It is quite common for a debtor to receive a call from a 3rd party he or she does not recognize concerning a delinquent debt. Often, the calls are at inconvenient times and are quite confusing since the debtor does not recall ever borrowing money from or having a credit account with the 3rd party. … Continue reading What exactly is a “debt collector” under the FDCPA.
Category: Consumer Advocacy
PUC to Investigate Water and Wastewater Rate Increases by Aqua Pennsylvania and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater
September 20, 2018 the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted to suspend and investigate proposed water and wastewater rate increases by Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc. The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the annual revenue and rate increase requests. Aqua Pennsylvania proposes to increase its annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $66.373 million … Continue reading PUC to Investigate Water and Wastewater Rate Increases by Aqua Pennsylvania and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater
PUC Creates New Office of Cybersecurity Compliance and Oversight
September 20, 2018 the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced the appointment of Michael C. Holko, of Dauphin County, as the Director of the Office of Cybersecurity Compliance and Oversight (OCCO), a new position created by the PUC to direct the Commission’s cybersecurity and regulatory oversight program in helping to ensure that the Commonwealth’s regulated … Continue reading PUC Creates New Office of Cybersecurity Compliance and Oversight
PUC Orders 17 Utilities to Return $320+ Million to Consumers Following Federal Tax Reform
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on May 17, 2018 issued an Order, requiring a “negative surcharge” or monthly credit on customer bills for 17 major electric, natural gas, and water and wastewater utilities, totaling more than $320-million per year. The refunds to consumers are the result of the substantial decrease in federal corporate tax rates … Continue reading PUC Orders 17 Utilities to Return $320+ Million to Consumers Following Federal Tax Reform
Report tax identity theft with IdentityTheft.gov
If you’re a tax professional, business owner, or in a human resources department, the FTC and IRS can help you help clients, employees, or other people who discover they’re victims of tax-related identity theft. Tax-related identity theft happens when someone uses your stolen Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return and claim your … Continue reading Report tax identity theft with IdentityTheft.gov
Investing in Bitcoin – Cryptocurrencies
Clients have been asking me about investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently provided some helpful advice. You do your best to keep up with the latest financial news. You’ve been hearing more about cryptocurrencies and asking yourself “Hmmm.” Of course, it’s not just Bitcoin. There are now hundreds of … Continue reading Investing in Bitcoin – Cryptocurrencies
The 3rd Circuit holds debtors may sue creditors who offer to settle time-barred debt under the FDCPA.
Recently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, rendered an opinion in the class action, Michelle Tatis vs. Allied Interstate, LLC: John Does 1-25, No. 16-4022, clarifying whether time-barred offers from creditors to settle old obligations violated the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (“FDCPA”). On appeal, the 3rd Circuit reversed a decision … Continue reading The 3rd Circuit holds debtors may sue creditors who offer to settle time-barred debt under the FDCPA.
Blockchain Technology Overview
When and if to use blockchain Aiming to clarify blockchain, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently released an introduction to blockchain, which underpins Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Cryptocurrencies and the underlying blockchain technology that enables them are now a common topic of conversation. Much of the attention stems either from the … Continue reading Blockchain Technology Overview
Online Dating and Relationship Scams
Valentine's Day is around the corner, but if an online love interest asks you for money, it’s probably a scam. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) receives thousands of reports each year about romance scammers who create fake online relationships only to rob their victims. Millions of Americans use dating sites, social networking sites and chat … Continue reading Online Dating and Relationship Scams
Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week January 29-February 2
It is tax time. The tax scammers are gearing-up. Learn how to protect yourself during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week January 29-February 2, 2018. Tax identity theft occurs when a person uses someone else’s Social Security number to either file a tax return and claim the victim’s refund, or to earn wages that are reported as … Continue reading Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week January 29-February 2
Prince Law Offices Blog 