| Volume 42 Number 12 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Federal law prohibits a debt collector from calling you at work, but only after he knows your employer prohibits such calls. If a debt collector calls you at work, let him know that your employer does not allow such calls and that you assume he will never call again. If the debt collector calls back, he is violated federal law and you could be entitled to a penalty of up to $1,000. Click here for more.
Cyber Monday: The Online Version of Black Friday
Today is Cyber Monday. Black Friday is the day retailers offer significant discounts to generate traffic in retail stores. Similarly, Cyber Monday is the day that online retailers generate internet traffic and online sales with comparable discounts. From electronics to clothing, most of your favorite online stores will offer Cyber Monday deals today. To read about Cyber Monday, Click here for more.
Online Shopping: Protect Yourself
As you continue your holiday shopping, be cautious as you make your purchases. Are you using an unfamiliar retailer? If a deal sounds too good to be true, it may be a scam. Is the retailer's website secure? If you make a purchase through an unsecured internet retailer, your personal information may be compromised. For a list of tips to use this holiday shopping season, Click here for more.
Holiday Travel Guide: Tips & Tricks
Are you planning to travel this holiday season? This guide will help you plan your vacation, avoid overpaying, navigate airports, and work around delays and cancellations. Be prepared! Click here for more.
Your Money
Should you buy or lease your next car? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
No 'deductions' for above-median debtors. The Ninth Circuit held that Chapter 13 debtors cannot deduct payments to secured creditors for property they intend to abandon. “Items that the debtor has surrendered or intends to surrender are not necessary for his or her support or maintenance ... Phantom payments for the surrendered item are not reasonably necessary for a debtor’s support and maintenance...” American Express Bank v. Smith Click here for more.