Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
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 »
