Does your daycare business get NSF checks?

Get a customizable collection agency service for day care centers!

NorthStar Technologies works to recover the full value of bad checks plus a bad check rebate--this is a completely free service for day care centers!

There is never any cost to you and signing up for this bad check collection service is fast, free and easy!

NorthStar can also service other collection agency needs.

If your day care operates a web page, why not become a link partner on my debt collection blog?

Get a FREE and professional NSF check collection agency service through www.bumchecks.com. Other debt collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Using more than one collection agency

Did you know that some businesses use more than one collection agency? A large corporation may use six or more different collection agencies! Common collection agency services are listed here: http://www.bumchecks.com/afullservicecollectionagency

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Protect valuable computer data for FREE!

Get 2 GB of full featured Online Backup for free! Features include Automatic Backup, True Archiving, Versioning, Continuous Backup, Mapped Drive Backup and Web-based Backup Management - http://www.idrive.com

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Write to stop collection callers

From the Fayetteville Observer - http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/06/30/913482 - Write to stop collection callers By Catherine Pritchard:

"Q: How can we put a stop to bill collectors calling us? They start calling at 7:30 in the morning and go to 10 o'clock at night. Then, if they can't get you, they call you on the cell phone and I don't even know how they get that number. - B.J., Fayetteville

A: One way to get them to stop is ... pay the bill - if it's legit. And, of course, if you have the money.

But you can also tell a third-party bill collector to quit calling and it will have to abide by your instruction. For that to happen, you'll have to contact the company in writing. Send that letter with a return receipt requested so you'll know it got there and when.

In the letter, note that you're making your request under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and that you expect the company to comply or you'll file complaints with the N.C. attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission.

At that point, the collection agency could legally contact you once more to say, well, it wouldn't be contacting you anymore.

Or it could tell you that it was taking some kind of specific action.

You should know that all this would do nothing to eliminate any debt that you owed the company. It would just stop the company from contacting you.

If you need to file formal complaints after that, you can contact the Attorney General's Office at (877) 566-7226 and the FTC at (877) 382-4357.

You'd contact the same agencies if the company is making sales calls to you despite your inclusion on the Do Not Call list or your request that it place you on its own do-not-call list.

Unless you've instructed a bill collector otherwise, it can call you seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Note: If the creditor is calling you directly, it can do that. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act applies only to collectors who are collecting on behalf of a third party or who have purchased the debt from a third party.

For information about that law, check www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs /consumer/credit/cre18.shtm.

Q: The fastener on my seat belt won't work and I've been riding around with it unbuckled. Where can I get this repaired? - S.M., Fayetteville

A: Try the dealer that sells your brand of car. And do it soon. You probably know that if you don't click it, you may get a ticket.

Anyone riding in the front seat of a car must wear a seat belt, according to N.C. law. Anyone who's under age 16 must wear one no matter where they're riding in the car.

For information about North Carolina's seat belt laws, go to www.buckleupnc.org.

Live Wire seeks to answer questions of general interest and consumer topics within two weeks. Initials are used to identify questioners when names are given. Contact Live Wire at livewire@fayobserver.com, http://blogs.fayobserver.com/livewire or 486-3516."

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Maryland collection agency

Collection agencies are getting more and more calls. Small business owners are tired of charging off accounts. Large businesses want the best possible debt recovery service to collect on their bad checks and receivables accounts. Some are turning to collection attorneys; others are using check recovery services and old fashioned collection agencies.

If your business in Maryland or any other U.S. state is considering a collection agency, why not consider the collection agency services from NorthStar Technologies? NorthStar “offers it all” when it comes to collection agency services. Key aspects of their debt collection services include:

*Accounts receivables collection,
*Medical collections,
*A collection agency service for apartment complexes and rentals,
*School district and school corporation collection services,
*A collection agency for U.S. libraries,
*Collection letters,
*Debt recovery for payday loan stores,
* A district attorney hot check program
* Collect on missed doctor appointments
* Charged off bank accounts

If you have questions about using NorthStar Technologies for your collection agency needs, please call me (Brad Price) at 574-875-9994 or toll-free at 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD). You may also send your collection agency inquiries to me at bumchecks@bumchecks.com.

Here are specific links to NorthStar's collection agency services:
http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Collection letter outsourcing: A wise business choice

Does your business send out collection letters? Tired of paying the postage on collection letters? Are you looking for a collection agency that can send out collection letters on your behalf? Collection letters and all other debt recovery options are available at www.bumchecks.com and www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts - there is even free bad check collection?

If you have any questions about collection letter outsourcing, please contact me (Brad Price) at (574) 875-9994 or 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD).

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

County attorney aquires software to catch hot check writers

Story by: By ANDREW GOODRIDGE, The Daily Sentinel. Original source for this material: http://www.dailysentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2009/06/24/misc_CA_software_062509.html?imw=Y

"County Attorney John Fleming has bad news for anyone writing bad checks in the county.

Fleming recently purchased a new software system to help track hot check offenders. Fleming bought the new system with fund transfers from Pct. 3 Commissioner Jim Elder and Pct. 4 Commissioner Tom Strickland, who offered unused money from their travel budgets to help cover the cost of the purchase. Both commissioners donated $2,750 each, which was deducted form their travel and conference accounts.

Fleming's office prosecutes cases in which a person writes a bad check to a merchant, which is considered theft by check.

After receiving a hot check, the merchant will typically send it to Fleming, and the county attorney's office will attempt to collect the money from the person who wrote it. The check writer pays the merchant back through the county attorney's office, rather than directly to the business. If the repayment is made in installments, Fleming's office collects a fee, which is then deposited in a hot check fee fund. The amount of the fees range from $10 to $75 and varies based on the amount of the bad check. That fund generates about $40,000 per year, Fleming said, and some salaries in the county attorney's office are paid for through that account.

Fleming's office currently keeps records on hot checks manually, and the outdated system was inefficient and difficult to manage. County Auditor Keith Barber recommended switching to an automated system, and Fleming agreed that a computerized database would be more effective.

"We have a lot of handwritten notes on ledger sheets, and a lot of our math is done on an adding machine," Fleming said. "I really welcomed this recommendation because I think it will streamline hot check collections."

The "Bad Check Prosecution System III" software cost around $5,500, including installation and start up fees, and the county will be responsible for an annual $750 maintenance fee. The new software will dramatically increase efficiency, and the automated system should pay for itself with added revenue from hot check payment collections, Fleming said. The software may also increase efficiency so much that Fleming can cut down on overtime costs for employees working on hot check collections.

Hot checks are still coming into Fleming's office regularly, though there is a noticeable decline in Nacogdoches and elsewhere. Checks as a form of currency are in their twilight, Fleming said, which is why he projected a smaller revenue in the upcoming fiscal year.

"I feel like we need to start thinking in terms of this fund not being here indefinitely," he said. "We don't want the county to rely on a source of revenue that doesn't have the potential to continue into the distant future."

But as long as bad checks continue to be written, the county will continue to collect money for merchants who have lost money."This is exactly what we need to do it. And the support from the commissioners shows there's an appreciation for what we're trying to do," Fleming said."


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Collection agency question

Has your business every used a collection agency? Answer this poll question about collection agencies at http://bumchecks.blogspot.com and see the current poll total.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

12 signs of a bad economy (humor)

12. CEO’s are now playing miniature golf.

11. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

10. I went to buy a toaster and they gave me a bank.

9. Hot wheels and Matchbox car companies are now trading higher than GM in the stock market.

8. Obama met with small businesses - GE, Pfizer, Chrysler, Citigroup and GM, to discuss the Stimulus Package.

7. McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

6. People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and are learning their children’s names.

5. The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.

4. People in Africa are donating money to Americans.

3. Motel Six won’t leave the lights on.

2. The Mafia is laying off judges.

1. If the bank returns your check marked as “insufficient funds,” you
have to call them and ask if they meant you or them.

--If you know the original source for these 12 points, please post it in the blog comments box. Thank you.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

What would Jesus do if He owed money to a collection agency?

This collection agency story comes from the Minnesota Independent - http://minnesotaindependent.com/37616/what-would-jesus-do-at-heart-of-minnesota-lawsuit - Author: Andy Birkey

"What Would Jesus Do” if he owed money to a collection agency? That’s one of several questions raised by a lawsuit filed in a Minnesota court. A Monticello debt collection company is facing a federal class action lawsuit because it sent out collections notices with a WWJD header. The case pits the religious rights of a small business against the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act which prohibits harassing, oppressive or abusive communication in debt collection procedures.

According to court documents, Bullseye Collection Agency sent a collection notice to Mark and Sara Neill that had “WWJD” at the top of the notice, which the Neills contend “has the effect of invoking shame or guilt in alleged debtors and ‘portray[s] the debtor as a sinner who is going to hell.’”

The Neills own Bureau of Collection Recovery, a rival collection agency based in Eden Prairie.

Bullseye is being represented by Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal outfit founded in part by the late Jerry Falwell. According to court documents, “Bullseye admits that ‘WWJD’ is a ‘business motto’ that should be interpreted as a reference to Jesus Christ.”

Liberty Counsel moved to have the case dismissed on the grounds that there wasn’t enough factual evidence. Liberty argues that the case is religious harassment brought about by a business competitor.

“WWJD is not illegal,” senior counsel Horatio Mihet said. “The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act forbids only religious slurs and insults, but does not prohibit courteous references to people of historical, philosophical or religious significance. Courts cannot be used to legitimize religious harassment. The big business bully thought it could crush its competition by pouncing on it with a lawsuit. Liberty Counsel will not permit that to happen.”

But Liberty Counsel’s motion to dismiss the case was rejected by Judge Joan Erickson, a Bush appointee. The case will be heard in district court later this summer."



Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Collection agency twitter tweets

In addition to the collection agency information and debt recovery services you can read about on this blog and bumchecks.com, you may also be interested in the collection agency information submitted to twitter - http://twitter.com/bumchecks.

DEBT RECOVERY and COLLECTION AGENCY SERVICES:

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

CollectionAgency411.com Consumer Help Site

Is a collection agency calling you? If so, you may want to check out the information on http://www.collectionagency411.com/index.htm, a site that says: "Being Sued? Debt Validation-Collection Agencies-Your Rights-Fight Collection Agencies-Free Collection Help."

If you are a business owner that needs a collection agency service, why not see if your debt recovery needs cannot be met by NorthStar, a service that offers a wide variety of collection agency services available at www.bumchecks.com - http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts

If you would like to ask questions about NorthStar's debt recovery services by phone, please contact me, Brad Price, at (574) 875-9994 or 1-888-HEY-BRAD (1-888-439-2723).

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Best collection agency nsf check recovery

Many business owners do not turn to the first collection agency they find in their local community or their Internet searches. A number of business owners (even those who operate as a sole proprieter) often check out many services and this is often done with the Internet.

While some business owners need accounts receivables collection or a third part to handle their collection letters, several businesses still need an easy to collect on their bounced checks. If you are trying to find the best collection agency service for NSF check recovery, you may wish to visit a partial list of "collection agnecy check recovery services" located here: http://www.bumchecks.com/returnedcheckrecoveryservices.

If you have any questions about how NorthStar might help your business with its check recovery needs, or you would like to further discuss NorthStar's collection agency services, please contact me (Brad Price) at (574) 875-9994 or 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD).

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

School owed $26,000 for unpaid lunches

School owed $26,000 for unpaid lunches - a story from the Desmoines Register: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090620/NEWS/90619025/1001/NEWS

"Marshalltown school officials wants to collect on unpaid school lunch tabs. The school board has hired a collection agency to collect nearly $26,000 owed by families. The agency will keep up to 35 percent of what it gets. Food service director Ann Feilmann said one family with three or four children owes $1,700. She said that letters were sent home and calls were made to parents, but that collections have been slow. She said students whose parents do not pay will not be denied meals."

If your school is considering a collection agency, NorthStar Technologies offers a simple contingency split: http://www.bumchecks.com/schoolcorporationcollectionagency

Collection agency video

See a video about NorthStar Technologies, a technology service as well as a collection agency resource for bad check collection and all other types of debt recovery. Learn more about NorthStar Technologies through www.bumchecks.com and this collection agency video: http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionagencyvideo

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Debt collection service for businesses in Maine:

Maine businesses that receive NSF checks qualify for a bad check collection service that is funded by NSF check writers. Unlike other collection agency services that may charge a start up fee to collect bounced checks or may take a percentage of a collected NSF check, NorthStar Technologies offers a NSF check collection program that is free of charge to any size business. NorthStar seeks to remit 100% of a NSF check’s face value to a business PLUS 25% of the state bad check fee.

NorthStar’s check recovery service can also include stop payment and closed account checks. For Maine businesses that do not take checks or only have a couple of bounced checks a year, other collection agency services are available. From medical collections to school district collections, commercial debt recovery and collection letters, NorthStar provides a full range of collection agency services. To learn more about all of NorthStar’s debt recovery options, visit www.bumchecks.com today or you may call me (Brad Price) at (574) 875-9994 or 1-888-439-2723 to discuss your collection agency needs.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Find a reputable collection agency

Are you looking for a reputable collection agency? One of the things to check is their membership in the "ACA" (The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals); the ACA home page link is here: http://www.acainternational.org

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Schools Consider Collection Agencies To Collect Lunch Money

Some Families Fall Behind In Paying For Students' Lunches - HAMPSTEAD, N.H. - the following article's source is: http://www.wmur.com/education/19728505/detail.html

"As more schools struggle to collect unpaid lunch money from parents, at least two are considering using the services of a collection agency.

The Hampstead and Timberlane school departments are asking for permission to use a collection agency to get their money. The schools said they are trying to do what's right for their struggling budgets and for struggling families.

School officials said that ideally, they want to work with parents to figure out payment plans or sign their children up for meal assistance. But in some cases, stronger steps need to be taken.

At the Hampstead schools, Principal Dillard Collins said the department is seeking a couple thousands dollars in overdue lunch money.

"The Hampstead School Board this week gave us the authorization, if we needed to, to send it off to a collection agency," Collins said.

The Timberlane Regional School District is considering a similar measure. The overdue balance from unpaid lunch money is hovering at about $10,000.

"The collection agency is step No. 8 and is an option we'd like to recognize if necessary," said Assistant Superintendent Winfried Feneberg.

More schools are finding themselves in a bind, aware of the economic challenge parents are facing and not wanting students to go hungry, but not wanting their budgets to get too out of balance.

In Derry, students who can't pay get a different meal than the others.

"If you don't have enough money, they have to give you a cheese sandwich," said student Chloe Falwell.

Chloe's brother, Spencer Falwell, said his friend eats them a lot.

"He's sad because you're only allowed to get milk and a cheese sandwich when all the other kids can have two choices of a lunch," he said.

An official for the Derry schools told News 9 that children are usually granted two free meals, but once they owe up to $5, they're given cheese sandwiches.

Parent Lauren Falwell said she knows it's better than no food at all, but she wishes there were a better solution.

"It makes me sad as a mom to think that a kid's only getting a cheese sandwich, and they're not eating a full, balanced meal," she said.

Schools said any parents having a tough time paying for lunch should call them. In addition to assistance programs, some schools have private donors who are willing to make sure the children get a complete lunch."

If your school or school district is considering a check collection service, consider the one from NorthStar Technologies. NorthStar offers a "free and easy" check recovery service for any size school or school corporate. If your school would like to request a RFP for bad check collection, feel free to contact me (Brad Price) through www.bumchecks.com or toll-free at 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD). My web site link for schools and collection agency services is: http://www.bumchecks.com/schoolcorporationcollectionagency


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Collection agencies: A good collection agnecy

Collection agency service: If you have been tempted to look for a collection agency but you have been concerned about “collection agency fees” (“up-front collection agency costs"), you have legitimate concerns. Not all collection agencies waive up front fees/start up costs. Some may not comply with the FDCPA and certainly not all of them are “customer-friendly.” Furthermore, not all collection agencies do a good job at informing businesses about the status of their collection efforts.

If you want a collection agency that has high standards, treats your customers with respect while still doing all it can to recovery your unpaid accounts, takes NO UP FRONT COLLECTION FEES, and keeps you abreast of its collection efforts, why not consider NorthStar Technologies?

Through www.bumchecks.com you can learn all about the numerous collection agency and debt recovery services from NorthStar. NorthStar offers businesses a no-start up fees collection agency service for all types of debt and returns 65% of what is collected to its clients. If NorthStar fails to recover your debt, there are no collection costs to businesses. NorthStar also offers collection letters as well as a free bad check collection service.

Collection attorneys are an option for many businesses, but they can be expensive and may only be interested in debts that amount to several thousand dollars. NorthStar will do what a collection agency should do (including credit bureau reporting) to help collect on your unpaid accounts no matter how many you have and regardless of the dollar amount.

If you would like to discuss your collection agency needs by phone, please contact me (Brad Price) at (574) 875-9994 or toll-free at 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD). NorthStar and I stand ready to help meet your large or small collection agency needs.


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection agency services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

http://www.url.biz/Business

Financial Services

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Collection agency for landlords and property management companies

Need a landlord collection agency? Many property owners do, and one national collection agency that can help you is NorthStar Technologies.

NorthStar can process NSF checks from tenants. It can also handle unpaid rent or renters who have “skipped out” on paying. For unpaid rent, NorthStar will send out a series of collection letters or do a 65/35% split of all that it collects (65% of the collected amount going back to landlords or property management companies). If NorthStar fails to collect, a landlord or property management services pays nothing!

If would like to further discuss how NorthStar can meet your collection needs for your rental property, property management, our apartment complexes, please contact me (Brad Price) at (574) 875-9994. My toll free line for collection agency help for unpaid rent is 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD). If you would like to review NorthStar’s collection agency services for landlords more fully, please visit http://www.bumchecks.com/landlordcollectionagency today.


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Medical accounts receivable

Do you need accounts receivable management and recovery for your medical practice? The medical accounts receivables management through www.bumchecks.com may be your answer! http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice is the exact link for medical accounts receivable debt collection.

NorthStar Technologies has a great receivables management service for any size medical office. Its “phase one medical management” service involves a series of collection letters. These are first party letters that would be sent out on your behalf. A series of three medical collection letters can be pre-purchased for just $5.85. If these letters cause yourmedical account to be paid, your medical practice receives back the full collect amount (minus, of course, the cost of the letters)! This is also a great collection agency service for medical labs.

NorthStar also has a non-fees medical collection program to help manage medical receivables. This is called “phase 2” and it is a simple 65/35% split. In phase 2 NorthStar will work to collect your patient accounts for up to 18 months. If it cannot collect, there is never a charge to your medical office. The monies NorthStar does collected are treated as a 65/35% split (65% of the collected amount is returned to you). Of course, this option also includes FREE status reporting.

For more information on managing your medical account collections, please contact me (Brad Price) toll-free at 1-888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD). You may also reach me at (574) 875-9994 or e-mail (bumchecks@bumchecks.com).


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Pay to stay jail collection agency service

More and more jails and sheriff’s departments are considering a “pay to stay program.” In a growing number of places inmates are being charged for their time in jail. In some cases jails seek out a collection agency to recover funds from inmates.

If your jail is looking for a way to cut costs, increase revenue, begin or expand a “pay to stay program,” it may wish to investigate the services of NorthStar Technologies. NorthStar Technologies is an innovative collection agency that can work with your U.S. jail to collect on “pay to stay” accounts. Unlike some collection agencies that charge a fee but never collect any money, NorthStar does NOT charge a fee for its services. It is a “no-fees contingency split.” If your pay to stay debts are less than 120 days old, NorthStar will return 65% of what it collects. If NorthStar’s collection efforts fail, there is zero charge to you.

If your jail, sheriff’s department, or local government is looking for a collection agency to help collect accounts, be sure to see what NorthStar can offer. To further discuss NorthStar’s collection agency services for our jail feel free to contact me (Brad Price) for more information. I am one of NorthStar’s senior account representatives and you may reach me by phone (574) 875-9994 or toll-free at 1-888-HEY-BRAD (1-888-439-2723). You may also contact me by e-mail at bumchecks@bumchecks.com.


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Northstar collections, NorthStar collection service and Northtar collection company

This blog post is to let Internet searchers know that NorthStar Technologies (www.northstargt.com) and www.bumchecks.com ARE NOT THE SAME AS, NOT AFFILIATED WITH, AND HAVE NO CONTACT INFORMATION FOR “NorthStar Collections,” “NorthStar Acquisitions, LLC,” “North Star Acquisition, LLC,” “NorthStar Capital Acquisitions,” “North Star Capital Acquisition, LLC,” “Zenith Acquisition Corp, Amherst, NY,” “Zenith Acquisition Corp,” “www.Zenithacq.com,” “Northstar Collection Services,” “Northstar Collection," or "NorthStar collection company.”

If you are searching for information on NorthStar Technologies, a provider of FREE bad check collection, you may find information about them at www.northstargt.com or www.bumchecks.com (bumchecks.com is maintained by a representative).

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

NSF check representment and electronic check representment

If your business needs to collect NSF ACH debits or NSF checks, see if NorthStar Technologies cannot meet your electronic check representment needs. You may learn about NorthStar’s services at www.bumchecks.com or call me (Brad Price) one of their representatives at 1-888-HEY-BRAD (1-888-439-2723).

Electronic check representment is a newer and proven process to collect NSF checks. Also known as “RCK,” this process converts checks into an electronic transaction.

Electronic check representment was announced in 1998 by the National Automated Clearing House Association(NACHA) and this has resulted in the creation of several services that offer a bad check collection service, some of which are listed here: http://www.bumchecks.com/returnedcheckrecoveryservices

Electronic check recovery is a very good tool to help collect NSF checks. Most check collection companies offer electronic check representment as a free (or nearly free) service to their clients. This service often gives merchants back 100% of a check’s face value and increases their collection percentages.

Businesses deposit their checks as they normally do, and when checks are returned as “NSF” (non-sufficient funds), they are handled by the check representment service. This service is easy for businesses to use and it is also “customer friendly.”

Whether your businesses uses “paper checks” and needs a collection service for this style of payment or you have clients who have clients have their checking accounts debited every month for some service, electronic check representment can be a great tool and NorthStar Technologies is a leading provider of electronic check representment.

NorthStar’s electronic check representment service works with one-location stores throughout the United States as well as corporations that need a collection service for NSF ach transactions.



Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

Alabama collection agency

Does your business need an Alabama collection agency? Visit http://www.bumchecks.com/alabamacollectionagency today! From collection letters to Alabama accounts receivables collection, Alabama medical debt, and Alabama libraries and even Alabama Bad check restitutions, learn about a wide range of collection agency and debt recovery services available through www.bumchecks.com NOW!

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

One time stimulus check of $250

People who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits for November, December or January will receive a one-time check of $250

http://www.askdoctordebt.com

Have a debt collection question? Visit the question of the Day from http://www.askdoctordebt.com:

Are debt collectors allowed to report debts to a consumer reporting agency (CRA) after receiving?

The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Worthless Check Unit (WCU)

If your Tuscaloosa business receives bad checks, some free check recovery help is available. One option is the The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Worthless Check Unit (WCU). According to the The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Worthless Check Unit (WCU) web site, “Any person or business who has received a worthless check while transacting business in Tuscaloosa County may utilize the services of the Worthless Check Unit” and this is a completely free service. On this same web page the DA’s office says, “There is no cost to the victim for filing a complaint with the Worthless Check Unit.”

For businesses that receive bad checks, there are additional options such as free check recovery service; a list of several bad check collection companies is here: http://www.bumchecks.com/returnedcheckrecoveryservices

If your business receives bad checks, learn about how a bad check collection service can offer your business FREE bad check collection by charging the bad check writer a small fee (http://www.bumchecks.com/statefees). If you would like to discuss the free check recovery service from NorthStar Technologies, or any of the other following collection services, please contact me (Brad Price) at 888-HEY-BRAD (888-439-2723).

* “Collection letters”
* “Accounts receivables collection”
* “Medical Collections”
* “Credit card debt collection”
* “Library debt collection”
* “A collection agency for school corporations”
* “Utility debt collections”
* “Bank collections”
* “Commercial debt collection”


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

Collect on charged off accounts

Even though many banks and credit unions have their own internal collections department, there are still charged off debts that go uncollected. Many financial institutions regard these accounts as lost revenue, but a innovative collection service (NorthStar Technologies) offers a no fees contingency split for charged off accounts. Whether the charged off debt is a check account or a credit card, NorthStar will work the charged off account as a no-fees contingency split.

In addition to being able to handle any size of charged off debt collection need, NorthStar also offers other services: first party calling, third party calling, and a full service collection letter outsourcing service.
If your bank or financial institution wants to recover lost revenue from charged off debt, please visit www.bumchecks.com for more information. A specific link is http://www.bumchecks.com/collectchargedoffdebt or you may reach me (Brad Price) toll-free at 888-439-2723 (1-888-HEY-BRAD). I am one of NorthStar’s independent sales agents and can help your business explore how it can recover funds from charged off debt.
For information about outsourcing collection letters, please visit this link: http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters today.

Collection agency for debt buyers and debt portfolios

More and more businesses are buying debt, usually for pennies on the dollar, and they hope to collect at least 10-20% of the debt portfolio they purchase. Some of this debt is in the form of old checks—perhaps uncollected checks from a “check “guarantee service.” Other debt falls into the “charge off” category. A typical debt portfolio may involve medical debt, student loan debt, car rental debt, utility debt, real estate debt, and automobile loans.

If you are a debt buyer and are looking for a collection agency to help recover it, NorthStar Technologies may be an ideal solution. NorthStar combines the latest technology with proven debt collection techniques to collect a variety of charged off accounts plus NSF, stop payment and closed account checks.

For more information on how NorthStar can help collect on charged off accounts, bounced checks and a variety of other accounts, feel free to contact me (Brad Price) through my web site (www.bumchecks.com) or phone (574) 875-9994.

In addition to bad check collection and a full line of debt collection services, NorthStar offers other things such as a full scale collection letter service that is very inexpensive. With NorthStar Technologies a business can easily and inexpensively outsource its collection letter needs. If you are an off shore collection agency and need a U.S. collection agency to send out a large number of collection letters to U.S. addresses each month (5,000 or more), please CONTACT ME! NorthStar offers a tiered pricing rate on collection letters that cannot be matched by its competitors. NorthStar also offers a “first party calling service” and a “debit card activation service.” If you wish to reach me by e-mail the address is bumchecks@bumchecks.com.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

Worthless Check Unit reports collections up

The Worthless Check Unit operating out of the office of Jackson County District Attorney Tony Lawrence has recorded two straight months of more than $35,000 in collections which is approaching pre-Hurricane Katrina levels of collection, according officials from Lawrence's office.

The Worthless Check Unit collects bad checks written to businesses, merchants and individuals in Jackson and George counties.

In a news release, Lawrence said he was "extremely happy" with the collections.

"Dating back to June of 2008, we have averaged over $30,000 in collections including three consecutive months of over $50,000," Lawrence said. "After Katrina, we had been averaging about $25,000."Jamie Guerry, director of the check unit, said 531 checks were collected from January to March and 1,733 checks from June 2008 to March of this year.

Guerry attributed the upswing in collections to people who wrote bad checks returning to the area since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

"It seems like people are coming back to town, so it's easier to track them down," Guerry said.

The collections include the amount of the checks, victim fees and district attorney fees. The check unit, at no cost to the merchant or business, collects on checks which are returned for nonsufficient funds or whose accounts are closed.

For every check collected, the writer of the check is assessed a victim's fee and a fee that goes to the district attorney's office.

Under Mississippi law, knowingly writing a worthless check worth more than $100 is a felony, Guerry said.

The Worthless Check Unit allows defendants to pay restitution and not be prosecuted. Individuals who refuse to pay can be indicted by a grand jury for felony prosecution.

Guerry said the district attorney's office prefers to settle cases of bad checks before they reach the court system.

"We do really try to work with them (check writers) as best we can," Guerry said. "It's just easier for us to collect money than it is to go through the court system."

--The Mississippi Press, AMBER CRAIG, original source of post: http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/123909930395000.xml&coll=5

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

NSF check recovery service

No matter what the status of the economy, most merchants face some difficulty with accounts receivables and bad checks. Many think that outsourcing their bad checks to a collection agency may cost them additional revenue and this may be true with standard collection agencies. What some business owners do not realize is that there are some FREE NSF check recovery services, some of which are nation-wide in scope.

A NSF check recovery service can be free if it is funded by a small fee paid by the bad check writer (http://www.bumchecks.com/statefees). If a check recovery service processes a high volume of checks, and makes a small profit off each collected check, it can literally give away its check recovery service. A few check recovery services also return to businesses a portion of this fee to help offset the bank charges from NSF checks.

One national check recovery service is NorthStar Technologies, a service that specializes not only in technology, but provides all kinds of businesses with a no-fees check recovery service. You may learn more about NorthStar Technologies at www.bumchecks.com or even sign up for its free check recovery service at http://www.bumchecks.com/onlinesignup today!

Franklin County, Missouri Check Services Department

Are you a merchant looking for informatin on how to collect dishonored checks through the Franklin County Check Services department?

Do you need a "complaint form" for the dishonored check program?

Do you need a "window sign" or a "merchant manual" for bad checks in Franklin County Missouri?

The following contact information may assist you for the Missour Check Services Department for Franklin County, Missouri:

414 E. Main Street
Union, MO 63084
636 583-6317

Check Services
636-583-6317

Web site for Franklin County Bad check collection service: http://www.franklinmo.org/Prosecutor/CheckServices.htm

If you choose not to use the Check Services Department, another choice is the "free and easy" bad check collection service from NorthStar Technologies. You may learn about this program through www.bumchecks.com today!

Louisiana bad check collection service and Louisiana accounts receivables collection

If your Louisiana business receives NSF checks, there is a “free and easy service” for you from NorthStar Technologies. The NorthStar Technologies bad check collection service imposes a small fee on NSF check writers and this allows NorthStar to literally give its NSF check collection program away FREE to any size U.S. business.

NorthStar Technologies also has a “secondary collection service” for stop payment and closed account checks that you may read about here: http://www.bumchecks.com/phase1and2checkrecovery but this is not all that NorthStar offers. In addition to be a leader in the field of bad check collection, businesses can also access a full service accounts receivables collection service for any type of non-check related debt by visiting this link: http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts

In today’s economy, no business wants to let uncollected checks continue to sit on an office shelf or let accounts receivables debt sit by without any collection efforts. If NorthStar Technologies cannot collect, businesses are not charged. Visit www.bumchecks.com today to see how NorthStar Technologies can help meet your profit recovery needs.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

DA’s program makes checks lose their bounce

By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer
“How can I not have money in the bank? I still have plenty of checks.”
Source for this article: http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2009/02/10/news/local/doc49910dedf2712964235746.txt


It’s an old joke, but not so funny for local merchants. Unfortunately many people still believe they can write checks without money in their account to back them up, judging by the number of bad checks passed to Napa County merchants each month.
But there is hope and help for both the victims and those who pass the worthless checks. The Napa County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program offers aid to both victims and offenders.

“This program is not a prosecution effort, but a program to get restitution for the merchants and educate those who are writing the bad checks on how to change their behavior,” Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein said.
The program, started by the district attorney’s office three years ago, has collected almost $140,000 in restitution that has been returned to Napa County merchants.

Once those passing bad checks have been tracked down, the program offers them a chance to pay up and avoid criminal prosecution by attending a class that gives them advice on managing their finances and provides psychological help to dig deeper into their reasons for bouncing the checks, according to Charlene Landeros, community relations representative for the program.
The restitution program is free to Napa County merchants, but the bad check writers must pay $50 to attend the five-hour class, Landeros said.

The classes are taught at Napa Valley College by a certified instructor. When participants complete the class, they are given a certificate and no criminal charges are filed. However, they must pay full restitution to the merchant.

The $50 fine is used to finance the program without cost to taxpayers.

When the DA’s office first attempts to track down someone who has passed a bad check, they use the information on the check, Landeros said.

“We send them a certified letter and inform them about our program. Our rate of finding these people is between 40 to 60 percent,” she said. “About 6 percent of the people who take the class re-offend.”

Lieberstein said merchants also get a lot of benefit from the program.

“We give them information on how to reduce accepting bad checks,” he said.

Some elements of the program for merchants include confirming the identity of the check writer, which includes checking a reliable form of identification, including photo. Merchants should also be more careful with checks with numbers in the 101 to 150 range, because they could indicate a new account. New accounts are sometimes more problematic than older accounts. The check signature should be legible and signed in the presence of the person receiving the check and merchants should only accept checks that are printed with the person’s name and address.

Lieberstein said the amount of the check submitted to the bad check restitution program doesn’t matter.

“We have had checks as small as $17 up to $1,200. We have retailers from mom-and-pop stores up to the big grocery and retailers who use our program,” he said.

Since the program started in 2006, Napa County merchants have submitted about 2,800 checks, according to the district attorney’s office. Some $139,411 in restitution has been returned to the victims, and the district attorney’s office has also collected close to $21,000 in revenue to keep the program running.

Information about the program is available by calling (866) 889-5704 or online at www.checkprogram.com/napacountyca.

A check is eligible if is:

• No more than $1,500, or multiple checks that do not exceed this amount.

• It was received in Napa County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services and presumed to be a good check at the time of acceptance.

• A courtesy notice was sent to the check writer allowing him or her 10 days to make the check good.

• A photo Identification or a drivers license was recorded on the date the check was accepted.

(Correction. An earlier version of this misstated the number of people who reoffend)


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

Bogus Check Amnesty Program

For the source of this article see: http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=9646433&nav=menu410_2

From news release:

District Attorney Emily Redman announces the return of the bogus check amnesty program. This is a program we have run the last couple years with good results said Mrs. Redman. With the beginning of a new year, our office will continue to emphasize our enforcement efforts on bad check writers.

In the next few days hundreds of letters will go out to hot check writers from all three counties in our district offering them the opportunity come in and get their hot checks taken care of without fear of arrest. The amnesty period will run this year from January 15 through March 15.

During the Amnesty period, pending and existing bogus check warrants will be withdrawn and cases dismissed upon full payment of restitution, fees and court costs, provided that the check writer has no other pending criminal matters in the office for prosecution.

The bogus check program is a restitution and diversion program. Our goal is to secure restitution for victims of hot check offenders and at the same time divert them from overcrowded jails and court dockets. Our success depends a lot on the offenders being willing to work with us to resolve the problem without moving it to the level of prosecution.

Mrs Redman hopes a lot of people will take advantage of the opportunity this amnesty period provides again this year and avoid being picked up by DA's investigators at their homes, schools, or places of employment.

The District attorneys office maintains a website at: http://www.district19da.com/index.php

Everyone is invited to go to that website and see a list of persons with outstanding arrest warrants for hot checks. Our staff welcomes calls from the public with information on any of the people on this list.

The investigative staff for Mrs. Redman's office will continue to focus on apprehension of those bogus check offenders who continue to ignore their obligations in regard to hot checks and court ordered restitution.

Recent arrests include:

Charity Dosh, Calera, OK. Dosh was picked up on an outstanding warrant for violation of probation after being convicted of felony bogus check writing. Dosh was arrested incident to a search warrant executed at her home December 18th by Calera police officers. Dosh and her husband face some new charges in Bryan County resulting from that search executed by Calera Police.

Marlin Clinton Lee, of Coalgate, OK was picked up by DA's investigators on December 18 at the Coal County Court house on a Bryan County arrest warrant for felony hot checks writing.

Krista Herrington, Caney Oklahoma, was arrested December 31st by Redman's investigators on two outstanding warrants, one for violation of probation after being convicted of a felony embezzlement charge and then failing to pay restitution to her victims, and a misdemeanor warrant for passing bogus checks.

Billy Ray Derryberry, Calera, OK was arrested January 2nd on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for bad checks by DA's investigators.

The DA's office wants to remind merchants to be vigilant in checking ID's when accepting checks and make note of the information provided by customers. If the transaction goes bad, having this information in hand when you turn the check over to the Bogus check program can expedite our collection efforts. Forms for turning in checks for collection are available at the DA's office 117 N. 3rd in Durant and on our website.

David Cathey
Investigator
Office of the District Attorney
19th District of Oklahoma
117 N. 3rd St.
Durant Ok. 74701


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

Check collection service for schools and pto

If your school or parent teacher organization (PTO) receives bad checks, you may be thinking about using a “check recovery service.” NorthStar Technologies (see www.bumchecks.com) offer a completely free check collection service to any school with these features:

*FREE. No sign up costs, no annual costs, and no minimum number on the amount of bad checks needed to use this service.

*FREE 24/7 reporting on the web. NorthStar will also send out free “push” reports by e-mail to help you keep track of your bad checks.

*Your bank will send in your checks automatically or you may select which checks to send in for collection.

*Unlike some other services that only collect NSF checks, NorthStar is able to collect the stop payment and closed account checks also received by schools and parent teacher organizations.

*NorthStar returns 100% of the collected face value on recovered NSF checks PLUS 25% of the bad check writer fee (http://www.bumchecks.com/statefees). Unlike other services that never disclose this fee or never share it with clients, NorthStar explains how its service is free and actually shares part of bad check writer charge with schools and parent teacher organizations.

*NorthStar’s service is POLITE BUT FIRM—it is the perfect choice for schools.

There are other check recovery services used for schools and parent teacher organizations, one of which is school check recovery (http://schoolcheckrecovery.com). If you choose not to use NorthStar’s service (which you can easily access through www.bumchecks.com), you may wish to consult a helpful directory of returned check collection services at this link: http://www.bumchecks.com/returnedcheckrecoveryservices.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service for schools and parent teacher organizations through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

Worthless Check Program takes burden from police

This article is from http://www.wasecacountynews.com/news.php?viewStory=1737; it was written by RUTH ANN HAGER, News Editor

WASECA — Write a bad check in Waseca and be prepared to go to class to learn how to avoid doing it again.

Last week, the Waseca City Council approved an agreement with Financial Crimes Services to provide a voluntary and free service to the city and its merchants to combat worthless checks.

Police Chief Keith Hiller said Friday that the agreement has been reviewed by Waseca County Attorney Paul Dressler, signed by the city and forwarded to FCS for their signature.

When the agreement is completed, Hiller will get information on the process to Waseca businesses with the accurate information on using the check diversion program to recover their losses from non-sufficient funds checks. A part of that program is a class for offenders.

According to FCS spokesman Daniel Siebenaler, the Worthless Check Program offers local businesses free training and allows them to submit checks of any amount for collection. However, businesses may also continue to use other check recovery services they might be using.

He said the program is based on the belief that not all people coming to it are criminals and that the program allows offenders to redeem themselves and avoid criminal prosecution through restitution and education.

Whereas most types of collection agencies collect 7 percent of NSF checks, FCS collects 50 percent, according to Siebenaler.

Charlie Mathern, owner of Charlie’s Hardware in Waseca, said 30 years ago, businesses were spoiled by a sheriff who very efficiently handled bad checks for them.

Today, it is very different for the police who, understandably, don’t want to get into the bad check business, he said.

“I think this will be a good move; it takes the city out of it and makes it easier for smaller businesses who don’t have the background or the resources,” Mathern said.

Council members John Clemons and Matt Johansen voted against entering into an agreement with the company.

Clemons proposed that the city not enter into the agreement “at this time.”

“Why would we vote down something to help our local businesses?” asked councilman Mike Parry. “It’s a little thing that we can do for our businesses.”

Parry said, as a business owner, he once took in over $500 in bad checks in five days and, as a result, his business no longer accepts checks.

Johansen, however, did not like the restraint on competition from other crime service companies who might want to do business in Waseca.

“It’s not the place of the city to endorse a business,” he said. “It’s a bad idea.”

Waseca Police Chief Keith Hiller said authorization of FCS in the department’s jurisdiction would allow the police to focus on more serious crimes. He said the service is being used in 84 cities and 30 counties in Minnesota.

The police investigate between 31 and 60 NSF or Account Closed checks per year that are written for at least $50, according to Hiller. The police would continue to investigate reported cases and all checks exceeding $1,500 in addition to promissory notes, checks held for deposit, second party checks and checks already in collections.

He said the only cost associated with the program is to the offender who pays for services or expenses related to a check fee and up to $150 for the mandatory attendance of a training session approved by the judicial system.

“The whole goal [of the program] is to reduce bad check writing,” council member Al Rose said.

The three-year agreement can be terminated by either the city or FCS with 30 days notice. The company will provide annual, quarterly and monthly financial revenue, completed offender classes and related reports. Offenders who refuse to complete the program would be reported to the city of Waseca for prosecution.

Siebenaler said the program will take the burden off merchants as well as the police department which is too busy to take on low priority cases. Under state law, the company must have a contract with both the city and the police department.

Financial Crimes Services is located in Red Wing. The company is paid through the NSF fee and the offender’s class.

NSF checks are not a large problem at Charlie’s Hardware, but a very undesirable problem which takes a lot of time, Mathern said.

He expects that there will be a greater chance for a business to recover the funds through a program such as the Worthless Check Program.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

How I deal with bounced checks

Use this web page to share with other business owners how you collect bounced checks. You may post your replies on this blog, but remember that comments are moderated so no spam will be allowed.

Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com for existing and future bounced checks.

School board reviews its bad checks policy Rocky Mount Telegram

Article by By Natasha Robinsonm, Rocky Mount Telegram. Source: http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/school-board-reviews-its-bad-checks-policy-298719.html

The Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education decided in a nonbinding vote to have Federal Automated Recovery Systems collect on bounced checks after receiving a significant increase in bad checks this year.

The school system receives an average of 35 insufficient funds monthly, up from an average of about eight monthly, finance officer Susan Blackwell said Monday during a work session with the board. Attempting to collect on the checks is a time-consuming process for child nutrition managers and school treasurers, and no fee is charged on the returned check, Blackwell said. Using Federal Automated Recovery Systems would free up staff time, and the $25 fee charged per return check may deter potential offenders, Blackwell said.

“Almost every school system I have spoken with is with someone that helps them collect checks,” Blackwell said. “Right now, your employees are spending their time to collect these checks. After we do this, (Federal Automated Recovery Systems) will spend (its) time collecting the checks for that $25.”

The service wouldn’t cost the district any money. Bad checks were costing the district between $500 and $1,000 annually, stemming mostly from checks that pay for school meals or school pictures, Blackwell said.

“It’s a long time coming,” board Chairwoman Evelyn Bulluck said.

Superintendent Rick McMahon supported using the collection system, which already is being used in more than 50 districts in North Carolina.

“We’re running a business, and we’re getting 300 bad checks a year,” McMahon said. “Somebody’s got to collect, and right now it’s the child nutrition folks and the school treasurers. We need to do this.”

The board likely will vote on using Federal Automated Recovery Systems at its next meeting, as all members were in favor of the program.

Assistant Superintendent Tommy Finch also presented information during the meeting on the teacher turnover rate for the 2007-08 school year.

The district sees an average of 12.98 percent of its teacher work force turnover, a rate which sits just below the 2006-07 average of 13.42 percent. The school district’s 2007-08 average also is below the state-wide average turnover rate of 13.85 percent.

The bulk of the 1,225 teachers in the district retired, left to teach in another state public school or relocated.

The board will have its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Central Office in Nashville.




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What do collection agencies do?

Have you ever wondered what collection agencies do? Do you have questions about "first party collections," and "third party collections"? Learn more about collection agencies and what they at http://www.bumchecks.com/whatdoesacollectionagencydo today!

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Equinox collection service

A web page describing the types of services performed by Equinox collection services may be found on www.bumchecks.com at this Equinox collection agency information page.

Equinox is a national collection agency that offers a full array of collection agency services. It has the resources to help libraries outsource their collection letters for lost and overdue items, as well as the ability to perform medical collections, commercial collections, etc. Whether your collection agency needs are large or small, the Equinox collection service has a solution for your business or organization’s collection agency needs.


Get a FREE and professional NSF check recovery service through www.bumchecks.com. Other collection services include accounts receivables collection (http://www.bumchecks.com/otherdebts), a medical collections and medical billing collections service (http://www.bumchecks.com/medicalcollectionservice), a collection service for missed doctor appointment (http://www.bumchecks.com/missedappointment), a “pay to stay” program for county jails (http://www.bumchecks.com/paytostayjailcollectionagencyservice), and collection letter outsourcing (http://www.bumchecks.com/collectionletters).

Luzerne County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program

Original source for this post: http://www.timesleader.com/news/Policy_for_bad_check_restitution_12-05-2008.html
Article by: Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com, Staff Writer

WILKES-BARRE – A new program will allow merchants to receive restitution for bad checks without going through the lengthy prosecution process, Luzerne County District Attorney Jacqueline Musto Carroll said.

Under the new program that began Thursday, Musto Carroll said businesses that receive checks returned for insufficient funds, after attempts to contact the bad check writer are unsuccessful, can file a crime report with the District Attorney’s Office. The check writer will then be ordered to pay the monetary amount and attend a five-hour class on balancing checking accounts, she said.

“People resort to writing bad checks to make ends meet. This will give them a chance to avoid prosecution and pay full restitution,” Musto Carroll said.

She said the program is for first-time bad check writers.

Linda Greener, regional manager for the Bad Check Restitution Program, said merchants must first attempt to contact the bad check writer for reimbursement. If those attempts are unsuccessful, merchants can then fill out the crime report to begin the restitution process.

The program is also available for individuals who receive a bad check, Musto Carroll said.

First Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Tokach said bad check cases in the District Attorney’s Office account for 5 to 10 percent of the criminal caseload. With the new program, Tokach said, prosecutors will have more time to focus on other criminal cases.

“There are hundreds of cases of bad checks that run through our office,” Tokach said. “We’re hoping to eliminate 5 to 10 percent of the caseload with this program.”

Musto Carroll said there is no cost to taxpayers because bad check writers ordered into the program will be assessed a $165 fee in addition to the restitution owed.

The District Attorney’s Office will receive $25 from the fee, Musto Carroll said.

Musto Carroll said the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office has received approximately $400,000 since the inception of the program a few years ago.

Greener said she plans to visit merchants and police departments to explain the program.

For more info
For more information on the Luzerne County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program, go to www.checkprogram.com/luzernecountypa, or call 1-877-295-4773.

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RebateStatus.com Files For Chapter 11, Your Rebate May Be Affected

Source of original post: http://gizmodo.com/5093336/rebatestatuscom-files-for-chapter-11-your-rebate-may-be-affected

One of the nation's largest rebate processing firms, CPG (RebateStatus.com) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. What does that mean for you? Well, if you happened to mail-in a rebate form with a company that CPG works with, your check may be in limbo because they don't have the money to cash it. At this point, exactly how the situation will be handled is unclear—but there are a few things you can do to get things under control. Dealnews is recommending that anyone who has a rebate check or is expecting one not cash it because it may bounce and result in an NSF fee. Instead, you should hang on to it until more details become available (this goes for rebates that have not been submitted as well). If you are not sure whether or not your rebate is invovled, a partial list of affected companies is available after the break.

Partial list of companies that have dealt with CFG in recent months:

Acronis Software
ACTIVSION
Advance Auto Parts
Antec
AVG
Bed Bath & Beyond
BIC Corporations US - Shaver Division
BFG
Bridgevine
Canon
Citibank
costco
Fujitsu
Home Depot
Logitech
Motorola (Surfboard cable modems)
Natures Earth Products
Nero
Panda Distribution
Pandigital
PC Tools
PriceGrabber
Rosewill (Newegg house brand)
Samsung
Smith Micro Software
Tabletops Unlimited
TrendNET
Westinghouse
XFX
ZeroTherm
Zyxel

Naturally, the best way to tell whether or not you are affected is to head on over to rebatestatus.com and check on your submission. You may also want to try and call any of the numbers listed on your rebate form on the off chance they can provide more information. I would expect an official announcement from CPG (or something from the company you purchased the item from) with details on how to proceed sometime in the next few days.


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J.C. Penney, Inc Selects Solutran for Returned Check Management Services.

This story was posted on allbusiness.com (http://www.allbusiness.com/company-activities-management/operations-billing/5972052-1.html).

Solutran(R), a leading provider of treasury management services, has been selected by J.C. Penney, Inc., one of the nation's largest department store, drugstore, catalog and e-commerce retailers to provide returned-check management services. The contract is Solutran's fifteenth with a major, national retailer and the twenty-sixth such contract won by the company in the past two years.

"Today's difficult economy makes the time-value of money more critical than ever, which means most retailers are looking for new ways to speed up revenue collection," said Joseph F. Keller, president and CEO, Solutran. "This new relationship with JCPenney is another example of how we can help retailers preserve and improve margins by dramatically improving the efficiency and speed of the check collection process. It underscores our leadership position in providing returned check services for retailers."

Under terms of the new agreement, Solutran handles JCPenney's returned check consolidation (RCC), electronic re-presentment (RCK), and service fee recovery services. These services have been fully implemented.

"Solutran's services can typically save retailers millions of dollars in reduced bank fees and bad debt. In addition, service fee options add just as much in new found revenue to the bottom line," said Keller.

About Solutran

For nearly 20 years Solutran has provided a full range of treasury management solutions to businesses that process a high-volume of low-value transactions. Solutran's customized solutions span the payment spectrum, from paper check processing and conversion to fully electronic payment processing. Services offered include depository processing, accounts receivable truncation, controlled disbursement services and returned check management and conversion services. Solutran clients are supported by complete Web-based reporting tools and an excellent client support staff.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Solutran has 65 employees at its corporate office and maintains relationships with ten affiliate processing centers across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Solutran's web site at www.solutran.com or call 888.SOLUTRAN (888.765.8872).


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4 reasons to use a collection agency

The following article may also be found at http://www.creditrepairfacts.com/collection-agencies.html

Whether the U.S. economy is strong or weak, most business owners have a problem with uncollected debt. Although business owners are quick to realize this problem, many never realize their uncollected debt is also a likely source of potential revenue. Throughout the United States businesses are sitting on uncollected bad checks that could be collected or have accounts receivables that are left virtually untouched.

When asked why bad checks and accounts receivables are never turned over to a collection agency, business owners typically give one of four reasons. Some write off uncollected accounts because they are too small to have a collection staff. Others are unfamiliar with how collection agencies operate. Another reason is the belief that using a collection agency is “too costly.” Still others are concerned that a collection service will drive away existing customers. When business owners—especially small business owners—finally see what a collection agency can offer, they often ask themselves why they did not seek professional collection help in the past.

Using a professional collection agency is often a very wise business tactic, especially when bad checks are involved. Many business owners do not know there are “returned check recovery services” (agencies that specialize in bad check collection). Moreover, many do not realize that these services are completely free to businesses or almost free (in some cases there is a small sign up charge). Bad check collection services are often funded by a fee imposed on the bad check writer (http://www.bumchecks.com/statefees). If a bad check collection service cannot collect on bounced checks, the check recovery service often absorbs all the collection costs. For a list of some of the better known bad check collection services, see this web page: http://www.bumchecks.com/returnedcheckrecoveryservices

In addition to bounced checks, most businesses have outstanding accounts receivables. As with bad checks, receivables collection is sometimes delegated to the office staff or given a very low priority in many small businesses. This is unfortunate because some collection agencies specialize in offering terrific plans to collect on this type of debt.

Some accounts receivables collection services will send out a series of collection letters on behalf of a business. These collection letters may cost as little as $2.00 each and are often effective—effective in helping collect the debt and effective from the standpoint of outsourcing a simple but important task. Collection letters are often an especially good option for medical practices. When a business spends $6-15 for a series collection letters, but collects an account worth several hundred dollars, they immediately realize the value of this simple and cost-efficient service.

Another collection option is a contingency split (a collection service returns a percentage of what it collects). The returned amount often ranges anywhere from 50-65% of the recovered funds. If a collection agency cannot collect, many services will absorb the collection costs. For debts that amount to several thousand dollars, businesses may wish to consult a collection attorney instead of a collection agency.

Collection agencies are an important part of almost any size business and you may find local and national services through search engines like Google.

This article has been contributed by Brad Price - www.bumchecks.com

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New East County D.A.'s office open for business

The following article is by By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com and posted at http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2008/1031/front_page/006.html

The East County is now home to its own district attorney's office and community prosecutor, giving residents and police officers a local point of contact for a variety of D.A. services previously available only in Ventura.

On Tuesday afternoon, local officials celebrated the grand opening of the longawaited office in the East County Courthouse in Simi Valley.

"We can't replace fully what we are doing on the west end of the county, but by opening this office, we are trying to bring vital district attorney services out to the cities of Simi Valley and Moorpark," said Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten.

Totten said the office will provide victims' services, including granting restraining orders to victims of domestic violence, and it will help the business community by providing a non-sufficient funds (NSF) program to collect bad checks. The office also offers no-cost consumer mediation, for people who are victimized by an unscrupulous business, and small claims advice.

Since taking office in January 2007, Supervisor Peter Foy has championed the idea of bringing more services to the eastern end of the county, including the county clerk, county assessor and district attorney's offices.

Foy maintains that since East County residents pay 50 percent of the county's tax base, they deserve the services.

"It's about making government convenient and bringing it to the people," he said, adding that he was pleased to see it all come together.

Assemblymember Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) agreed.

"With the size of Ventura County, you need to have regional offices, because (otherwise) it is a hardship for some of the people who live in the East County," he said, particularly for residents who rely on public transportation.

Smyth said the most immediate benefit for everyone will be not having to travel as far, adding that accessibility will improve services as well.

Totten said the effort to bring more services directly to the community was not an easy task, especially with tight funds and budget challenges at both state and local levels.

However, the county was able to open the office relatively free of cost through the reallocation of current personnel, the occupation of vacant county office space and the use of existing furniture and fixtures.

For the city councils of Simi and Moorpark, the benefits of having a community prosecutor outweighed the cost.

"The City Council is committed to maintaining a safe community, so even in these tough times we're willing to step up with the funding because we believe this is really important," Simi Mayor Paul Miller said.

The two eastern cities partnered to finance the full-time prosecutor position, with Simi allocating $60,000 and Moorpark contributing $20,000.

A federal grant of $52,000 annually for the next three years covers the rest.

"I hope the cities will see it as a good investment of resources" and continue to fund the position in the future, Totten said.

Simi Police Chief Mike Lewis said he is incredibly excited to have a deputy district attorney in the department's backyard.

"Our detectives can walk across the grass and consult firsthand with an attorney," he said. "Not having to drive all the way to Ventura . . . it's going to be really helpful to us."

Lewis added that the new office will provide seamless support for victims and that the Simi police department's victims' advocate will be able to work hand in hand with the county's.

The police chief said he looks forward to the day when judicial services are also shifted closer to the east end of the county, so that victims and officers don't have to travel as far to testify.

Brian Miller, district chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Thousand Oaks), spoke on behalf of the congressman, who played a critical role in obtaining federal funding for the community prosecutor position.

Miller said the East County Courthouse had finally realized its full potential.

"When this building was first built, it was built larger than its needs were, with sort of the promise that if you build it, they will come, and we are seeing that happen," he said.

The East County Courthouse is at 3855-F Alamo St. in Simi Valley and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Prosecutor explores new check program

By LISA M. HOFFMANN, Staff Writer, source of post: http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/504021.html

The Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will be exploring a new check recovery program for Dickinson County merchants and retailers.

"While we have an established check policy in place, we believe that given the current conditions, we need to remain proactive to protect our merchants from individuals that may attempt to violate our laws by passing bad checks in the area," said Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Ninomiya.

While there are several different options available, there is one specific program that is being given serious consideration. The check recovery program known as "BounceBack," would serve to assist merchants, law enforcement and even offenders.

Ninomiya has assigned Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Brule to head up this effort to implement the new program.

Under the new program, if an individual passed a bad check, they would be given an opportunity to make immediate restitution through the recovery program administered through BounceBack. If an offender failed to comply with the bad check notifications and recovery efforts, they would be referred to the Dickinson County Prosecutor's Office for formal prosecution.

Under the program, an offender may be able to avoid prosecution by immediately paying restitution and agreeing to participate in the BounceBack bad check writing educational program, which is designed to educate offenders about the significant effect and costs incurred when somebody issues a bad check. The offender is required to pay for the cost of the educational program and any recovery fees, such as bank surcharges.

The automated program will keep merchants advised of the status of their referred checks, will ensure restitution is paid in full to the merchant prior to any other fees being collected and will allow the prosecutor's office to maintain full discretion over the program including the ability to divert an offender out of the program if they are habitual offender or have other pending charges.

Brule indicated she has been researching the program and has talked to other jurisdictions that have successfully implemented the program.

"One of the best aspects of this program is there is absolutely no cost to the taxpayers or merchants. The program is fully funded by the offenders and it provides a win-win situation for both law enforcement and our merchants. It also gives individuals who pass a bad check an opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution by correcting their behavior and making full restitution," Brule said. "Importantly, I have also determined the program has been highly effective in other jurisdictions and it actually generates a deterrent effect once established."

Brule further indicated she anticipates being able to get the program up and running within the next six to eight weeks.

"Once we finalize our customized program and contract for Dickinson County, we will be issuing a formal notification to merchants and retailers regarding the implementation of this program," Brule said. "We will then conduct an orientation for business owners to introduce the specifics of our program and to answer any questions that may arise. We are looking forward to bringing this comprehensive and beneficial new program to the residents of Dickinson County."

Lisa Hoffmann's e-mail address is lhoffmann@ironmountaindailynews.com.



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Writing bad checks could mean jail time

By Steve Zucker News-Review Staff Writer
Friday, October 17, 2008 10:51 AM EDT
Original article souce: http://www.petoskeynews.com/articles/2008/10/17/news/doc48f8a631491bc953323191.txt

It’s something that nearly everyone has experienced once or twice in his or her life: The flushed-face “Oh-no!” moment of receiving a bounced check notice from the bank.

And while for most people a red face and a charge from your bank (and perhaps the merchant) is all that will ultimately come from their mistake, bad checks are a chronic problem for merchants and if left unpaid can land the writer in jail.

Police say it’s not the people who made a mistake in their checkbook register or where a spouse forgot to record a check that need to be most concerned about facing criminal charges. Instead it is overwhelmingly the people who are either chronic bad check writers or who simply refuse all attempts by the merchant and police to get payment.

The law

The law makes it a crime to knowingly write a check for which there is insufficient funds in the bank. The crime is a misdemeanor if the amount of the check is less than $500, but it jumps to a two-year felony if it exceeds that amount or the person writes more than three bad checks in a five-day period.

Another type of “bad check” is a “no-account” check. Those are checks written on accounts that either don’t exist or have been closed. Those cases automatically jump to the felony level.

But there’s a long way between rubber check and steel bracelets.

Many chances

Before a person is charged with a crime for writing a bad check several things have to happen.

First the merchant must send the writer of the check a five-day notice. As the name suggests, the letter is to put the writer on notice that he or she has bounced a check and that payment — including reimbursing the merchant for the returned check fee associated with the bad check — is needed within five business days of receiving the letter.

If that doesn’t work, some businesses will make a second attempt and then take the check, along with documentation that they’ve already tried to collect on it, to the police. The police then will send out another letter — this one a 10-day notice telling the writer of the bad check that failure to make good on the debt will result in the matter being turned over to the prosecutor’s office.

Authorities say the vast majority of cases don’t go beyond these two preliminary stages.

But there are those for which criminal charges are ultimately authorized.

Even after charges are authorized, there’s still some wiggle room for first time offenders Charlevoix County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Shaynee Fanara said.

“If it’s their first offense, sometimes we’ll allow them to pay the check and fees before the court date and we’ll allow a deferred sentence — which means the conviction won’t show up on their record if they comply with probation,” Fanara said. “We really try to work with people to sort out those who are caught up in a bad time or truly did some bad bookkeeping ... In most cases, I’d rather see the merchants get their money and generally that’s what (the merchants) are most concerned about."

More bounce?

Most police agencies report the number of bad check complaints they are receiving has not increased since last year. In fact the sheriff’s offices in both Emmet and Charlevoix counties report they have received a nearly identical number of complaints to date in 2008 as in 2007.

But prosecutors say the number of bad check cases for which they are authorizing charges seems to be on the increase. And while they can’t say for sure, it could be a case of tough economic times leaving a greater percentage of bad check passers unable to make good on their debt before the case goes to court.

Fanara said in 2007 prosecutors in Charlevoix County authorized charges in 76 cases and so far this year have authorized 62 cases. She said with two and a half months remaining in the year and a spate of bad check cases that have recently been submitted by police, this year’s number will likely exceed last year’s.

In Emmet County a large drop in bad check charges last year has been followed by an apparent spike this year. Emmet County Prosecutor Jim Linderman said in 2006 his office authorized charges in 63 cases. In 2007 that number dipped to 36 and so far in 2008, 76 cases have been authorized.

Prosecutors say usually the people against whom charges are issued are those who have made a habit of spreading “bad paper” around town or those who also have other crimes on their records.

Fanara, for instance, said she’s noticed a recent connection between bad check cases and prescription fraud cases.

The victims

Although anyone — including private citizens — can receive a bad check, authorities say the most common victims of bad checks are gas stations and convenience stores.

Bill and Carol’s West Side Grocery in Petoskey is a prime example.

Owner Kelly Pollion said her business usually handles two or three bad checks per week.

She estimated that about half of those cases are cleared up with a phone call or the initial letter, most of the rest wind up uncollected. She said only a few of the bad checks wind up at the prosecutor’s office because it simply isn’t worth the time, hassle or cost to pursue the collection further.

Pollion, who on any given day can hold up a stack of returned checks in various stages of the collection process by the store’s front register, said besides the lost money from the checks themselves, and the bank charges on the returned checks, she estimates she spends a couple of hours each week dealing with bad checks. And while she said it seems to be worth it from a sales stand point to still accept checks, she said the store has tightened its policies on what types of checks they will accept.

Bad checks are not only a burden on merchants, but also on police agencies who must devote work time that often amounts to serving as a collection agency.

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said he has one deputy assigned to handle bad check cases. He said that deputy spends about 10 hours per week handling bad check cases.

Caution goes a long way

Law enforcement officials say there are some ways businesses that choose to accept checks can reduce their exposure to the rubber ones.

Linderman said one of the most important things for a merchant to do to help with a future prosecution is to identify the person presenting the check.

“It’s important to train cashiers to ask for some identification, write down the driver’s license number, and really look at the photo, so if it gets to the point of prosecuting someone, they can say for sure, ‘Yes, this is the person who passed the check.’”

He said some businesses have gone as far as asking people for a thumb print on the check to further solidify making an identification later. He said such steps also can help ward off would-be check-bouncers.

Anyone who has received a non-sufficient funds or no-account check and has not had luck in recovering the lost money by contacting the writer of the check directly can obtain the necessary forms to begin the process of filing a criminal complaint by contacting his or her local police agency.

Steve Zucker 439-9346 - szucker@petoskeynews.com

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