By: Jeffrey Lapin FCC’S NEW RULES On February 15, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) announced new consumer protections against telemarketing robocalls. A “robocall”, also called an “autodialed call”, is a call which has a pre-recorded message made using an automatic telephone dialing system. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) already places limits on unsolicited
By: Jeffrey Lapin In a victory for consumers the co-sponsors of H.R. 3035 (The Mobile Information Caller Act of 2011) withdrew the bill from further consideration. The bill would have made significant changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the most significant of which would have permitted businesses, including debt collectors, to use automatic
New opposition has arisen against H.R. 3035, the Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011. Attorney Generals in 48 states signed a letter urging Congress to reject the bill. The proposed Act, among other things, would amend the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by changing the definition of “prior express consent” and permit debt collectors to
By: Jeffrey Lapin Parts 1 and 2 of this Social Media and Debt Collection Series discussed Facebook and Twitter and the recent United Kingdom’s ban against debt collectors using social networking sites. This final Part will discuss the current state of United States’ law, its applicability to social networks and offer some recommendations as to
By: Jeffrey Lapin This is Part 2 in a 3-Part Series regarding the use of social networking sites by debt collectors. Part 1 of this Series discussed Facebook and Twitter, two of the most popular social networking sites and services. This Part will discuss the United Kingdom’s Office of Fair Trading recent prohibition against debt
By: Jeffrey Lapin This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series about the use of social media, sites and services, and debt collection. This Part will discuss Facebook and Twitter, which are two of the most popular social media sites and services. Both provide limited protection to a debtor-user against a debt collector-user by,
Winter weather (bitter cold temperatures, snow and ice) is almost here and drivers need to remember to take extra care. Every year it seems that there are more accidents during the first couple of snowstorms as drivers tend to forget how to drive on snow and ice. An earlier post, Drivers Prepare: Winter Weather Is
As the temperatures drop we know the winter driving season is nearly upon us. Drivers need to start preparing now for driving on snow and ice. Driving on snow and ice is always challenging, but with a bit of preparation everyone can hopefully enjoy a safe winter season.
H.R. 3035 – The Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011 In a previous post, Proposed Act Would Permit Debt Collectors to Use Auto-Dialers to Call Cellular Telephones, H.R. 3035, the Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011, was discussed and how, if passed, would likely harm consumers. The Act, among other things, would amend the Telephone
By: Jeffrey Lapin Lapin Law Offices has updated its website to include definitions of commonly used words and phrases in Social Security Administration Disability claims [Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI)]. These definitions can be viewed here: Social Security Disability Definitions