2009 California Business and Professions Code - Section 22433 :: Chapter 18.5. Simulated Checks

22433.  (a) As used in this section, "simulated check" means any
document that is not currency or a check, draft, note, bond, or other
negotiable instrument but that, because of its appearance, has the
tendency to mislead or deceive any person viewing it into believing
that it, in fact, represents any of the following: (1) currency or a
negotiable instrument that can be deposited in a bank or used for
third party payments; (2) a prize, gift, or monetary benefit that the
recipient has won or is entitled or guaranteed to receive; or (3) an
actual check or other item of value that can be claimed or redeemed.
"Simulated check" does not include a nonnegotiable check, draft,
note, or other instrument that is used for soliciting orders for the
purchase of checks, drafts, notes, bonds, or other instruments, and
that is clearly marked as a sample, specimen, or nonnegotiable.
"Simulated check" also does not include any document indicating in a
truthful and nonmisleading manner that a person, in fact,
unconditionally has won or is entitled or guaranteed to receive a
specific prize, gift, or amount of money or credit.
   (b) No person shall produce, advertise, offer for sale, sell,
distribute, or otherwise transfer for use in this state any simulated
check.
   (c) The Attorney General may bring an action to enjoin a violation
of this section, and to recover a civil penalty of not more than one
hundred dollars ($100) for each violation of this section. A
violation of this section may be enjoined without proof that any
person has, in fact, been injured or damaged by the violation.