| Volume 50 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
If you buy something and the contract has a clause that says you agree to arbitrate, you will not be allowed to sue and must file your claim with an arbitrator. Arbitration is often more expensive than a simple lawsuit, denies you the right to a jury trial or an appeal, is not bound by traditional rules of procedure, and often precludes you from filing or joining a class action. To learn more about consumer arbitration. Click here for more.
10 Passwords You Should Never Use
When it comes to the safety of your personal information, the internet is fertile ground for havoc. Believe it or not, most consumers use easily identifiable passwords that hackers can simply guess, instead of invading your home computer with a keylogger. Whether your computer is actually infected with a keylogging virus or your password is easy to guess, the result is the same - your personal information is at risk. To see ten passwords you should never use, and to find out how to protect your accounts, Click here for more.
Foreclosure Rescue Scams & Phony Audits
Are you at risk of losing your home to foreclosure? You may get a call from a con artist who will claim, for an upfront fee, an audit will help you keep your home. If you receive a phone call like this, consider reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission. For more information about this scam and to find legitimate resources to help save your home, Click here for more.
Toyota Nets Profit Despite Recalls
In the past several months, Toyota has recalled over eight million vehicles, spanning several Toyota and Lexus brand models. Despite the economic downtown and the massive recall, Toyota still posted a profit for the fiscal year ending in March. How has Toyota stayed out of the red despite massive recalls, government fines, and an economic recession? Click here for more.
Your Money
How is the value of your savings affected by inflation? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Arbitration award can not be challenged on the basis of non-statutory, judicially-created grounds. The Eleventh Circuit held that a consumer could not seek to overturn an arbitration award against her on the basis of non-statutory, judicially-created grounds. The court stated, “We hold that our judicially-created bases for vacatur are no longer valid in light of Hall Street. … [T]he categorical language of Hall Street compels such a conclusion. As [the plaintiff] has failed to demonstrate the existence of any of the statutory grounds for vacating or modifying the arbitrator’s award, the district court was bound by §9 of [the Federal Arbitration Act] to confirm the award.” Click here for more.