Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens to Undistributed Funds from a Consumer Class Action?
Have you ever received a notice in the mail informing you that you are eligible to receive proceeds from a class action settlement? Many people simply ignore these notices and never bother to claim the money that they are entitled to by law. Which begs the question: What happens to the settlement funds that… Read More »
Federal Court Allows Predatory Lending Lawsuit Against Wells Fargo to Proceed
Predatory lending refers to the use of fraudulent, deceptive, or other unfair tactics designed to trick low-income borrowers into taking out mortgages they cannot afford. Predatory lending is not just an individual problem. It creates widespread social disruption, as the higher foreclosure rates on predatory loans often lead to widespread decline in property value–and… Read More »
Pennsylvania State Police Charge 23 Members of Alleged Used Car Fraud Ring
Pennsylvania requires all new and used car dealers to be licensed through the Secretary of State’s office. Licensure helps to protect consumers against unscrupulous used car dealers who engage in questionable–if not outright illegal–sales practices. If you are purchasing a used car, you should always make sure that you are working with a licensed… Read More »
Philadelphia Appeals Court Dismisses Reverse Mortgage Borrowers’ Lawsuit Against Lender Over Alleged Kickback Scheme
We often hear about homeowners paying inflated fees on their mortgages. In many cases these excessive charges violate state and federal regulations designed to protect consumers. Indeed, most states require insurers to file their rates with a regulatory agency. Any insurer that charges more than the file rate can therefore be held accountable. But… Read More »
Answering Some Questions About the Supreme Court’s Recent Robocall Decision
Nobody likes to answer their phone only to hear an automated message on the other hand. Such “robocalls” are not just a nuisance. In most cases, they are also illegal. Federal law prohibits the use of robocalls to make unsolicited sales pitches. Unless you have previously given a business written permission to make such… Read More »
Philadelphia Appeals Court Rejects Payday Lender’s Attempt to Hide Behind Tribal Law to Force Arbitration
Payday lenders often try to sneak arbitration clauses into their loan agreements. The idea behind these clauses is simple: Strip the consumer of their legal rights by forcing them into binding arbitration, where the normal rules and protections of the judicial system do not apply. In many cases, these forced arbitrations are heard by… Read More »
Why Is My State Consumer Law Case Being Heard in Federal Court?
Here in Pennsylvania, there are a number of state laws that enable consumers to seek damages against businesses that defraud them. But just because state law provides the basis for a claim, that does not necessarily mean your case will be heard in a Pennsylvania state court. In many cases, the business that you… Read More »
Can I Be Forced to Continue Paying for Home Security Services Even After Selling My House?
Federal and state debt collection laws prohibit a creditor from making false or misleading statements in connection with a consumer debt. This includes making any statements that suggest a consumer owes a debt that is not permitted by state law. However, if the customer previously signed a contract agreeing to pay a particular debt,… Read More »
Forbearance and Foreclosure Moratorium Under the CARES Act
Last month, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, in an attempt to help homeowners by providing certain protections to those with qualifying loans. For help determining whether you are eligible for relief under the terms of the new law, please contact our experienced Philadelphia foreclosure defense attorneys today. Federally-Backed… Read More »
Filing a Property Loss Claim
Even those who are fully prepared for a crisis or major disaster could find themselves facing an insurer who unfairly refuses to accept their claim. In these cases, property owners may want to consider consulting an experienced Philadelphia property loss claim denial lawyer who can help protect their legal interests. Preparatory Steps Before a… Read More »
