| Volume 64 Number 1 |
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
Are you being unlawfully threatened or harassed by a debt collector? In most states, taping his telephone conversations is legal, and good proof that he has violated the law. But be careful! In some states, taping a conversation without the consent of the other party is a criminal offense. To see the law in your state, Click here for more.
Toyota to Recall 82,200 Vehicles
Toyota announced Wednesday that it will recall over 82,000 hybrid SUVs due to defective computer boards. The recall spans 2006 to 2007 Toyota Highlander and Lexus brand SUVs, including 45,500 of the Highlander Hybrids and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h model vehicles. Do you own a Toyota-made SUV? Click here for more.
Senate to Work on Debt Limit
The United States Senate didn't have a break for the Fourth of July. Instead, lawmakers remained in Washington to work out the impasse between GOP and democratic lawmakers over the federal debt limit. President Obama has asked lawmakers to act swiftly to extend the government's ability to borrow money in order to avoid a "calamitous government default" on existing obligations. Lawmakers must ultimately decide between an increase in taxes or a higher debt ceiling. Where will lawmakers find common ground? Click here for more.
Debit Card Interchange Rules
The Federal Reserve Board has announced the final parameters for the debit card interchange rules, as mandated by the "Durbin Amendment" of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Instead of capping "swipe fees" at 12 cents per transaction, the cap will fall at approximately 21 cents per transaction. Banks with $10 billion or less in assets are exempt. What do the new debit card interchange rules mean for consumers? Click here for more.
Your Money
What is your projected net worth? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Debt collector’s verification notice must include writing requirement. The District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia held that a debt collector’s failure to advise the consumer in its validation notice that she had to dispute the debt ion writing was grounds for liability under the FDCPA. Click here for more.