| Volume 96 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Thinking about buying a car or house in the future?
Now is the time to check your credit report and make sure there are no errors. Waiting until you apply for the loan is too late. Remember, you can check your credit report with each of the three credit bureaus for free once a year.
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Toyota to Pay $1B Criminal Settlement
According to the United States Attorney General Eric Holder, Toyota "confronted a public safety emergency as if it were simply a public relations problem" in response to 2009 - 2010 complaints of sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles. The problem was so widespread that it garnered significant media attention and prompted hundreds of lawsuits. However, Toyota fought back, insisting its vehicles were safe while issuing precautionary recalls and promoting Toyota Care.
After a four year investigation, the United States Department of Justice has ordered Toyota to pay a record $1.2 billion to settle numerous criminal charges relating to the incidents and subsequent cover-up. For now, Toyota will avoid criminal prosecution if it complies with the terms of the settlement. In part, Toyota must assemble a rapid-response team to address consumer complaints.
What does this settlement mean for the future of Toyota? Will this settlement lead to safer vehicles on the road?
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CFPB Reports 34% of Debt Collector Complaints Over Debts Not Owed
At some point in your life, you'll likely talk to a debt collector. Whether you unknowingly miss a payment or you're mistaken for someone else, chances are very high that a debt collector will come after you for money.
Receiving a call from a debt collector can be stressful. What's particularly frustrating, however, is receiving attempts to collect a debt that's not actually owed. Yet, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 34% of all debt collection attempts involve debts the consumer does not believe is owed.
Consumers can fight shady debt collections using federal law.
Has a debt collector contacted you? Know your rights!
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Your Money
How can compound interest affect your savings?
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For the Lawyers
Suit filed after statute of limitations has run violates FDCPA.
The Seventh Circuit held that a lawsuit filed after the limitations period violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The court also found the named plaintiff to be an adequate representative, despite allegations her claim was not typical and she would not have the incentive to represent all class members.
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