| Volume 120 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Have you received an email that looks like it is from the IRS telling you that: “After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund.” Delete it! This is nothing more than an internet scam. If the IRS wants to give you money they will send you a letter. Click here for more.
Just as Oil Rebounds, Fuel Demand Is Poised to Melt Away
The 12 percent rebound in West Texas in oil prices this past Friday does not indicate that oil prices will recover soon. Prices remain below $30 a barrel even as demand for heating in the north drives demand to its seasonal peak. Once winter fades, it is downhill for fuel demand until summer. It is suspected that it might take until the second half of 2017 before the oil surplus is eliminated and stockpiles start to shrink, paving the way for a recovery in prices back toward $50 a barrel.
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Your Money
Unforeseen problems can disrupt your careful planning for retirement. Threats to your retirement can come from both inside your own family and from strangers who want to take advantage of you. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Letters sent to consumer’s attorney did not violate Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Bravo sued Midland for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Midland agreed to forgive two of Bravo’s debts (GE/Lowe’s and Citibank/Sears) as part of a settlement agreement. Philipps, an attorney who specializes in consumer litigation, represented Bravo. After the settlement, Midland sent two letters addressed to Bravo at Philipps' office. The letters were received at Philipps’ business office and were basically identical. Philipps did not forward the correspondence to his client, but opened and reviewed the content of the letters. Bravo filed another claim under the FDCPA. The Seventh Circuit affirmed dismissal, finding the letters were not continued communication to a consumer. Bravo v. Midland Credit Mgmt., Inc Click here for more.