| Volume 127 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Did you get a call from the “Jamaica Lottery” telling you that you have won millions? I just did. Like most “too good be true” phone calls, this is the latest scam. They target mostly senior citizens, and will quickly ask you for an advance payment to process your winnings. My advice, do what I did and hang up as soon as they tell you who they are. Click here for more.
House Passes Bill to Outlaw "Gag Orders" on Customer Reviews
On Monday, the U.S. House passed the Consumer Review Fairness Act, which would prevent companies from prohibiting their customers from posting negative reviews. If the bill is signed into law it will outlaw any existing gag orders in customer contracts. A gag order is a contract provision that prohibits a consumer from sharing their honest opinions about a company or service. Some companies prohibit their customers from posting negative reviews on social media or websites. Last year, the Senate passed its own version of the bill. Now both bills will likely be consolidated in order to to be sent to President Obama for his signature. Click here for more.
Your Money
If you want to trade in your old iPhone for the new version, but want to save as much money as possible there are a few options. First, Apple's trade-up program allows people to trade in a iPhone 4 or newer in exchange for credit. Apple also has a Renew program that lets you mail in your old smartphone in exchange for a gift card. Also, check with your carrier or stores like Walmart and Amazon that offer trade-in promotions and deals. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Debt Collector establishes bona fide error defense. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama granted summary judgment in favor of a mortgage loan servicer and the trustee of a mortgage backed securities trust in a putative class action alleging violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), ruling that the “bona fide error” defense applied to the servicer and that the trustee was not a “debt collector” under the FDCPA. Arnold v Bayview. Click here for more.