| Volume 33 Number 8 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
You cannot prevent identity theft, but you can stop it from happening a second time. In Texas, victims of identity theft can place a security freeze on their account, preventing anyone from misusing their credit. Click here for more.
Peanut Butter Recall Continues to Expand
Since initial reports came out about a possible Salmonella contamination, recalls have expanded significantly. The FDA is keeping an up-to-date list of all recalls associated with the contamination. Be careful, and be informed! Click here for more.
Bankruptcy Reform May Be On the Way
Three years ago some significant changes were made to the bankruptcy code. As companies and consumers continue to struggle, they're quickly finding out that bankruptcy may be more difficult than expected. Specifically, many businesses are finding it far more difficult to restructure, with less time and money than available under previous versions of the law. As lawmakers try to work out a plan to boost the economy, a kinder bankruptcy process may be a part of the process. Recently, we've seen many businesses enter bankruptcy only to go out of business. Will bankruptcy reform bring the economy back to life? Click here for more.
Circuit City Liquidation Sale Fails to Impress
Many consumers headed out to Circuit City in hopes of finding great deals. Certainly, most consumers were disappointed when they found many products priced above those featured at competitors like Best Buy. By stirring consumers in to a frenzy by announcing "liquidation," Circuit City was able to generate business without any significant price change. One Circuit City salesman was quoted as saying, "That's Business 101. That has been going on for years." With the plan to close in March, when will the good deals be available? Click here for more.
Property Tax & Insurance Relief On Legislative Agenda
Property taxes have been on the rise. The troubles associated with insurance policies were only made more apparent in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Specifically, when a disaster actually strikes, the cost of protection increases dramatically. Ultimately, it all comes down to dollars and cents. This year, the Texas Legislature may intervene and make an effort to reduce property costs and amend the Insurance Code. What do the Texas legislators have in mind? Click here for more.
10 Things To Keep In a Safe
Wildfires raged across Southern California. Hurricanes devastated the Gulf coast. Disasters across the nation took homes and lives, and often left the victims without an identity. With the addition of a well-protected safe, consumers can store some critical items they will need in the event of a disaster. From passports to prescriptions, find out what you need to protect and why. Click here for more.
Your Money
Will you save by refinancing your mortgage? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Online Payment Confirmations Not Bound by FACTA's Receipt Restrictions. A federal court in the southern district of Florida has held that online retailers are not required to comply with terms in the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act that prohibit the printing of credit card expiration dates on receipts. The court considered holdings going both ways, but concluded by examining the statute in context that FACTA's restriction on "printing" credit card information on receipts, at 15 U.S.C. ยง 1681(c), was intended to cover paper receipts printed by merchants' cash registers, not payment confirmations displayed on-screen after an Internet purchase. Click here for more.