How to File a Complaint for a Bad Check in Virginia
- 1). Send a letter via certified mail to the last known address of the check writer or the address listed on the bad check. Inform the check writer that according to Virginia law, he has five days, beginning upon receipt of the letter, to pay the amount owed in full. Make a copy of the letter for your records and keep the certified mail receipt.
- 2). Wait the five days to receive your payment. During this time, you cannot file a complaint. If you receive partial payment, you can accept it, but under Virginia law you can no longer lodge criminal charges if you do not receive the full payment later. You could file a civil lawsuit to recover the full balance.
- 3). Go to your local police department if you have not received payment within the five days or if you receive partial payment but choose not to accept it. File a bad check report with the police department and provide the officer with the canceled check, the letter and the certified mail receipt.
Source...