| Volume 77 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act protects you whenever someone misleads or deceives you. This is our consumer protection law, but beware it applies to all sellers, including you when you sell at a garage sale, through a classified ad, or on the web. Don't say anything misleading or deceptive about what you are selling. It could cost you a substantial amount in damages. Click here for more.
Get Ready for Tax Free Weekend
Its time to get ready for another tax free weekend. Every year during the back-to-school season, many states allow shoppers to purchase clothing, supplies, and some other goods without the sales tax. Thus far, 17 states have announced a tax-free weekend leading up to September. Before you go out, make sure you read the fine print for the tax-free limitations in your state. If you live in Texas, tax free weekend takes place from August 17 to August 19. To read all the details on tax-free weekend, Click here for more.
69% Of Mobile Users Report SPAM Texts
Text messaging is quickly replacing the traditional phone call or email. With the ability to have a conversation in brief segments, text messaging is a desirable form of communication for many mobile phone users. With the rise in popularity, spammers have started to shift away from robo-calls and emails to a more direct way of reaching their targets. In fact, it has become so prevalent that 69% of mobile phone users have received text message SPAM, with 25% getting hit multiple times per week. Not only can it be annoying, it can also be quite expensive for those without unlimited plans. Be careful! Never reply to a text SPAM, even if it is just the word "STOP." Find out how to report text message SPAM! Click here for more.
Privacy: Facial Recognition Technologies
If you've ever been to Las Vegas, you've likely heard rumors of casinos using facial recognition software to identify and remove card sharks. But what if facial recognition became an every day part of your life? Recently, the Federal Trade Commission sent representatives to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on just that. In addressing the committee, the FTC representatives said, "While consumers may enjoy the benefits associated with advancements to these technologies . . . there are also concerns that the technologies may increase the risks to consumer privacy." What sort of privacy issues arise with the widespread use of facial recognition technology? Click here for more.
Your Money
Getting a loan can be confusing. The annual percentage rate can sometimes be deceiving. Are you considering a new loan? Find out how much it will actually cost you. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Arbitraion clause doesn’t cover job applicant. The First Circuit held that a mandatory arbitration clause in an employment application was unenforceable against a pregnant woman who brought suit after being denied a job. The employer argued that the arbitration clause unambiguously covered all disputes with job applicants. The court disagreed, holding that because the clause was ambiguous, and because the party that drafted it had all the bargaining power, it should be construed against the employer. “[N]othing in the arbitration clause refers to ‘applicants.’” “Instead every reference is to ‘your employment,’ ‘the employment process,’ or ‘pre-employment disputes.’ Accordingly, there is a reasonable basis for [the applicant’s] belief that she would only be bound by the arbitration clause if ultimately hired.” Click here for more.