| Volume 127 Number 6 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Many companies encourage (or require) that you give them authority to automatically debit your checking account for payments. While it is easy to authorize such payments, it can be difficult to stop them. In many cases you will have to send the company a written notice that you are withdrawing their authority to debit your account, and then provide your bank with a written order to stop those payments as well, sometimes attaching the notice letter you provided the company. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has useful information about these automatic debits, and resources to help you stop them. Click here for more.
Only About 9% of Americans are Uninsured, a Record Low
The Census Bureau recently released data showing that only 9.1 percent of Americans do not have health insurance. This is the lowest percentage on record by the agency. Estimates show that about 18 million more people are covered since 2013. The data suggests that the Affordable Care Act is expanding coverage despite its setbacks. However, many states have not expanded Medicaid coverage and insurers are dropping their coverage from the marketplaces. There is also data that suggests that about nine million low-income Americans have not signed up for insurance. Click here for more.
Your Money
If you own the ill fated Samsung Galaxy Note 7 immediately return the phone for a new one or a refund. A couple of weeks ago Samsung announced a voluntary recall for the Galaxy Note 7. Now the federal government has issued a recall to "immediately stop using and power down" the device. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says Note 7 users can get a replacement from Samsung for no cost, their wireless carrier or the retail outlet where they bought the phone. You can also request a refund or another Samsung phone. According to Samsung the new Note 7 will be in most stores by Sept. 21. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Court awards $84,000 to collector’s attorney in a Fair Debt Collections Practices Suit. In an FDCPA suit, consumer’s attorney failed to communicate settlement offer to client because the offer did not include payment of his fees in the related state law collection action. The court awarded sanctions in the amount of $84,000. The court noted, “the responsibility to convey the existence and terms of settlement offers to clients is one of an attorney's most important duties.” (E.D. Va. Aug. 31, 2016). Click here for more.