The city of Bridgeport is turning to citizens? banks to collect back taxes on cars, causing an uproar.

The city is teaming up with banks, like the Bridgeport Post Office Credit Union, to seize money it says is owed. Webster and People?s banks have refused to comply. The city has already claimed more than $100,000 with its new collection method. Mayor John Fabrizi (D-Bridgeport) says the aggressive method is needed to collect more than $20 million from about an 18-year period. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says the law is in Fabrizi?s favor.

Many Bridgeport residents say they feel violated and cheated by the practice. They believe the city should not be allowed to bypass them and go straight for their checking accounts.