| Volume 55 Number 12 |
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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.
Six New Holiday Scams
The holiday season brings out the best in people. Sadly, it also brings out the worst. Scammers use the holiday season to take advantage of the courteous and friendly. Complaints to the Internet Crime Complaint Center jumped 22% last year. Some new scams include "smishing," which is like "phishing," except via text message instead of email. Other scams include skimmers, membership programs, stripped gift cards, and counterfeit electronics. This holiday season, protect yourself! For details on the latest scams, Click here for more.
GlaxoSmithKline to Settle for $750 million
After allegations the company sold adulterated and improperly made drugs, GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to settle with the Justice Department for $750 million. According to the government, some medications were contaminated with bacteria. Furthermore, the government alleged the company mixed different strengths of some pills together, in the same bottle. To read about the Glaxo settlement, Click here for more.
How to Buy a Foreclosure Property
Are you interesting in buying foreclosure property? It is important that you evaluate the property properly before you dive in. Knowing what comparable properties cost, understanding potential repair costs, and avoiding a bidding frenzy are all critical to a successful foreclosure purchase. From a sheriff's auction to repossession, learn more about the process! Click here for more.
Your Money
Will you save by refinancing your mortgage? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Class action over cell phone hazards is preempted. The Third Circuit held that regulations promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission preempt a class action alleging that cell phone users are exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. Click here for more.