| Volume 144 Number 26 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Scammers are using a new trick to steal your money and personal information: a bogus COVID vaccine survey.
People across the country are reporting getting emails and texts out of the blue, asking them to complete a limited-time survey about the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine. (And no doubt, there may be one for Johnson & Johnson, too.) In exchange, people are offered a free reward, but asked to pay shipping fees.
If you get an email or text like this, STOP. It’s a scam. Click here for more.
Recall Roundup: Continental Tire issue leads to huge number of vehicle recalls
Earlier this month, Continental Tires issued a recall for nearly 94,000 of its Continental, General, and Barum brand tires because they were cured for too long during the production process. The company said that could cause affected tires to develop a break in the sidewall that would cause them to rapidly deflate and/or completely separate while in use.
While that recall was bad enough for the company, it wasn’t the only one affected. Several automakers -- including GM, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Ford, and Nissan -- have now had to recall vehicles equipped with the affected tires to ensure that drivers aren’t at an increased risk of getting into an accident. So far, those recalls have affected well over 100,000 vehicles of various models.
The automakers are notifying owners and dealers about the issue and are working to get the issue fixed at no cost to consumers. Click here for more.
Your Money
Both a 401(k) and an individual retirement account can be used to save for retirement. If you want to set aside funds for the future, but aren’t sure which option to choose, it can be helpful to understand the pros and cons of each type of retirement account. Here is a look at what’s involved with saving for retirement in a 401(k) and an IRA, along with some of the key differences between the two accounts. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Arbitration clause voids suit against debt collector. The Third Circuit overturned a New Jersey federal court ruling and declared that an arbitration agreement barred a former client from litigating her claims in court. A three-judge panel reversed the federal court's ruling denying the firm's bid to compel arbitration of plaintiff’s claims that collector engaged in unlawful debt adjustment and related activities. The circuit court found the arbitration clause met the standard set forth bythe New Jersey Supreme Court. The court stated that decision held that arbitration provisions must "clearly and unambiguously" signal that consumers are waiving their right to pursue claims in court. "The agreement's arbitration provision makes 'clear and understandable to the average consumer' that she is waiving her right to bring suit in a judicial forum." The panel noted that the arbitration clause "explains that arbitration 'replaces the right to go to court before a judge or jury' and further states that arbitration 'may limit each party's right to discovery and appeal.'" Caren Frederick, on Behalf of Herself and All Other Class Members Similarly Situated v. Law Office of Fox Kohler & Associates et al., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Click here for more.