although the Check Division is not a collection agency, this office does collect restitution on behalf of the victims of check offenses. Payments are made through The Check Division in the form of Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks, only. In order to assist in the collection of restitution and the filing of any criminal case the following special instructions must be heeded.
PLEASE:
1. Do not accept any restitution from a check writer after submitting a written complaint. Refer any check writer to our office regarding restitution.
2. Do not promise to drop any criminal charges if restitution is paid.
3. Please, contact the Check Division with any changes in regard to your address or telephone number.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Checks
Q: How do I find out how much money I owe and what checks the District Attorney has for me in your office?
A: You will have to call our office. The Check Division phone number is 214-653-3672.
Q: How do I make a payment? Do you take credit cards, debit cards, cash?
A: Payments can be made in person or by mail.
Our mailing address is:
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
Attn: Check Division
133 N. Industrial Blvd., LB 19
Dallas, TX 75207
The Check Division accepts cashier checks and/or money orders, ONLY. No cash, No credit cards and No debit cards
Q: I have paid my checks but there is still a warrant out for my arrest. How do I take care of this?
A: You need to call our office. 214-653-3672. It is possible you could have a Theft By Check Charge or Court Costs and Fines due at a JP Court or a number of other reasons.
Q: How do I get on a payment plan?
A: You must appear in person and have a Drivers License or a state issue ID with your picture on it.
Q: I cannot make a payment this month, can I get an extension on my payment plan?
A: All payments are due on the 15th of each month unless otherwise noted when you came to get on the payment plan