| Volume 71 Number 11 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Most negative information stays on your credit report for seven years, a bankruptcy for ten. The time is not extended, however, when the debt is sold or assigned to a new person such as a debt collector. If a debt collector tries to "re-age" a debt, tell the credit bureau and demand they correct the incorrect information. Click here for more.
iPhone 4 Class Action Settlement
Back in 2010, Apple consumers were complaining about reception problems with the iPhone 4. The problems got so bad that Consumer Reports refused to give the smartphone its recommendation and Apple was pushed to offer free bumpers to iPhone 4 owners. Eighteen lawsuits were filed across the country, with a judge consolidating the litigation to a single action filed in San Jose, CA. The complaint charged Apple with "misrepresenting and concealing material information in the marketing, advertising, sale, and servicing of its iPhone 4." Last week, Apple and attorneys representing Apple consumers reached a settlement agreement that will entitle original iPhone 4 purchasers to $15 or a bumper case. If you think you might be included in the settlement, Click here for more.
2012: Big Year for Cybercrime
Online credit card fraud is flourishing. Major internet hacks are taking place weekly. Attacks against private and government computers are occurring almost daily. According to Internet security professionals, 2012 is shaping up to be a banner year for cybercrime. But why? This is where experts divide. Some blame a down economy putting programmers out of work while others place blame on computer and Internet availability in hostile regions. Cybercrime cost the global economy $388 billion in 2011. How much worse will it be in 2012? How can you protect yourself? Click here for more.
Your Money
How much are you spending? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Debit card charge didn’t violate Social Security Act. The Seventh Circuit held that a television service provider did not violate federal law by charging an early termination fee against a Social Security recipient’s debit card account. The Social Security Act generally prohibits the assignment, attachment or garnishment of benefits. The plaintiff alleged that the charge violated federal law because all the funds in her debit card account consisted of her Social Security benefits. But the court decided that there was no violation of the statute, explaining that “spending money with a source in Social Security benefits is distinct from assigning the benefit stream itself.” Click here for more.