| Volume 69 Number 6 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Writing a check when you do not have enough money in the bank is criminal and criminal charges may be filed. Stopping payment on a check because you are dissatisfied with the goods or services purchased is not, provided the money would have been available to pay it if payment had not been stopped Click here for more.
Tips for Safer Holiday Home Decorating
Holiday decorations can be very dangerous. Dangerous sharp objects and fire hazards are commonplace among holiday lights, trees, ornaments, cables, candles, and other decorations. In November and December 2010, 13,000 people were treated in emergency rooms nationwide for injuries related to holiday decorations. From 2006 to 2008, there was an estimated $18 million in property damage from Christmas tree fires alone. This holiday season, be safe! For twelve tips for a safer holiday, Click here for more.
Fed: No Changes to Monetary Policy
According to the Federal Reserve, "the economy has been expanding moderately" and the job market has shown improvement. However, unemployment remains high and global financial markets continue to pose risks to the economy. In a 9-1 vote, the Federal Reserve opted to make no changes to ongoing stimulus policies and maintain record low interest rates through at least mid-2013. How can the policies help the US economy? Click here for more.
Bill Would Permit Robo-calls to Cell
Groups representing banks, debt collectors, and mortgage lenders are throwing their support behind the Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011. Why? Because the Act would allow “robo-calls” to your cell phone, even without specific permission. Delicia Reynolds of the National Association of Consumer Advocates tells NBC the plan would “create potential chaos” because it would “open up everyone’s cell phone number without their consent.” Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madgian was quick to point out that the potential law would cost consumers money by using consumers mobile minutes. Despite the serious concerns, Congress seems intent on passing the law. Why? How could the change in law help debt collectors and hurt consumers? Click here for more.
Your Money
How can you save a million dollars? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Business cannot sue Better Business Bureau over unfavorable rating. The Missouri Court of Appeals held that a business does not have a claim against the BBB based on a “C” rating. The court stated, “Moreover, … the BBB’s ‘C’ rating of Castle Rock is not sufficiently factual to be susceptible of being proved true or false. Although one may disagree with the BBB’s evaluation of the underlying objective facts, the rating itself cannot be proved true or false. Therefore, the rating is protected as opinion under the First Amendment.” Click here for more.