| Volume 58 Number 1 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
An Advanced Directive, commonly called a "living will" gives you the right to make your own decisions regarding whether to die a natural death or be kept alive by artificial means after being diagnosed with a terminal condition. For a free copy Click here for more.
Thieves Using Facebook to Steal Identities
Seemingly harmless, little details you post on your Facebook page may leave you exposed to identity theft. Status updates, pictures, schools, birthdays, interests, and even your pet's name can be used by thieves to access your accounts. For example, many financial institutions use your school, your birthday, or your pets name as answers to common security questions. Additionally, a status update may tell a thief when you're out of your house, allowing the thief to seize the opportunity to steal your personal belongings. Be cautious when you post information online. Never post your birth date or birth location. Never post your address, phone number, or email address. Always monitor your friend list and maintain your privacy settings. Click here for more.
Verizon to Sell iPhones Next Month
Beginning February 10, 2011, Verizon will start selling Apple's popular iPhone. Since its inception, the AT&T has been the exclusive carrier of the iPhone. The exclusive nature of the phone frustrated many consumers locked in to contracts with other networks. Many of the features available on the AT&T network will not be available for iPhone users on the Verizon network. Do experts expect consumers leave AT&T for Verizon? Click here for more.
CPSC to Launch Complaint Database
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced plans to launch a public consumer complaint database. As a result, complaints about consumer products will be made public for the first time, potentially having a dramatic impact on how consumers will make buying decisions. Businesses are upset, citing concerns over fictitious complaints and embellished stories. Consumers advocates praise the move for its potential to revitalize the industry. Under the system, a complaint filed by a consumer will be posted online for anyone to read within 15 days. Click here for more.
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Estimate your FICO score! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Class action can proceed notwithstanding similar suit by attorney general. The Minnesota Court of Appeals has held that a cigarette class action over a tobacco company's marketing of “light” cigarettes was not barred by a similar lawsuit previously brought by the state's attorney general. Click here for more.