| Volume 90 Number 9 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Federal law prohibits a debt collector from calling you at work, but only after he knows your employer prohibits such calls. If a debt collector calls you at work, let him know that your employer does not allow such calls and that you assume he will never call again. If the debt collector calls back, he has violated federal law and you could be entitled to a penalty of up to $1,000.
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The Battle Against Fake Online Reviews
Do you visit websites like Yelp before you go to a restaurant or other business? If you rely on user reviews to determine how to spend your money, you may not be getting the most accurate information.
It has become big business for companies to offer services to create fake reviews on sites like Yelp, CitySearch, and Google to boost marketing. This relatively new form of deception caught the eye of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who this week announced a $350,000 collective fine against 19 companies in the business of creating fake reviews.
The practice, known as "astroturfing," violates many state laws against deceptive trade practices.
Yet, according to a new report, 20% of Yelp reviews are fake!
Despite actions like the one brought by the New York Attorney General, the deceptive practices are likely to continue. Find out why!
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Southwest Airlines Makes Changes to Frequent Flyer Program
It's going to be a little harder to achieve a free flight on Southwest Airlines!
Starting March 31, consumers using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program to book a flight will now be asked to spend 70 points per dollar. Under the old guidelines, consumers were only required to spend 60 points per dollar.
How many more points will it cost you to get a free flight?
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Your Money
One of the best ways to start saving money quickly is to reduce your current spending.
Many consumers eat out multiple times a week. How much money could you save if you stopped eating out for lunch?
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For the Lawyers
Unfair and hidden arbitration clause is unenforceable.
A U.S. district court in Nevada refused to enforce an arbitration clause in a privacy/security breach class action. Most online retailers require consumers to click on a button saying that they agree to all the fine print terms and conditions, which generally include forced arbitration clauses.
In this case, this arbitration clause provided that “Accessing, browsing or otherwise using the site indicates your agreement to all the terms and conditions in this agreement, so please read this agreement carefully before proceeding.”
The court noted that, “Very little is required to form a contract nowadays–but this alone does not suffice.” It continued, stating that “the Internet has not changed the basic requirements of a contract, and there is no agreement where there is no acceptance, no meeting of the minds, and no manifestation of assent.”
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