By: Robert J. Nahoum Unauthorized electronic withdrawals, whether from debit card fraud, hacked accounts, ACH scams or CashApp, Zelle or Venmo, are increasingly common. One of the most frequent questions consumers ask is simple: Do I have to notify my bank in writing to be protected? The short answer is no, but there are important details that can affect your rights. […]
Under The EFTA, Do You Have to Notify Your Bank in Writing About Unauthorized Electronic Transfers
Voice Cloning Scams and Unauthorized Transfers: Your Rights Under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act
By: Robert J. Nahoum The Short Answer: Credit Cards Are Safer Voice cloning scams are no longer science fiction, they are happening right now, and they are costing consumers thousands of dollars in unauthorized electronic withdrawals. If you have received a frantic call from someone who sounded exactly like a loved one asking for money, you are not alone. These […]
Caught in an Auto Dealer Bait and Switch? Know Your Rights
By: Robert J. Nahoum You find the perfect car online. The price is right, the monthly payment fits your budget, and the listing says it’s sitting on the lot right now. You drive down to the dealership, excited to sign the paperwork, only to hear the salesperson say: “Oh, that car just sold an hour ago. But let me show […]
Mazda and Toyota Stop Buying Brokered Deals in New Jersey: What Car Buyers Should Know
By: Robert J. Nahoum Mazda and Toyota’s finance companies have taken a big step in New Jersey: they will no longer purchase lease or retail contracts involving brokered vehicle deals in the state. For consumers, this is another sign that brokered auto sales are drawing more scrutiny, especially when they involve transactions that may not comply with New Jersey law. […]
Why You First Learn About a Debt Lawsuit Through Wage Garnishment in New York
By: Robert J. Nahoum Most people assume they’ll know right away if they’ve been sued. In reality, many New Yorkers only discover a debt collection lawsuit after their paycheck is suddenly reduced by a wage garnishment. If that sounds surprising, you’re not alone, and there are specific legal and practical reasons why this happens so often. How Debt Lawsuits Are […]
New York Court Rejects Portfolio Recovery’s Request for a Default Judgment Due to Faulty Service
By: Robert J. Nahoum If you have ever checked your mail or credit report and seen the name Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC (PRA), you are far from alone. PRA is one of the largest junk debt buyers in the United States. They purchase billions of dollars in old, charged-off debts from credit card companies, banks, and finance companies for pennies […]
Digital Car Loan Signatures: A Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid Dealer Fraud
By: Robert J. Nahoum Digital signatures have made buying a car faster and more convenient, but they’ve also opened the door to new kinds of dealer fraud. Many buyers don’t realize that clicking “sign” on a tablet or phone can lock them into loan terms they never actually saw or agreed to. If you’re financing a car, especially through a […]
Purchase Order vs. Bill of Sale vs. Retail Installment Contract: How to Spot Auto Dealer Fraud
By: Robert J. Nahoum Auto dealers rarely hand you just one document when you buy a car, and that’s not by accident. Buried in the paperwork are often inconsistencies, hidden fees, or outright misrepresentations. Understanding the difference between the purchase order, bill of sale, and retail installment sales contract can make the difference between a fair deal and getting ripped […]
Don’t Trust the Talk—Read the Contract: When Car Buyers Are Bound by What They Sign
By: Robert J. Nahoum Buying a car should be exciting. Unfortunately, for many consumers, it turns into a legal headache when what they were told at the dealership doesn’t match what they actually signed. As a consumer protection attorney, I regularly speak with people who say some version of the same thing: “That’s not what the salesperson told me.” While that may […]
Private Student Loan Lawsuits: Why They’re Just Like Credit Card Debt Cases
By: Robert J. Nahoum With all the news surrounding student loans these days, if you’ve been sued over a private student loan, it may feel different, or even more intimidating, than other debts. But in reality, private student loan collection cases are handled almost exactly like credit card lawsuits and other unsecured debt cases. Understanding this can make a big difference […]