May Foreclosure Rate Steadies as Banks Hold Back Jun 10, 2010
New consumer protection laws, which vary by state, have also meant borrowers can spend more time in their homes. A new wave of foreclosures could be coming in the second half of the year, especially if the unemployment rate remains high, mortgage-assistance programs fail, and the economy doesn't improve fast enough to lift home sales. (ABC News -- Wire)
Little-known Bellevue firm linked to $850M in loans; spans four states May 29, 2010
Among them: that Hazelrigg, Switzer or the company assisted Mastro in fraudulently transferring assets, violated consumer protection laws and engaged in theft and criminal profiteering. This article is for Paid Subscribers ONLY.. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
'Sale' signs less prevalent in tourist district May 15, 2010
Early season advertising of huge discounts in past years was one practice that caused the state to pursue store owners for breaking consumer protection laws, Assistant Attorney General Cindy Drinkwater said. "(The signs) basically suggested an impossible situation because to have a sale you have to sell merchandise at a reasonable price first," she said. (Juneau Empire)
Temporary Bankruptcy Instead of Loan Mods? May 14, 2010
(Under some proposals in Congress, some debtors rights would be added onto the restructuring if the judge found the lender s practice in violation of those consumer protection laws. . (Realtor Magazine Online)
Can people 'own' virtual land? May 12, 2010
Now, in a sign that virtual issues increasingly are bleeding into the real world, some "residents" of Second Life are taking virtual property rights to real-world court, citing California consumer protection laws to make their case. On April 15, four Second Life property owners filed a class-action suit against Linden Lab, the online world's creator, alleging the company misled players into thinking they owned their virtual lands. (CNN -- Tech)
This Is What We Need In Ghana May 12, 2010
Hence, the need for some kind of consumer protection laws in Ghana. Like, for instance, laws which would maintain a level of sanity and order in our market-economy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Banks hit by complaints backlog May 12, 2010
This was finally resolved last November in favour of the banks, when the Supreme Court ruled against an attempt by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to challenge the fairness of bank overdraft charges using existing consumer protection laws. "The complaints were put on hold with an FSA waiver for the duration of the test case between the OFT and major banks, which ended last December," the FSA explained. (BBC News -- Business)
Study: Reckless Spending Behind Foreclosures May 7, 2010
The policy implication from our results is that strong consumer protection laws, though necessary to prevent Wall Street banks from offering high-risk loans to the most vulnerable will not be sufficient to prevent another financial crisis like the one the U.S. economy experienced in 2007 and 2008, says Tim Yeager, associate professor of economics and lead author of the study. Source: University of Arkansas (05/06/2010). (Realtor Magazine Online)
Theodore Roosevelt Dug Deep For America In War And Peace Apr 29, 2010
As 26th president, he brought in consumer protection laws, launched the national parks, took over the Panama Canal from the French and mediated an end to the Russo-Japanese War. "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure ... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.". (Investors Business Daily)
Stranded airline passengers' rights vary by carrier Apr 29, 2010
But when things go wrong, each alliance member is governed by often very different consumer protection laws. "There are a lot of inconsistencies in terms of customer care based on geography and the citizenship status of the traveler, or of the airline," says Forrester Research analyst Henry Harteveldt. (AZCentral -- Business)
Broke Greece Asks for $60B IOU Apr 25, 2010
Dodd and Republican Richard Shelby of Alabama, his party's ranking member of the Banking Committee, can iron out differences, particularly regarding whether state attorneys general should be vested with the power to sue national banks for violating federal consumer protection laws. Sara Behunek is a financial blogger for. (Slate)
Jets fan tries to revive suit over NFL 'Spygate' Apr 15, 2010
He charges that the Patriots violated federal racketeering laws and state consumer protection laws. He seeks about $185 million in damages on behalf of ticket holders. (FindLaw News)
Court to hear Jets fan's suit over Pats' filming Apr 14, 2010
Mayer and co-counsel Bruce Afran also will argue that the Patriots violated federal racketeering laws as well as New Jersey's consumer protection laws by concealing material facts -- the existence of the videotaping -- from paying customers. The suit calculated that because customers paid $61. (ESPN -- Football)
Credit-Card Reform: No Fix for Small Biz Apr 9, 2010
As an amendment to consumer protection laws, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, osure (CARD) Act did nothing to regulate the fast-growing market for small business credit cards. Unlike corporate charge cards that large companies use to manage expenses, business credit cards function much like consumer cards and are personally guaranteed by business owners, who often carry balances to finance their ventures. (BusinessWeek)
Henderson to pay fine over liquidation ads Apr 3, 2010
The consent judgment and order released April 2 by the state of Ohio noted that Henderson had been named in two previous lawsuits filed by the state to enforce Ohio consumer protection laws. Those lawsuits were settled by consent judgments in 1996 and 2002. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Facebook Mulls Privacy Implications for Location-Based Data Mar 31, 2010
A week after Facebook announced the roll-out, a coalition of 10 organizations, led by the , , which they argued violated provisions aimed to protect against unfair and deceptive trade under federal consumer protection laws. Related Articles. (eSecurityPlanet)
Hawaii shares in CitiFinancial settlement Mar 26, 2010
It followed an investigation by the Massachusetts Division of Banks to determine compliance with state and federal consumer protection laws. The probe found that CitiFinancial failed to report to the federal government 91,127 residential mortgage loans that originated between 2004 and 2007. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Michigan Attorney General Subpoenas Toyota Records Mar 25, 2010
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero has been pushing Cox to aggressively go after the Japanese automaker, saying in a statement last week that Cox should file a claim on behalf of all owners of Toyota vehicles in Michigan and seek to recover damages under state and federal consumer protection laws. "If Mike Cox won't stand up for Michigan consumers and hold Toyota accountable for these reprehensible actions, he isn't doing his job," Bernero said. (ABC News -- Wire)
Vacation home rental tips Mar 23, 2010
Check your state's consumer protection laws to see what you may be entitled to and whether there are deadlines for filing. . (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Fate of Volcker Rule May Hinge on Effort to Change Dodd's `Shall' to `May' Mar 22, 2010
Fate of Volcker Rule May Hinge on Dodds Shall Becoming May - Bloomberg. Updated: New York, Mar 22 04:16 London, Mar 22 08:16 Tokyo, Mar 22 17:16. (Bloomberg)
Scientology inquiry scuttled with double standards Mar 19, 2010
the adequacy of consumer protection laws in respect of fundraising and provision of goods and services by Scientology. the adequacy of occupational health and safety laws and workplace relations laws in respect of conduct inside the Church. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
ConsumerMan: Pitfalls of payday lending Mar 18, 2010
He calls these companies loan sharks because of how they try to skirt his states consumer protection laws. McGraw says Internet payday lenders typically charge from 600 to 800 percent APR 45 times greater than the 18 percent APR allowed in West Virginia. (MSNBC -- Business)
CPSC issues official baby sling warning; also update on more Cadmium jewelry Mar 13, 2010
No. And you better believe corporations work hard to keep the ones that at a glance appear ludicrous in the press because they fuel sympathy for the companies and create a backlash against consumer protection laws that could cost them. Kyle. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
California sues Toyota for faults Mar 13, 2010
Toyota's US headquarters are in California - that is why prosecutors say they can bring charges and it is thought to be the first such case based on US consumer protection laws. It is claimed the company carried out fraud by hiding evidence of dangerous vehicle defects. (BBC News)
Vermont judge rules against R.J. Reynolds Mar 13, 2010
Vermont Superior Court Judge Dennis Pearson ruled that Winston-Salem-based Reynolds violated that state s consumer protection laws by running ads between 2000 and 2007 claiming that certain products had reduced health risks. Pearson s ruling said Reynolds did not have scientific evidence to support claims that Eclipse cigarettes would reduce a smoker s risk of developing cancer. (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
Dollar General sues Fred's Mar 11, 2010
Two Tennessee discount retailers are at odds over advertising materials and whether they violate trademark and consumer protection laws. Corp., the discount store giant based in Goodlettsville, filed suit in U.S. District Court Tuesday against Memphis-based Fred s, accusing its competitor of unlawfully and deceptively using its black and yellow colors and typography in various advertising materials. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Blumenthal Sues Credit Rating Agencies Mar 11, 2010
Unlike other recent lawsuits against credit rating agencies including one Blumenthal filed last July these attempt to enforce state consumer protection laws, rather than to recoup losses for specific investors. "They lied," the attorney general said of the agencies Wednesday. (FOX61, CT)
Bankers winning financial reform battle Mar 10, 2010
Critics of the idea of turning over consumer protection to the Fed argue that the central bank badly stumbled in applying its existing consumer protection laws to clamp down on bad mortgage lending during the housing bubble. Simultaneously protecting bankers and consumers, they argue, is an inherent conflict of interest. (MSNBC -- Business)
Congress battling over consumer agency Mar 7, 2010
Today, federal regulators can effectively bar states from enforcing their own consumer protection laws on nationally chartered banks. When states passed anti-predatory mortgage laws, federal regulators said "those don't apply to national banks," Day says. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Lawsuit could hurt Bill Me Later's numbers Feb 19, 2010
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California Jan. 6, claims Timonium-based Bill Me Later skirts California consumer protection laws so it can charge exorbitant interest rates. EBay officials have not responded in court. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
W. Union to pay $94M to settle AZ dispute Feb 13, 2010
It also will contribute $50 million to the Center for State Enforcement of Antitrust and Consumer Protection Laws Inc., a nonprofit organization. Additionally, Western Union has agreed to commit $19 million over the next several years to strengthen its own anti-money laundering effort, and $4 million to support an independent monitoring program. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Toyota recalls Prius cars Feb 10, 2010
In Colorado, a lawsuit seeking class-action status was filed recently, alleging Toyota violated Colorado's product liability and consumer protection laws. The lawsuit asks for monetary damages for what it calls "emotional distress" and "economic losses.". (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Financial Reform Talks Break Down in Senate Feb 6, 2010
Republicans say the CFPA would be a costly new layer of government bureaucracy while Democrats say it is needed because existing agencies failed to enforce consumer protection laws already on the books, contributing to the financial crisis. FRANK BACKS DODD. (ABC News -- Wire)
Tired of Collection Agency Tactics, Indebted Consumers Fight Back Feb 6, 2010
Arming themselves with consumer protection laws outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, they go after collection agencies for a wide range of violations, such as automated phone calls, which are illegal, that give debt collectors a bad reputation. "The is causing bill collectors to become more and more aggressive, and people are getting more desperate," says Steve Katz, a former debt collector who now runs a chat board called Debtorboard for aggrieved consumers. (ABC News)
Antitrust probe of BCS? Feb 2, 2010
The options include encouraging the NCAA to take control of the post-season as it does with other sports; "asking a governmental or nongovernmental entity or a commission to study the benefits, costs and feasibility of a playoff system;" requesting an examination by the Federal Trade Commission of the current system under consumer protection laws; looking into roles other agencies can play, and looking into legislative initiatives. There are 11 BCS conferences and five bowls, including a... (CNN)
OBAMA TO TAKE ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL RULES... Feb 1, 2010
"Importantly, and in addition, the administration also is exploring other options that might be available to address concerns with the college football postseason," Weich wrote, including asking the Federal Trade Commission to review the legality of the BCS under consumer protection laws. Several lawmakers and many critics want the BCS to switch to a playoff system, rather than the ratings system it uses to determine the teams that play in the championship game. (The Drudge Report)
Justice Dept. may look at legality of BCS Jan 30, 2010
Importantly, and in addition, the administration also is exploring other options that might be available to address concerns with the college football postseason, Weich wrote, including asking the Federal Trade Commission to review the legality of the BCS under consumer protection laws. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Moseley to seek Texas Supreme Court seat Jan 25, 2010
There he was responsible for enforcing federal antitrust and consumer protection laws in Texas and four surrounding states. He began his legal career in Odessa with the firm of Shafer, Gilliland, Davis, Bunton lum. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Emerson Poynter LLP Announces an Investigation Concerning the Purchase of Brinks Home Security by Tyco International, Ltd. Jan 20, 2010
Emerson Poynter handles complex commercial litigation with a concentration in those cases that involve violations of federal and state securities or antitrust laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and consumer protection laws. It has substantial experience in litigating large complex class-action cases and serves in a leadership position in numerous cases. (Primezone Releases)
38,000 Social Security Numbers Potentially Exposed After Theft Jan 10, 2010
"1. Identity Theft will be a bigger problem for you as GU grads than for the US population as a whole. College grads, particularly from schools who have a reputation for affluent students, are much more tempting targets for fraud and identity theft then someone who has no money or no credit. 2. Notice the paragraph in this article that says GU "will begin notifying individuals who may have potentially had their personal financial info compromised". It is a federal and DC law that institutions... (The Hoya, Washington DC)
Repeal health insurers' antitrust exemption Jan 10, 2010
The FTC enforces the federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. This article appeared on page A - 8 of the San Francisco Chronicle. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Bill Me Later hit with class-action lawsuit over interest rates Jan 10, 2010
is facing a class-action lawsuit claiming the online sales processor skirts California consumer protection laws to hike its interest rates ... The lawsuit argues that Bill Me Later evades consumer protection laws because it isn t a chartered bank or other financial institution ... If it were, it would be subject to consumer protection laws limiting interest rates and penalty fees. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
