I think the first question that needs to be answered is whether there are any assets to satisfy claims. If not, recovery under a civil judgment, crime victim's recovery statute or bankruptcy plan/liquidation would seem to be slim.

Although banks can not reveal confidential information about depositors...they will confirm whether one of their depositor's checks will clear before you deposit it if you give them the account number on the check and tell them the dollar amount of the check. If you take the check directly to the drafter's bank it should clear immediately. If you have to rely on the usual clearing house procedure the account may become depleted between the time you verify the sufficiency of funds and the time the check is presented for payment.