| Volume 41 Number 4 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Don't let anyone steal your identity when they go "phishing". Phishing is when an identity thief sends you a fake notice that looks like it's from a bank, creditor, credit card company or PayPal, telling you there is a problem with your account and to reply. Never reply to any email asking for personal information. If you think it is a real request, call the creditor to confirm it.
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Password Scam Hits Yahoo, Google, & Hotmail
A new, intelligent phishing scam hit Hotmail earlier this week. Soon thereafter the scam spread to Yahoo and Google mail (GMail). Around 10,000 passwords have already been posted online and millions are potentially at risk. "Ethical hackers" are warning the public to avoid the scheme and reminding them of the potential consequences. Furthermore, since most people use the same password across multiple sites, the breach could extend to PayPal, eBay, and other sensitive sites. Have you been a victim? To find out, Click here for more.
Bank of America Pledges Interest Rate Halt
Bank of America announced this week that the company will not increase credit card interest rates ahead of new consumer credit reform legislation. The CARD act will limit the ability of banks and creditors to raise fees and interest rates on consumer accounts. Why did Bank of America decide to maintain the status quo? Click here for more.
Texas Receives 40% Less Swine Flu Vaccine Than Expected
Texas expected to receive 237,000 H1N1 ("Swine Flu") vaccines in the first allocation. Texas only received about 142,400. All of those vaccines are in the form of "FluMist," a weakened live virus sprayed into the nose. FluMist can only be used by a specific portion of the population. Will you be able to find a Swine Flu vaccine? Do you qualify for FluMist? Click here for more.
Your Money
How long will it take to pay off your credit card debt? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Med-mal plaintiff cannot bring consumer suit. The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that a plaintiff who claimed that she underwent unnecessary surgery can't sue under state consumer protection law in addition to seeking damages for medical malpractice. Click here for more.