| Volume 52 Number 10 |
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Forward this news alert to your family and friends
Helpful Links
Texas Consumer Complaint Center
Credit Reports and Identity Theft
Your Guide to Small Claims Court
Contact Us
1-713-743-2168
The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Ticket scalping on private property is legal in Texas, but be careful. Ticket scalping on public property outside the ballpark isn't legal. Buying tickets online or from someone you do not know can be dangerous. Use common sense. If the deal looks to good to be true it probably isn't. Buy from a reputable businesses or someone you know, and use a credit card to protect yourself in case you get scammed. Click here for more.
"Jailbreaking" Your iPhone Now Legal
The United States Copyright Office has authorized exceptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that will allow iPhone users to load applications not authorized by Apple. Specifically, consumers can now legally "jailbreak" an iPhone, which allows consumers to purchase applications from source outside the Apple application store. Previously, Apple had the right to request $2,500 from a consumer for the "circumvention of technological measures" that control copyrighted works, including modifications to the iPhone operating system. However, it is important to note the change does not legalize the use of pirated applications found on the internet. Rather, the change simply allows consumers to use third party applications obtained legally, though not available in Apple's application store. Additionally, it is possible to use a "jailbroken" iPhone on multiple networks, not just AT&T. Click here for more.
Consumer Finance Bureau Offers New Consumer Protections
The financial-services industry is now subject to a new regulatory body - the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Mortgages, credit cards, and credit scoring will all be subject increased regulation and new rules. In order to protect "Main Street" from "Wall Street," regulators will work within the new law to foster transparency within the financial-services industry. How will the new law protect you? Click here for more.
ATM & Gas Station "Skimming" On Rise
Next time you use your debit or credit card at an ATM or gas station, beware of "skimming." Skimming is an illegal activity whereby thieves attach a device to ATM machines and gas pumps to collect the identifying information contained in the magnetic strip of your card. According to fraud experts, criminals from Eastern Europe have been coming to the United States recently to set up blanket skimming operations. When a criminal obtains your ATM information and PIN, it is as good as cash. Skimming is on the rise. Watch your accounts closely. Click here for more.
Your Money
How much house can you afford? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Debtor’s income should be based on new job. The Sixth Circuit held that a Chapter 13 debtor's disposable income should have been determined based on the salary he would be receiving in a new job rather than on his limited income during the Bankruptcy Code's "look-back" period. Click here for more.