Orlando Sentinel - Orlando-based Darden Restaurants is among 21 companies that New York's attorney general is questioning about prepaid cards used as worker paychecks.

The agency would not give specifics about why it launched the investigation. Other companies it is looking at include Wal-Mart Stores, HomeDepot and Wendy's.

In letters to the companies dated Tuesday, the attorney general's office asks for information about fees associated with the cards, as well as proof that employeeshave been told they don't have to accept the prepaid cards in lieu of a paycheck or direct deposit.

"We are concerned about excessive or insufficiently disclosed fees which may unduly reduce employees' take-home pay," the letters state.

Darden, the owner of restaurant chains including Olive Garden and Red Lobster, said in an emailed statement that it considers its policies to be in compliance with New York law. Workers can choose to be paid with payroll cards but also have the option of receiving their earnings in paycheck form or through direct deposit in a bank account, the company said. Continue