| Volume 49 Number 13 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
The most dangerous scams today involve counterfeit cashier's, bank, or certified checks. Don't ever give someone you don't know anything in exchange for a check until your bank tells you in writing the check has been "finally paid."
Click here for more.
Beware of Debt Settlement Schemes
Are you struggling with mounting debt? If so, you've probably considered working with a debt settlement firm. In general, this is a bad idea. Last week, the U.S. Government Accountability Office released detailed results of an undercover investigation of debt settlement practices. According to the report, the companies commonly charge fees in advance of settling debts, without ever doing any work. To read more about the investigation and to listen to undercover phone calls, Click here for more.
GM Ready for New Hires
After narrowly avoiding complete disaster, General Motors has paid back its debt to the United States government and is now on track to add more employees. During the American automobile crisis, GM was forced to cut employee salaries and reduce staff. Although the company is still suffering from low sales and image problems, many dealers are planning on bulking up. Will the new GM succeed? Click here for more.
Consumer Alert: Scams
How can you stay up to date with the latest consumer scams? The People's Lawyer website maintains a "scam alert" section. The scam alert is designed to help you avoid some of the most commonly used consumer scams. This section will be updated regularly to keep you informed of the newest says thieves have found to separate you and your money. To visit the scam alert section of the People's Lawyer website, Click here for more.
Your Money
Find your average and marginal tax rates! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Nursing home arbitration clause is enforceable. The Illinois Supreme Court held that an arbitration clause was valid and applied to a wrongful death claim against a nursing home. The court found that a state law prohibiting the waiver of jury trial rights did not invalidate the clause. Click here for more.