| Volume 138 Number 7 |
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1-713-743-2168
As everyone recovers from the damage caused by Harvey, legal issues will arise. If you want information about your legal rights call 713-743-2168. To sign up for a special Harvey’s People’s Law School to be held on September 30th, visit www.peopleslawyer.net.
The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Should you buy an extended warranty with your next purchase? Most studies show they are not worth it. Also, check out your credit card agreement. Some, like American Express offer free extended warranty protection. Click here for more.
Survey: Consumers Favor Strong Net Neutrality Rules
A new Consumer Reports survey shows that a majority of Americans favor net neutrality rules that prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking lawful online content. The results come as pro-consumer groups hold a "Day of Advocacy" on Wednesday, urging legislators in Washington, D.C., to support such rules. The principle of network neutrality assumes all internet traffic should be delivered to consumers the same way, regardless of whether an internet service provider has a financial stake in favoring content from one provider over another.
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Your Money
Altogether, Americans paid $15 billion in fees for bounced checks and other overdrafts last year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has said. A lot of people are unaware that overdraft fees are optional, here is how to avoid them: (1) Opt out of overdraft coverage or look for a bank with free overdraft transfers; (2) Choose a bank with low or no overdraft fees; and (3) Set up text or email alerts for low balances. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
False statements in complaint may violate Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Debt collector filed suit in state court to collect an unpaid credit card debt, but the complaint overstated both debtor's principal due and the applicable interest rate. Debtor then filed suit against Anaya in federal court for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The district court granted summary judgment to Anaya. The Ninth Circuit held, however, that the false statements made by Anaya were material because they could have disadvantaged a hypothetical debtor in deciding how to respond to the complaint. Afewerki v. Anaya Law Group (9th Cir. 2017). Click here for more.