| Volume 90 Number 3 |
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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.
For more general information about the law, check out my website.
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Avoid Bank Fees & Protect Savings
Did you know that 55% of consumers pay no monthly bank fees?
Bank fees have been on the rise in recent years. From monthly maintenance charges to ATM surcharges, some consumers are losing money when they don't have to. In fact, many of the fees will disappear with a simple phone call. In other instances, consumers may find substantial monthly savings by switching banks.
Is your bank account costing you money? Find out how you can avoid monthly fees!
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Bank of America Settles Gender Bias Case
On Friday, settlement records were made public in a gender bias lawsuit brought against Bank of America. According to the pleadings, a group of female employees claimed they were paid less than men and deprived of lucrative accounts. In order to avoid further litigation, Bank of America has agreed to settle with the group for $39 million.
The announcement comes just two weeks after Bank of America and Merrill Lynch & Co. reached a $160 million settlement with a group of African-American employees who alleged racial discrimination in pay.
Bank of America did not admit fault in the settlement. However, as part of the settlement the company will take steps to ensure women work on a level playing field.
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Neti Pot Sinus Rinse Safety Concerns
During high allergy season, many consumers use a neti pot to clear their sinuses. However, not all consumers are using the device correctly, potentially exposing them to dangerous infections.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, neti pot users should not use tap water when clearing the sinuses. Tap water contains bacteria that the stomach acid can kill. However, potentially dangerous situations arise when those pathogens are put directly in the head.
Some neti pots do not come with appropriate directions. As a result, the FDA is trying to educate consumers with nasal irrigation safety tips in hopes of preventing unnecessary infections.
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Your Money
Can you retire early?
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For the Lawyers
Third party may not enforce arbitration clause.
The Ninth Circuit held that a debt processor could not enforce an arbitration provision contained in an agreement between a consumer and a debt-settlement program.
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