Safety Advocates Say Driverless Car Regulations Bill Falls Short

Consumers don’t have much confidence in the safety of autonomous vehicles. But the federal bill that would create the country’s first driverless car regulations puts auto manufacturers’ needs over consumer safety. 

Interest-Only Subprime Auto Loans are Too Good to Be True

Low-income families can sometimes find themselves desperate to get financing for a new-to-them used vehicle. They may be swayed by low monthly payments or interest-only subprime auto loans. But these lending options come with big strings attached, and sometimes the lenders don’t lay everything on the table.

CFPB Ombudsman Quits Over Student Loan Regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) Student Loan Ombudsman, Seth Frotman has had enough of the political maneuvers affecting the way he does his job overseeing student loan regulation. On August 27, 2018, Frotman resigned from the CFPB. His resignation letter shows how the organization has changed under the Trump administration.

FBI Uncovers $4.5 Million Classic Car Fraud Scheme to Steal from Collectors

It’s August in Metro Detroit, and that means it’s time for the Dream Cruise and classic cars. If you are thinking about getting in on the fun with a classic car purchase, you will want to know about a $4.5 million classic car fraud scheme recently uncovered by the FBI, and how to make sure you’re not taken advantage of too.

Gym’s Trans-Affirming Policy Violates Michigan Consumer Protection Act, Court Says

Would you want to know if your gym was trans-affirming before you paid for your membership? Would it bother you to share a locker room with people whose biological sex was different than yours? One gym’s trans-affirming policy has been up for debate in the courts for years. Now the Michigan Court of Appeals has said that the unwritten policy could have violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.

The Hidden Lemon Law Cost to Buying Big Ticket Items as an LLC

You are ready to put down money on a big-ticket item – maybe a vacation home, new vehicle, RV, or boat. You may think it is a good idea to create an LLC so you can claim the purchase is business related and pay less taxes. But in addition to the risk of tax fraud, that strategy could trigger a hidden lemon law cost if your big purchase turns out to be defective.

Auto Dealer Fraud vs Lemon Law: Know the Difference

In the legal world, the way you label your case can be the difference between meaningful relief and a motion to dismiss. It’s important to know ahead of time whether what you are dealing with is auto dealer fraud vs lemon law. It can affect your claim, and the remedies available when things go wrong.

Consumer Advocates Call Tesla’s Autopilot Deceptive Advertising

Can a car crash be a marketing problem? Tesla’s Autopilot has been involved in at least 3 serious accidents in two years. Consumer advocates say the company’s deceptive advertising is misleading consumers, convincing them they can take their eyes off the road.

FDCPA Cases Must Show Harm, Sixth Circuit Says

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) shields consumers from abusive, coercive, and deceptive efforts to collect debts. FDCPA violations can result in money damages. But a recent Sixth Circuit Court says before consumers can sue they must first show they suffered harm.

Could Sunroof Airbags Solve a Fatal Problem With Roll-Over Accidents?

How many fatal and serious injury accidents should it take to require federal regulation? Hundreds of people die every year when they are ejected from their sunroofs during roll-over accidents. But the popular feature isn’t regulated like windshields, or even side windows. Now one automaker has invented sunroof airbags and the NHTSA has begun to consider ways to solve this fatal problem.

Michigan’s Payday Loan Rules Stay Tough In Spite of Federal Trend Against Regulation

Michigan has some of the toughest payday loan rules in the nation. Even if the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau backs off under new leadership, these rules make sure Michigan residents are protected from abusive lending practices and dangerous debt cycles.

Tired of Telemarketers? These Apps Can Help

Your time is sacred. If you are a busy business professional or a full-time parent, you don’t have time to answer pointless phone calls. Telemarketing is a highly regulated industry, but many telemarketers ignore the rules. Now some software developers have created smartphone apps that could help cut the calls.

New Head of CFPB to Reevaluate Payday Loan Regulations

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is responsible for regulations connected to lending and the financial industry. Since 2012, the agency has been working to develop payday loan regulations that protect consumers from the abusive and manipulative tactics used by the industry. But in a recent statement, the new head of the CFPB said the agency plans to reevaluate those regulations, and make it easier for lenders to avoid them ever being enforced.

Don’t Fall for Yo-Yo Financing Schemes: Know the Warning Signs

If you ever listen to the radio, you have probably heard car dealership commercials for “0% financing” or “sign and drive” events. For poor consumers or those with bad credit, these deals can seem too good to be true. They often are. Learn what to watch for to avoid yo-yo financing schemes and make sure you don’t lose that new car.

Senate Undercuts Consumer Protection Rules Against Mandatory Arbitration

For years, consumers have used class action lawsuits to fight back against large corporations, banks, and predatory lenders who break the law. But the U.S. Senate recently passed a bill restoring the mandatory arbitration clauses in most consumer contracts, creating obstacles for consumer protection efforts and cutting off access to the courts.

When Is a Class Action Lawsuit a Bad Idea?

Who hasn’t gotten a letter in the mail notifying them they were entitled to a share of a class action lawsuit? Often these notices come out of the blue, addressing problems you didn’t even know you had. But a bad class action lawsuit can actually hurt your rights. Find out why doing nothing in a class action lawsuit could a bad idea, and what you can do instead.

The Equifax Breach: What You Should Do To Protect Your Identity

Earlier this month the credit-checking company Equifax announced a data breach that effective over 143 million consumers. That’s nearly half of the U.S. adult population. Find out what happened, why you should care, and what you can do to protect your identity.

Michigan Bill Improves Consumer Protections in No-Fault Law

The Michigan No-Fault Act, which controls auto insurance, has been up for review and possible reform for years. Past bills have unsuccessfully tried to impose caps and restrictions on injured motorists seeking coverage. Now a new proposal takes no-fault reform in a new direction: consumer protection.

Why You Should Opt Out of the Ford Focus / Fiesta Class Action

The rights of 1.5 million Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta owners and lessees are about to be affected by a class action settlement in California. It could cut Ford owners off from $1,000s in damages, attorney fees, and costs. Find out why you should opt out of the Ford Focus / Fiesta Class Action before the September 5, 2017 deadline.

Stranded Brides and Their Consumer Protection Options

Last month, nationwide bridal salon Alfred Angelo closed its doors unexpectedly upon filing for bankruptcy. Now it appears these brides and bridesmaids won’t get their dresses. Do stranded brides have any Consumer Protection options?