| Volume 63 Number 3 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
The current scam against small businesses involves “selling” equipment and having the business pay for it through a “lease.” Be careful before you sign any lease agreement. Do not sign a form with any blanks, and carefully read everything. If the goods are never delivered or are defective, you may still have to pay the lease. Click here for more.
US Postal Service Running Out of Money
The United States Postal Service relies heavily on first class mail to fund operations. With the introduction of email and online bill payments, usage of first class mail has dropped dramatically over the years. In 2005, junk mail exceeded first class mail for the first time, a trend that has continued. The problem? The United States Postal Service needs three pieces of "junk" mail to replace the revenue received from a stamp-bearing letter. Since 2007, the United States Postal Service has been unable to meet its budget, borrowing $12 billion from the U.S. Treasury. This year, the Postal Service will reach its statutory debt limit. Will the United States Postal Service survive? Will consumers have to pay more mail services? Will the Postal Service still operate six days a week? Click here for more.
Summer Travel: Check Your Tires
Hot weather can be very stressful on your car tires. Add that to the busy summer travel season and it may be too much for your tires to handle. From 2005 to 2009, over 100,000 people were injured in tire-related accidents, including nearly 3,500 deaths. Before you get started with your travels, be sure to check your tires. Under-inflated tires are especially vulnerable to the additional stress and heat that come with the summer months. For a few tips to ensure that your tires are ready for the summer months, Click here for more.
Saudis to Push OPEC for Greater Output
World oil powerhouse, Saudi Arabia, plans to push for greater oil production this week at a meeting of the oil cartel. The hope is to support world economic growth by bringing the cost of oil below $100 per barrel. Saudis plan to argue that the high oil prices are actually undermining the economic growth that traditionally fuels the demand for OPEC crude oil. If successful, consumers will likely notice a difference at the gas pump, where prices closely follow crude oil. Will world oil production increase? What does it mean for you? Click here for more.
Your Money
Which is better - cash or payments? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
FDCPA does not prohibit communication with consumer’s lawyer after consumer requests debt collector cease all communication. The Seventh Circuit held that although §1692c(c) of the FDCPA prohibits any communication with the consumer unless it comes within one of the subsection's three provisos, the prohibition does not apply to the consumer’s attorney. Click here for more.