FDIC warns four banks over liquidity... Aug 2, 2008
A fifth bank was cited for violating consumer protection laws. EDITORS CHOICE. (The Drudge Report)
N.H. ranks second in median credit card debt per borrower Aug 1, 2008
Consumer protection laws which prevent exploitation of vulnerable low-income consumers by financial service providers are crucial to the financial stability of our New Hampshire communities. " What are you looking for? Business Name: Location: What are you looking for? Jobs Autos Real Estate Classifieds Search Jobs: Search Cars: lect> Search Homes: lect> lect> Search Classifieds: What are you looking for? Search News: Advertisement Local Business Reviews "Can only say that a friend who loves BBQ... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
New legislation considered to let home buyers sue for fraud Jul 22, 2008
But others include rewriting the standard, state-issued real estate contracts and home disclosure forms to provide more legal protections for buyers, putting more teeth in state laws governing home sales and beefing up consumer protection laws related to selling and buying homes, Theo said. The whole goal here is to get as honest information as possible from everybody involved in the transaction, Theo said. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
UK shops 'misleading customers' Jul 5, 2008
The government is planning to simplify consumer protection laws. I think there are real issues about retailers not understanding their responsibilities. (BBC News -- UK)
3rd Circuit: Class Action No Cure for Uninsured Patient's Bill Jun 27, 2008
A federal appeals court has rejected a class action suit brought by uninsured hospital patients who claimed that the practice of charging them significantly higher rates than insured patients or those covered under Medicare and Medicaid is discriminatory and violates consumer protection laws. In its 21-page opinion in , a unanimous three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals took the rare step of adopting the lower court's opinion as its own. (Law.com)
Leaders reject foreclosure freeze Jun 20, 2008
But the banking and mortgage industries pushed back hard, noting that New York already has some of the nation's toughest consumer protection laws on mortgages. Bankers particularly reviled a one-year foreclosure freeze passed earlier this year by the Assembly. (Albany Times Union)
Beware of data thieves: Information can be easy prey for hackers Jun 17, 2008
Under states' consumer protection laws, penalties can be levied as well. There is also the threat of civil, including class-action, lawsuits. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Suit on light and low-tar cigarettes heads to SJC Jun 17, 2008
The lawsuit is part of a wave of claims filed recently in at least 11 states alleging that tobacco manufacturers deliberately misled smokers of light cigarettes for years, in violation of state consumer protection laws. A year ago, an Illinois judge issued a $10. (Yahoo News -- Tobacco Lawsuits)
Conduct unbecoming Jun 17, 2008
In examples of conduct likely to breach consumer protection laws, the guide says debt collectors can't. block your way. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
FCC Reviews Cell Phone Terminations Fees Jun 15, 2008
Commissioner Michael Copps, citing a possible penalty of $800 for a family of four callers wishing to cancel a cell phone contract, suggested that the FCC needs "to better understand how state consumer protection laws affect carriers and consumers.". Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein pointed to recent consumer which place cell phone service as "among the lower-rated services" reviewed. (InformationWeek)
CompuCredit Comments on FTC and FDIC Allegations Jun 11, 2008
"The claims asserted by the FTC and FDIC regarding CompuCredit's past credit card marketing practices are untrue and without merit. The credit card programs at issue complied with applicable laws and regulations and have exemplified best practices in credit card marketing. In fact, the FDIC repeatedly determined over the years now at issue that the marketing materials fully disclosed fees and terms in compliance with consumer protection laws. Our disclosures regarding available credit have been... (PR Newswire)
AG claims dogs trained for diabetics didn't work, Nixon sues Heaven Scent Paws of St. Elizabeth Jun 11, 2008
The lawsuit against Heaven Scent Paws, of St. Elizabeth, seeks an injunction forcing compliance with consumer protection laws, plus restitution payments and civil penalties. Representatives from Heaven Scent Paws did not immediately return messages Tuesday. (Camdenton Lake Sun Leader, MO)
Transatlantic Economic Council Report to the EU-U.S. Summit 2008 Jun 10, 2008
U.S. and EU officials have since begun developing a mutual assistance agreement on the enforcement of consumer protection laws. The U.S. and EU have agreed to undertake the development of a joint pilot project involving the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track radioactive isotopes and to explore a second joint pilot project on postal bag tracking. (White House News Releases)
Dems decide on delegates, platform for convention Jun 9, 2008
Garnet Coleman, chair of the Platform Committee, presented the party platform to the convention, which includes calls for reforming consumer protection laws and creating alternative energies and modes of transportation. The more-than-40-page document also calls for a revised GI Bill for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Daily Texan, TX)
Express Scripts to pay $9.5M in settlement (1) May 31, 2008
3 million of the total to the states and the District of Columbia, to settle litigation by attorneys general alleging Express violated consumer protection laws. Lynn Solomon is a spokeswoman for Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Conn. AG says pharmaceutical distributor inflated prices May 30, 2008
"McKesson exploited publicly funded programs that serve our must vulnerable citizens." The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Boston accuses McKesson of violating federal racketeering and state consumer protection laws. McKesson officials have not yet reviewed the lawsuit, company spokesman James Larkin wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press Thursday. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Blumenthal sues pharmaceutical distributor May 30, 2008
The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Boston accuses McKesson of violating federal racketeering and state consumer protection laws. Member ID. (Republican-American)
Crude Reversal Fuels a Rebound on Wall Street May 28, 2008
The pharmacy benefits manager had been in hot water for allegedly violating consumer protection laws by switching cholesterol drug brands to control costs. Darden Restaurants (DRI) was up 4. (Fox News)
Consumer protection laws overhaul to stem unfair practices May 26, 2008
The biggest overhaul of consumer protection laws in 40 years comes into force today. New regulations will ban 31 types of unfair sales practices and tighten controls on traders, from double glazing salesmen to fortune tellers. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Students of failed school sue lender May 14, 2008
The lawsuit contents that KeyBank, which sold off the loans to investors, included provisions in the loan documents to avoid California and federal consumer protection laws, including a requirement that any legal action against the bank be brought in Ohio and under Ohio law, and some anti-class-action arbitration clauses. A KeyBank spokeswoman called the Silver State closing unfortunate. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Housing Bubble Popped by Spike in Fuel Costs May 12, 2008
- Enhances consumer protection laws to protect Missourians from fraudulent scams. - Provides the commissioner of the Division of Finance power to prohibit offenders from doing real estate lending in the state. (Saint Louis Front Page)
Macpherson brings out negative ads May 9, 2008
Macpherson, a Democratic state representative from Lake Oswego, is a third-generation legislator who claims credit for crime and consumer protection laws, and for passing Measure 49 to change property rights law. Kroger, a former Marine and federal prosecutor who moved to Oregon to teach law after tackling organized crime and Enron, said Wednesday the latest Macpherson ad is false and misleading. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
JPMorgan to inherit legal woes of Bear Stearns Apr 16, 2008
Last month, the bank said, it received notice from the trade commission saying that its investigators believed EMC and Bear Stearns violated consumer protection laws in connection with servicing activities. The commission has offered to let Bear Stearns resolve the matter though talks before filing a complaint, the company said. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Cutting corners on consumer safety will be costly Apr 10, 2008
OTTAWA -- A major overhaul of consumer protection laws announced yesterday will introduce fines for people who put unsafe goods on store shelves and allow the government to recall products that are deemed hazardous. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and two of his cabinet ministers rolled out a new Consumer Product Safety Act and promised an update to the federal Food and Drugs Act - the first in 50 years - at a news conference yesterday afternoon. (Globe and Mail)
Jane Taber takes questions on federal politics Apr 9, 2008
On Tuesday Prime Minister Stephen Harper and two of his cabinet ministers rolled out a promised overhaul to consumer protection laws that will introduce fines for people who put unsafe goods on stores shelves and allow the government to recall products that are deemed hazardous. The update to the federal Food and Drugs Act - the first in 50 years - and a new Consumer Product Safety Act were applauded by safety organizations and industry organizations. (Globe and Mail)
ACCC acts on online shopper security Apr 8, 2008
Australian retail websites are far more compliant with local consumer protection laws than their British counterparts, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ... A recent study by the British Office of Fair Trading found nearly a third of British retail websites were in breach of at least one aspect of the nation's consumer protection laws ... Ms Sylvan agrees awareness of consumer rights is growing, but adds that few realise Australian consumer protection laws do not... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
AG gets restraining order against staffing firm Apr 5, 2008
Ohio's top lawyer has secured a restraining order against a Columbus staffing firm, alleging it continued to violate state consumer protection laws after an October lawsuit. Attorney General Marc Dann said a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against , located on Columbus' north side. (Columbus Business First, OH)
City receives $100K from state legal action Apr 3, 2008
Coakley said that EBS alleged commission acceptance practices violated the state s as well as consumer protection laws. Municipalities should have full knowledge of any commission that are generated by the insurance they purchase, so they can make the best choices for their employees, she said. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Election '08: Hillary's Delta Blues Apr 1, 2008
In March 2000, the federal government had charged Delta with violating consumer fair lending and consumer protection laws by approving and funding loans regardless of the borrower's ability to pay. Delta Financial, and subsidiary Delta Funding, made much of its money by turning around and selling its loans at a profit. (Investors Business Daily)
Mortgage crisis spurs second look at consumer protection law Mar 24, 2008
Critics say New Hampshire has one of the weakest consumer protection laws in the country ... He said state banking laws may not apply to federally chartered banks, but that doesn't mean those institutions are exempt from state consumer protection laws. (Concord Monitor)
Why Spitzer was Bushwhacked Mar 20, 2008
Spitzer wrote, "In 2003, during the height of the predatory lending crisis, the OCC invoked a clause from the 1863 National Bank Act pre-empting all state predatory lending laws, thereby rendering them inoperative. The OCC also promulgated new rules that prevented states from enforcing any of their own consumer protection laws against national banks.". In his article, Spitzer charged, "Not only did the Bush administration do nothing to protect consumers, it embarked on an aggressive and... (Asia Times Online)
Emerson Poynter LLP Announces Investigation of Possible ERISA Violations in the Bear Stearns, Inc. Employee Plans Mar 19, 2008
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)
Come to the U.S., get conned Mar 7, 2008
The Fresno County District Attorney's Office is taking immigration consultants to court for failing to comply with consumer protection laws. Five civil cases have been filed in Fresno County Superior Court. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Truliant to promote identity theft protection Mar 2, 2008
The LifeLock promotional tour includes stops in 10 cities, with the aim of collecting 20,000 signatures for a petition urging Congress to pass more stringent consumer protection laws related to identity theft. The stop at Truliant's Winston-Salem headquarters will take place March 3. (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
Leasing companies sue Ottawa over vehicle import rules Feb 29, 2008
The suit alleges the automakers and the government violated competition and consumer protection laws by forcing Canadians to pay excessive fees, ranging in the thousands of dollars, for unnecessary vehicle modifications and approvals on cars imported from the U.S.. None of the allegations contained in the court documents have been proven in court. (Globe and Mail)
Fake fire extinguisher repairman nailed by AG Nixon Feb 25, 2008
The judgment, ordered by Laclede County Associate Circuit Judge Christine Hutson, permanently bans McNew from the fire extinguisher business, and forbids him from any future violations of Missouri s consumer protection laws. It also requires McNew to return 6,000 in restitution to more than 30 businesses who paid him for his services. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
At 73, Jimmie Gollahon is being productive, meeting new friends Feb 23, 2008
Nixon is asking the court to order Hentzel to stop violating Missouri consumer protection laws, pay restitution to all consumers who suffered a loss due to Hentzel s actions, penalties and costs. Comments. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
Hawaii, 14 states settle with direct marketer Feb 22, 2008
The money will be used to fund consumer education and enforcement of consumer protection laws in the state. Pennsylvania-based HCI Direct Inc. had sent direct mail solicitations offering free samples of merchandise to consumers across the country. (Bizjournals.com)
Fire extinguisher dealer to pay restitution Feb 6, 2008
Failure to tell the truth in this case not only violated consumer protection laws, it also put the safety of those individuals who did business with Mr. Wright at considerable risk. As part of the agreement, Wright will comply with all state consumer protection laws as they relate to the sale and maintenance of fire extinguishers, including only selling devices and providing maintenance or service work that meets all NFPA standards. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Shareholders sue Lilly over Zyprexa woes Feb 1, 2008
About 30 state attorneys general also have subpoenaed documents detailing Lilly's sales practices for Zyprexa as part of a civil investigation under state consumer protection laws. And Lilly faces lawsuits from several states and some third-party payers accusing it of promoting the "off-label" use of Zyprexa for treatments not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Report: Lilly, Govt Explore Zyprexa Deal Jan 31, 2008
Attorneys general from 30 states have subpoenaed documents detailing Lilly's sales, marketing and promotional practices for Zyprexa as part of a civil investigation under state consumer protection laws. Lilly said in a statement that it promotes its medications "only for approved uses and consistent with all federal and state laws.". (ABC News -- Wire)
Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to Host Workshop on International Technical Assistance Jan 30, 2008
One-Day Public Event Scheduled for February 6, 2008, in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced that they will host a joint workshop entitled, "2008 International Technical Assistance Workshop: Charting the Future Course of International Technical Assistance at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission." The workshop, which will be held on Feb. 6,... (PR Newswire)
Granholm: Creating opportunity in a changing world diversifying our economy, educating our people Jan 30, 2008
This year, I'll ask the Legislature to amend our antitrust and consumer protection laws to give the attorney general and prosecutors broader authority to investigate price-fixing at the pump and gas-gouging by big oil. Fourth, Michigan consumers are paying some of the highest home and auto insurance rates in the nation. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
NY Attorney General probes drug companies on Vytorin claims Jan 27, 2008
Cuomo said he is investigating whether the company violated New York consumer protection laws by aggressively marketing the drug to unsuspecting patients and doctors. Investigators also are probing insider stock sales and whether the companies' statements to investors were accurate, Cuomo said. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
The Winds of Change Jan 26, 2008
One change he would make is to transfer any role the FCC has in promoting market competition to the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces antitrust and consumer protection laws. The things that the FCC has been spending the vast majority of its time on looking at competition in the Internet, looking at competition in the cable industry, looking at competition in broadcasting, looking at mergers are all precisely in the expertise of the FTC, Gattuso said. (Multichannel News)
Patients sue over cholesterol drug marketing Jan 25, 2008
In the Florida lawsuit, Marion J. Greene, 72, of Niceville alleges the drugmakers violated consumer protection laws in all 50 states through the marketing and sale of Vytorin and Zetia. "I feel I've been intentionally misled by companies whose main pursuit is profits, rather than health," said Greene, who took Vytorin for nearly two years, in a statement. (MSNBC -- Health)
A&B Fuel debacle offers lesson in pre-paying Jan 25, 2008
The Consumer Protection Bureau of the state attorney general s office filed a lawsuit against A in Wayne County Court last week citing violations of state consumer protection laws. The Baios on Tuesday filed a second bankruptcy petition, Chapter 13, that pertains to their personal assets, which have been frozen along with their corporate assets. (Scranton Times, PA)
Whoops! Ask.com complaint to FTC is an EPIC mistake Jan 25, 2008
After all, EPIC is staffed by attorneys, and their to the FTC alleges that AskEraser is, beyond any doubt, "an unfair business practice." If true, that would violate state consumer protection laws, including California's , which says private attorneys may sue a company engaging in "unfair" business practices. I think I know what the answer is. (CNET News.com)
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro Announces Investigation Into Marketing of Vytorin and Zetia Jan 17, 2008
The investigation is looking into charges of whether Merck and Schering-Plough violated state consumer protection laws arising from the sale and marketing of Zetia and Vytorin. Vytorin is the combination of Zetia and Zocor, a statin now available as a generic drug for about one-third of the cost. (PR Newswire)
Deal requires Prizant's to fill orders or refund money Jan 12, 2008
If the chain -- which closed half of the retail locations in its 10-store operation early in December -- hadn't agreed to reimburse its customers, it would have been in violation of the state's consumer protection laws, the agreement said. The voluntary compliance agreement, filed yesterday in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, requires Prizant's to either fill customer orders or reimburse customers, so long as the customers file a claim with the attorney general's Bureau of Consumer... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Littlewoods credit advert rapped Jan 9, 2008
The company said it believed it had complied with consumer protection laws. Over 18s. (BBC News -- UK)
State sues State Fair spa seller Jan 6, 2008
The complaint alleges that of Waukesha, which does business as , and its owner, Craig Hueffner, violated state consumer protection laws by not informing customers that under state law, sales contracts can be canceled within three days for transactions that occur away from a "regular place of business," Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said Thursday. Master Spas, Van Hollen said, has engaged in selling spas, gazebos, saunas and other goods at locations away from a "regular place of... (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Mortgage leader's drive to grow led to bankruptcy Jan 5, 2008
She also questioned whether marketing plans could run afoul of consumer protection laws, according to a whistleblower complaint filed with federal regulators in March. Harkness alleges she was harassed and fired for questioning the conduct of Fieldstone founder and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Sonnenfeld. (SunSpot.net)
Another sub-prime year Jan 1, 2008
While the Legislature took important steps to implement new consumer protection laws for the mortgage industry this fall, Attorney General Martha Coakley has crafted new regulations for the mortgage lenders that are set to take effect in the New Year. The regulations prohibit several forms of mortgage fraud and unfair lending that drove the recent meltdown in the sub-prime market and the resulting foreclosure crisis in Massachusetts. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
Newsmaker: Attorney General takes activist stance Dec 31, 2007
Ohio has "wonderful" consumer protection laws, he said, and but an attorney general has to be willing to take the heat from businesses - and their lawyers - if he wants to be aggressive in enforcing those laws. "If consumers are not protected by the government," Whaley said, "there's almost nothing they can do themselves. ... If the attorney general doesn't do this kind of thing, by and large it will not get done.". (Columbus Business First, OH)
Suit on light and low-tar cigarettes heads to SJC Dec 27, 2007
The lawsuit is part of a wave of claims filed recently in at least 11 states alleging that tobacco manufacturers deliberately misled smokers of light cigarettes for years, in violation of state consumer protection laws. A year ago, an Illinois judge issued a $10. (Yahoo News -- Tobacco Lawsuits)
Doyle signs cable competition bill Dec 27, 2007
And while we are opening the door to competition, people can also be assured that Wisconsin s strong consumer protection laws will continue to cover them when it comes to issues like billing errors and service interruptions. The new law streamlines the cable franchise process by creating a statewide video service franchise process through the Department of Financial Institutions. (Menomonie Dunn County News, WI)
Lead scares spark concern for toy safety Dec 23, 2007
Michael Petricone, spokesman for the Consumer Electronics Association, said the manufacturer's trade group supports strong consumer protection laws, but opposes state-level enforcement ... Hood said his office is working on toughening state consumer protection laws and penalties and hopes to present a model statute to lawmakers when the state Legislature convenes next year. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Doyle signs cable competition bill, makes changes with veto Dec 22, 2007
And while we are opening the door to competition, people can also be assured that Wisconsin s strong consumer protection laws will continue to cover them when it comes to issues like billing errors and service interruptions, Doyle said in a statement. The state, not local communities, is put in charge of investigating consumer complaints and general oversight of the companies. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Airlines Try to Ground Passenger 'Bill of Rights' Dec 18, 2007
"It is important that New York and other states, wherever possible, enact consumer protection laws. It was a common-sense law that we wrote.". Fuschillo, chairman of the consumer protection committee in the Senate, predicted in an interview Monday that the legality of the state statute would be upheld. (Law.com)
DA: Suspicious Mailers Not Fraudulent Dec 18, 2007
They also claimed that the amount of the fees and the failure to disclose them violated federal and state antitrust disclosure unfair competition, deceptive practices and consumer protection laws. The defendants denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement. (KSBW 8, CA)
Better deal elsewhere would lure Mass. life-science firms Dec 12, 2007
Coakley on Dec. 3 filed a civil investigative demand authorizing her office to investigate whether the merger violates state antitrust or consumer protection laws. Commerce officials could not be reached for comment, and the attorney general's office declined to comment. (Boston Globe)
Water fight: N.H., Vt., NAFTA Dec 1, 2007
But Riggs said some states have pulled back from passing aggressive environmental and consumer protection laws for fear of such challenges. One trade dispute in which a private company won targeted the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi and the town of Guadalcazar, which wanted to shut down a toxic waste dump that had been bought by a U.S. company, Metalclad. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
High Stakes for Regulated Industry in Supreme Court Pre-emption Cases Nov 30, 2007
But they also have broad consequences for consumers and states with strong consumer protection laws, said Arthur Bryant, executive director of Public Justice (formerly Trial Lawyers for Public Justice). "The fact is industry has been pushing to expand federal pre-emption for the past 25 years as a wholesale, get-out-of-jail-free card," he said. (Law.com)
18,000 complaints from consumers Nov 27, 2007
The ministry has been carrying out enforcement against traders and operators that violate consumer protection laws, and we will continue to take ongoing measures to ensure further improvements are made in the laws, he told reporters after launching a talk titled The Current State of Malaysian Consumers: Holding Corporations Accountable at a hotel here Tuesday. During the function he also launched NCCCs inaugural report for 2006. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
