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Hounded: Minnesotans in Debt

Criminals land jobs as debt collectors

Criminals often lie to get into the debt collections industry. Despite a Minnesota law, rapists thieves and other offenders are cleared to work as collectors -- with access to financial data. Updated Mar. 24, 2011

Death won't stop these debt collectors

A new breed of collector is targeting the still-grieving family members of people who have died without paying their bills. Updated Mar. 17, 2011

Would you give them your credit card number?

Minnesota law says people convicted of fraud or any felony are barred for five years from working as debt collectors. The job gives them access to private financial data, including credit card numbers. Offenders routinely lie to get around the law. Updated Mar. 17, 2011

This series examines the aftermath of a credit boom that left many people in financial trouble, facing a collections industry that uses aggressive methods to obtain payments.

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Bradley Scott

Justice denied as debt seizures soar
Article By: CHRIS SERRES and GLENN HOWATT ,Star Tribune staff writers Publish August 29, 2010 2:00 AM / Update March 24, 2011 5:32 PM
Minnesotans struggling with debt have their bank accounts and pay seized with no judicial oversight.

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Video:

Tossed in jail for unpaid debt

Peter Barry

Debtors in court -- suing collectors
Article By: CHRIS SERRES , Star Tribune Publish August 1, 2010 2:00 AM / Update March 17, 2011 4:39 PM
Using legal tactics pioneered by a Minneapolis attorney, debtors are striking back.

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Bonnie Hanson, right, and her daughter, Sherry Peterson.

Phantom debts, real anguish
Article By: CHRIS SERRES and GLENN HOWATT , Star Tribune Publish June 27, 2010 2:00 AM / Update March 17, 2011 4:39 PM
Courts impose few burdens of proof on firms seeking to collect old debts.

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Deborah Poplawski

In jail for being in debt
Article By: CHRIS SERRES and GLENN HOWATT , Star Tribune staff writers Publish June 6, 2010 2:00 AM / Update March 17, 2011 4:40 PM
You committed no crime, but an officer is knocking on your door. More Minnesotans are surprised to find themselves being locked up over debts.

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