| Volume 15 Number 11 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Under federal law, debt collectors may not harass you. The law also prohibits them from calling before 8am or after 9pm.
Yikes! Checked Your Cell Bill Lately?
Surf the Web, send a few text messages, call for directory assistance -- and pretty soon you're looking at triple digits. But there are places to look for savings. Click here for more.
Scams Often Target Mystery Shoppers
Those looking for quick money as secret shoppers need to be wary of the many scams targeting consumers, according to a national article being released this week. The August/September issue of ShopSmart, a new magazine from the editors of Consumer Reports, examines some of the benefits and pitfalls of secret-shopper programs - when average people make money by reviewing products and service of local retailers. Click here for more.
Never Too Young to Have Your Identity Stolen
Child identity theft is a growing problem in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission, the government agency that accepts identity fraud complaints, received more than 11,600 identity theft reports in 2005 for victims 18 years old or under, nearly double the 6,512 reported in 2003. Click here for more.
Keep Cool Without Pricey AC
Whole-house fans and evaporative coolers can take the edge off summer's heat for just pennies an hour. But they're not for everyone or every climate. Click here for more.
Why Do You Need an Emergency Fund?
An emergency savings account comes to your rescue when unplanned expenses arise. The car breaks down, the roof springs a leak. These situations create a certain sense of alarm, not unlike emergency vehicles with high-pitched sirens and flashing red lights. But unplanned expenses can be handled with emergency savings -- the financial equivalent of a handy home defibrillator. Click here for more.
Your Money
Great interest rate or fat rebate? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Letter does not violate Debt Collection Act. The 7th Circuit has found that a dunning letter did not violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act because: 1) it does not need to include the entire credit card balance as the "amount of the debt;" 2) it met the clarity standard; and 3) an unsophisticated consumer would not believe a statement in the letters to mean that payment of the current amount due would terminate all further obligations. Click here for more.