| Volume 38 Number 11 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Never give your social security number to someone you do not know. Identity theft requires a social security number. Protect yours. Click here for more.
E. Coli Scare - Nestle Recalls Cookie Dough
Are you one of the many consumers that prefers raw cookie dough? Be cautious! Nestle has recalled refrigerated cookie dough products under suspicion of E. coli 0157 contamination. Thus far, the outbreak has sickened at least 65 people across 29 states. Cooking the cookie dough will not necessarily resolve the problem. E. coli is a dangerous bacterium that can live on fingers, silverware, and counter tops long after contact. If you purchased a Nestle refrigerated product, consider requesting a refund from the store. Click here for more.
Employers Cut Back 401(k) Contributions
Many employers offer a "matching" system for employee 401(k) contributions. However, as the economy continues to struggle, employers are cutting back. A quarter of U.S. employers have further instituted limited enrollment policies. Twenty-three percent have eliminated matching contributions completely. Is your employer cutting back? Click here for more.
FDA Recalls Stamina-RX
The Food and Drug Administration has announced a nationwide recall of Stamina-Rx supplements. Benzamidenafil, a drug in Stamina-RX, could interact with some prescription drugs that contain nitrates, that are used by people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease. If you are using Stamina-RX, you should stop immediately. Click here for more.
Smishing Scam Targets Houston-area Credit Union Accounts
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is urging consumers in the Houston area to beware of a smishing scam. Smishing is similar to "phishing," but involves the use of SMS (short message service). Complaints from the Sugar Land-based credit union include fraudulent text messages that claim their debit card has been deactivated for security reasons. Further, the text messages claim that cardholders must call an 800-number and provide personal information to reactivate their cards. According to General Abbott, Texans should never provide personal information in response to unsolicited text messages, e-mails or telephone calls. Click here for more.
Your Money
Should I convert my IRA into a Roth IRA? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
An insurer has no duty to defend and no liability under a policy unless and until the insured in question complies with the notice-of-suit conditions and demands a defense. A Texas court of appeals has held that this rule applies, even when the insurer knows that the insured has been sued and served. The court noted that our supreme court has consistently held that an insurer has no duty to defend or indemnify an insured unless the insured forwards suit papers and requests a defense in compliance with the policy's notice-of-suit conditions. Click here for more.