| Volume 44 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
If you are receiving emails that appear to be from Paypal a bank or a credit card company telling you about "a recent charge to your account," ignore them. Do not click on any link to verify your account or dispute the charge. If you want to check with your credit card company, the phone number is on your card. If you think the notice may be real, wait until you receive your credit card bill and then dispute it. These are scams designed to get your private information. Click here for more.
Beware of Scams - Haiti Relief Effort
Beware of Haiti donation links. Tragedy brings out the best and worst in people. When scam artists see an opportunity to make money, there are no such thing as 'morals' or 'rules'. If you decide to donate, do so through a trusted organization. Do not simply click anonymous links and donate. Do your research. If you aren't careful, you may lose a lot more than a few dollars. Click here for more.
Consumers Win New Credit Card Rules
The Federal Reserve issued new credit card rules this week, marking a big win for consumers. Card issuers will no longer be allowed to set minimum interest rates. Furthermore, the rules will also prevent companies from automatically enrolling consumers in over-the-limit programs. To read about the new rules, Click here for more.
ATM Fraud on the Rise
A little known practice, called "skimming," is on the rise. Skimming is a practice whereby thieves tamper with an ATM to steal your PIN and the account data. Thieves prefer tampering with unattended machines, so you can minimize your risk by using public ATM machines. Always check your bank account for any unauthorized activity. Click here for more.
Your Money
Should you consolidate your debts? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Consumers who claim they were misled into purchasing Vioxx can’t sue the drug maker. A California court of appeals held that purchasers of Vioxx may not maintain a class action against Merck, the drug’s manufacturer. The plaintiffs sued contending that due to its cardiovascular risks, Vioxx was less safe than other, less expensive pain relievers. They sought recovery, on behalf of all persons and entities in California who paid for Vioxx, of the difference in price between what they paid for Vioxx and what they would have paid for a safer, equally effective pain reliever. Click here for more.