| Volume 71 Number 2 |
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
Is buying an extended warranty a good idea? Statistically, it is not worth what you pay. But more importantly, the warranty is only as good as the company that issued it. Be sure to carefully check out the warrantor before buying an warranty. A "lifetime" warranty may be for only the lifetime of the company that issued the warranty. Click here for more.
Maryland: Debt Collectors Face New Rules
Debt collectors absolutely loved Maryland. If they sued on a consumer debt in the state, they could do so without much proof they owned the debt, or that the consumer owed the debt. Not anymore! Maryland has instituted new filing requirements in hopes of reducing the number of questionable collection lawsuits. For example, debt collectors must provide proof of the debt, evidence that they own the debt, and an itemized accounting of the amount owed when they file a lawsuit. Debt collectors are notorious for buying printout lists that only have names and account numbers, with no other proof an account exists. How could the new rules eliminate this practice? Should other states follow Maryland's lead? Click here for more.
Bankrupt Store Sends Collection Letters
Remember Hollywood Video? The video store was a prominent fixture throughout the United States until the chain disappeared after filing bankruptcy two years ago. Despite the physical disappearance, Hollywood Video's bankruptcy receiver has hired three debt collectors to collect old bills. Now consumers are receiving collection letters for money or late fees for movies that never got returned. If you have received one of these letters, you have the right to more information. How can you properly dispute the debt? Click here for more.
Your Money
What are your new business startup costs? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Potential identity theft victims do not have standing to sue. The Third Circuit held that employees at a firm whose payroll was processed by a company that had been infiltrated by a hacker could not sue for the increased risk of identity theft. The court concluded that the plaintiffs’ allegations of hypothetical, future injury did not establish standing under Article III of the Constitution. Click here for more.