Check Alert was started in 1979 as a cost effective means for the business community to recover their losses from bad checks and still retain those checkwriters as customers. Check Alert adds the $30.00 services charge, as allowed by Montana Code, to the check submitted from the retailer's bank. We provide the retailer with a list of the checks we receive. There is no recovery charge to the retailer. Check Alert retains the $30.00 service charge, paid by the checkwriter, as it's only fee, no matter the size of the check.
Check Alert was designed to recover the check in 30 to 60 days. Unrecovered checks would be reported to the retailer with a recommendation that the only way to recover the check would be to 1) file suit against the check writer, 2) to refer the check to our collection agency, or 3) to turn the check over to the county attorney for prosecution.
If Check Alert determines that the only way to recover the funds is to file suit against the check writer, Check Alert advances all costs of the legal action. When the funds are recovered, the retailer gets the full amount of the check back plus 25% of the penalties (3 times the amount of the check, maximum $500.00) recovered.
If Check Alert is instructed to refer the check to its collection agency, CBK Services, the check amount plus the $30.00 service charge is placed for collection. The agency's fee for collection if 50% of that total amount placed.
If recovery of the check looks hopeless through civil means, Check Alert will return the check to the retailer with instructions to refer it to the county attorney.
Contact us today for more information about our services.
