Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Common Predatory Lending Practices
Predatory loans come in a number of different forms, but all have the potential to trap consumers in debilitating debt. Fortunately, consumers are protected from unfair, misleading, or deceptive lending practices, so if you were recently taken advantage of by an unscrupulous lender, it is important to contact an experienced Philadelphia predatory lending lawyer… Read More »
Debt Collectors Target Consumers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As we all struggle to adapt to the changes wrought by the COVID-19 emergency, many consumers have also found themselves to be the targets of renewed efforts by debt collection agencies. Although a number of states have taken steps to protect consumers from harassment during this stressful time, Pennsylvania has yet to do so…. Read More »
COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act Introduced
Two new privacy bills were introduced in Congress in an effort to help protect personal data collected by businesses during the COVID-19 emergency. Although the bills, one of which was introduced by Senate Democrats and the other submitted by Senate Republicans, have a number of key differences, they both share one major similarity, namely… Read More »
COVID-19 Property Loss Claims
Individuals who suffer property loss could be entitled to compensation if they have the appropriate insurance policies. Most of us may imagine that this situation only arises in cases where a person’s home, business, or vehicle sustains physical damage as a result of fire, flood, natural disaster, or someone else’s criminal activity. However, in… Read More »
Forbearance Rights for Tenants During the COVID-19 Emergency
Earlier this year, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides foreclosure and eviction relief to homeowners and tenants across the country. While this law does apply to those who own single-family residences whose properties were purchased with a federally backed loan, it’s also important to note that the… Read More »
How Long Does the Foreclosure Process Take?
In Pennsylvania, the foreclosure process can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year, depending on the circumstances of the case. Fortunately, this means that homeowners often have time to raise a defense against unscrupulous lenders who are unfairly foreclosing on their properties. To learn more about your own legal rights… Read More »
Holding Lenders Accountable for Loan Flipping
The term “predatory lending” covers a wide range of unfair and deceptive practices, but one of the most common schemes is known as loan flipping. Loan flipping occurs when a lender encourages a borrower to refinance a loan, which generates fees for the lender, but doesn’t actually help the borrower. Although a number of… Read More »
Has the COVID-19 Emergency Affected Your Ability to Pay Your Mortgage?
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the lives of millions of people across the globe, many of whom may soon find themselves unable to stay on top of mortgage payments and other bills. Fortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, there are steps that can be taken to help you avoid the… Read More »
Common Car Repair Scams
Some of the most commonly filed consumer complaints involve allegations of auto repair fraud. Unfortunately, pursuing these types of claims is often extremely difficult for consumers, as most of us are not experts in car repair and may not initially realize that we have been taken advantage of, so if you recently fell victim… Read More »
Who is Protected by the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act?
In Pennsylvania, consumers are protected from being made the victim of a home contractor’s deceptive or fraudulent practices by the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). This law imposes a series of requirements on contractors, including what contractors must include in an agreement with homeowners. Unfortunately, many contractors fail to abide by these rules,… Read More »
