| Volume 75 Number 4 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Never give someone "change" for a cashier's check. If someone offers to pay for something with a larger cashier's check and asks you for the difference in cash, it probably is a scam and the cashier's check is counterfeit. Remember, until a check is actually paid by the bank, it is nothing more than a worthless piece of paper. Click here for more.
Hackers Access eHarmony Passwords
Last week, LinkedIn experienced a massive security breach, leaving 6.5 million passwords in the hands of Internet hackers. Mere hours later, popular Internet dating site eHarmony experienced a similar breach. Although approximately 1.5 million eHarmony passwords were compromised, eHarmony representatives have stated that the company has not received any reports of unauthorized account usage. Is your information safe? Click here for more.
Overdraft Fees on the Rise
Back in 2010, the Federal Reserve issued new rules for the banking industry that prohibited banks from imposing overdraft charges unless a customer had signed up for an overdraft program, while also limiting the amount of times a a customer can be charged overdraft fees. In order to make up for lost income, banks are now charging more for certain types of overdraft plans and imposing harsher penalties for minor lapses. In some cases, if a consumer doesn't pay the overdraft fee in a timely manner, a bank can charge that consumer extended overdraft penalty fees. In essence, overdraft penalties may only be getting worse. What can you do to protect yourself against outrageous overdraft penalties? Click here for more.
Virgin to Carry Prepaid iPhone
Do you want an iPhone, but don't want the headaches associated with a long-term contract? You're in luck. Beginning June 29, Virgin Mobile will start carrying the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Plans start at $30 per month for 300 minutes with unlimited text and data. Despite the bargain basement prices for the service, you'll be paying a premium for the phone. A 16GB iPhone 4S will run you $650 on Virgin. If you're not a fan of Virgin, Leap mobile will also offer the same phones (at cheaper prices) with more expensive monthly plans. Click here for more.
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For the Lawyers
Purchaser of mortgage may be a debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Sixth Circuit held that a mortgage purchaser may be a "debt collector" liable for violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The court also noted that although the debt was not actually in default, the FDCPA still applies. “A FDCPA defendant cannot escape coverage under the Act by asserting to the court that the debt was not actually in default, despite having dunned plaintiffs for months or years in the face of plaintiffs’ pleas or proof that the collector has made some error.” Click here for more.