| Volume 144 Number 10 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
This year, during the pandemic, your holidays might be moving a bit online. Maybe you’re planning to send e-cards to family and friends. Or maybe your kids are writing their letter to Santa online, using a site that promises a customized letter back from Santa. Before you share your personal information — and certainly before you pay: Click here for more.
Security researchers find malicious code in 28 Chrome and Edge extensions
More than three million Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users are believed to have installed extensions that contain malicious code, according to security firm Avast.
Avast researchers said users who installed one of 28 third-party extensions containing hidden malicious JavaScript could be at risk of data theft and phishing attacks.
The extensions in question are primarily designed to help users download multimedia content from social networks including Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, or Spotify. But Avast said users could end up being redirected to a site where the attacker gets paid for user visits. In other cases, users could end up on phishing sites. Click here for more.
Your Money
For millions of American families, 2020 was a year of economic struggle. As the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered businesses across the nation last spring, the unemployment rate surged to the highest level seen since the Great Depression. Those who remained on the job weren't necessarily spared hardship as many had hours reduced, leaving them with less money to pay the bills. While Congress authorized expanded unemployment payments in the spring, more than 10 million workers are poised to lose those benefits unless new legislation is passed by Christmas. For these people, and others who are struggling to make ends meet, now might be the time to look into public assistance programs for help. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched a refresh of its public website, consumerfinance.gov. The updated website features additional user functionality, an improved layout, more content, and easier access to information. Notably, the refresh also includes a new interactive enforcement database to help the public track the Bureau’s enforcement actions. Through these updates, the Bureau aims to increase transparency and make it easier for consumers and stakeholders to locate and access essential resources. The Bureau’s refreshed website can be found at: Click here for more.