Debt collection companies are now partnering with local DAs

[TechMan]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/business/in-prosecutors-debt-collectors-find-a-partner.html?_r=1

Interesting new tactic in collecting debt. DA's are trying to make up for budget shortfalls are allowing debt collectors to use the DA's letterhead in turn for a cut of the fee.

They bear the seal and signature of the local district attorney’s office. But there is a catch: the letters are from debt-collection companies, which the prosecutors allow to use their letterhead. In return, the companies try to collect not only the unpaid check, but also high fees from debtors for a class on budgeting and financial responsibility, some of which goes back to the district attorneys’ offices.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

collecting on bad checks is not the same as collecting debt.  what amount on a bad check can i write you and have you say its ok?

[RoadKingLarry]

Chasing hot checks is another deal altogether and is actually a job of the local DA's office looks like the may be contracting it out, lots of room for abuse though.

I wonder if that's kosher under the FDCPA for regular debts?
About 20 years ago we got a little behind and had a rough time for a while and got to deal with debt collectors. Because of the experience I had I consider them to be mostly human filth. I even had one jerk threaten to come to my house and rough me up, I reminded him he had my address and he was welcome to try. A lawyer friend of mine told me if I could have recorded that threat I could have had a field day.

[kgbsquirrel]

Chasing hot checks is another deal altogether and is actually a job of the local DA's office looks like the may be contracting it out, lots of room for abuse though.

I thought going after paper hangers was the domain of the FBI or SS depending on what sort of monetary fraud was involved.

[Sergeant Bob]

Chasing hot checks is another deal altogether and is actually a job of the local DA's office looks like the may be contracting it out, lots of room for abuse though.

Yep, slippery slope and such.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

going after folks is a real pain,  very difficult