New Minnesota commerce commissioner investigates debt collection agencies

The commissioner of the Minnesota Commerce Department is preparing to take action against several debt collection firms for not properly conducting background screenings of individual employees. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman said that he was investigating Allied Interstate, AllianceOne Receivables Management, the Bureau of Collection Recovery, I.C. System, Financial Systems, Receivables Management Solutions and Van Ru Credit, an Illinois-based firm. Rothman said that his office was preparing to file "formal action" against debt collection agencies to have their licenses revoked. The agencies under investigation will be able to continue with business until a final review has been done. Just three weeks after being appointed by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, Rothman is wasting little time in his new post as commissioner. The new government official has his work cut out for him, according to a legislative audit of the agency last year. The audit found that there was a lack of swift action taken by the office. "It's been a high priority of mine to take the (auditor's) report and ensure that we address those findings immediately," Rothman said in an interview with the Pioneer Press.