When rehabbing a property we occasionally pay using company's check.  In a recent instance we needed some work done and we chose a single entity who can perform this work. He required us to pay some deposit for work commitment. Once that was done the individual cashed the check right away. He did show up for work and then he left and no work was accomplished or completed.

We contacted the bank and told them about this situation. The bank was not willing to initiate any claims since the check was written by us, and was cashed. The said they could only initiate a claim if it was a check fraud. Basically at this time we are out of 2.5k's worth of work.

My question is other then a legal claim is there any other way I can get the money back, and moreover what would be the best and most secured way to pay anyone that can be reversed in future if something similar happen. Any tips would be nice...