Consumer attorneys call it the “rent a D.A.” scam. It’s gone on for years, and likely victimized millions of poor people. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finally put its foot down on National Corrective Law Group. That company (plus a few smaller ones) orchestrated deals with local district attorneys (we call them county prosecutors in Indiana) to use the DA’s name, signature and letterhead in dunning letters to consumers, threatening them with prosecution over a dishonored check unless they paid the check plus a restitution fee that was sometimes as high as $250.00.
This is just the first step in what needs to be done in these programs. Now we have to hold our public officials accountable for the money that was sent their way in exchange for their signature, letterhead and complicity in the scam.
If you are in Indiana, or received a bad check restitution program letter on the letterhead of an Indiana prosecutor, please contact me. 317-662-4529
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20150405_Lawsuits_were_stymied__but_CFPB_finally_puts_halt_to_rent-a-D_A__scheme.html