| Volume 28 Number 1 |
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Helpful Links
Texas Consumer Complaint Center
Credit Reports and Identity Theft
Your Guide to Small Claims Court
Contact Us
1-713-743-2168
The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Most negative information stays on your credit report for seven years, a bankruptcy for ten. The time is not extended, however, when the debt is sold or assigned to a new person such as a debt collector. If a debt collector tries to "re-age" a debt, tell the credit bureau and demand they correct the incorrect information.
10 Things Your Bank Won't Tell You
We've got 10 secrets that your bank doesn't want you to know. Click here for more.
Let Uncle Sam Chip in For Child Care
Individuals who work -- and married couples where both spouses work -- can claim a tax credit for child care expenses. A tax credit is more valuable than a deduction, as it dollar-for-dollar directly increases the amount of your refund or reduces the amount you owe. Click here for more.
Six Things to Know About Your Spouse's Finances
Make sure you and your husband know about each other's accounts and important documents. Click here for more.
Automatic Debit Scams
Fraudulent telemarketers have found yet another way to steal your money, this time from your checking account. Consumers across the country are complaining about unauthorized debits (withdrawals) from their checking accounts. Click here for more.
Your Money
How much will the auto lease really cost? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Debt collector strictly liable for mistake under Fair Debt Act. The 9th Circuit has ruled that a creditor that mistakenly added a $225 fee paid for hiring an attorney to a consumer's debt in a collection letter cannot rely on the "bona fide error" defense and is strictly liable under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act Click here for more.