NorthStar's two phase check recovery service:

PHASE 1 CHECK RECOVERY

NorthStar works for about 60 days to collect NSF checks and this involves a three step collection process.  They work the person’s bank account, notify them with multiple collection letters, and report them to a negative database used by nearly 200,000 businesses including Wal-Mart®.  Most NSF checks can be collected with this free process and you would receive the full face value back plus an additional $5-7.50 back per check from the state bad check fee which can be found here. 

PHASE 2 CHECK RECOVERY

If NSF checks cannot be collected in the PHASE 1 process described above, or you have a stop payment or closed account check, NorthStar offers an intensive "in-house" secondary collection service that includes collection phone calls, credit bureau reporting, district attorney intervention, and possible legal action.  Checks recovered under this program are "split" between NorthStar and its clients.  You receive 50% of the collected bad check fee plus 50% of your check's face value.

You may let checks go to phase 2 "automatically" or you may be "selective" about second phase collections.  "Automatic" means NorthStar will move checks to phase 2 as appropriate--you do not need to do anything.  If you choose to be "selective," NorthStar will not process a check as a phase 2 item unless you log on to its web site and "select" that check for second phase collection.  If most of your checks are under $250.00, I recommend selecting "automatic."