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http://autoexpert.com.au/buying-a-car/new-cars/top-10-ways-to-beat-a-car-dealer-2014-update
America’s biggest banks have a secret weapon, and they’re probably already using it against you.
Fantastic New Documentary
A big problem for consumers is that the businesses that cause you problems are also the ones who wind up controlling all the contacts you have with them, and they like to do so in ways that make it hard for you to later prove that they told you A, B, or C when they claim to have told you X, Y, and Z.
Here's a suggested template for taking notes during and after phone calls with any business (a bank, a credit card servicer, a billing department, a mortgage lender, etc.). It's not a guarantee that you won't have problems, but it would sure help a lot if the company trying to screw you wasn't the only one with records of all your contacts. 1. On _________ (date) at about _________(time), (I called [company]/[company] called me) and I spoke with a representative of [company] who identified (him/her)self as __________________(name), ID number _____________. The number (I called/was called from) was __________________. 2. During the call, I expressed my concerns about account number _________________________ specifically concerning a. (first concern) __________________ b. (second concern) __________________ (and so on -- as many different topics as you discuss) 3. About these concerns, ___________________ (company rep. name) told me that a. (what they said) ___________________________ b. (what they said) ___________________________ (and so on -- as many different topics as you discuss) 4. (company rep. name) told me that : a. (first one) I (should/must) do this: ___________________ no later than (time/date) _____________________ b. (second one) I (should/must) do this: ___________________ no later than (date) _________________________ etc. 5. I am sending you these call notes for your review and confirmation so that we may rely on them later. Please review these notes and advise me immediately, by email to (address), with followup by US Mail to (address), if [company] believes there are any discrepancies between these notes and [company] call records. Thank you, September 13, 2014 Thanks to my clients, I am able to support terrific organizations like Salem Harvest: Dear Mr. Gear, WOW. This FOX affiliate's "Reality Check" is an amazingly good piece of local TV journalism. WELL WORTH A WATCH.
Please share the video at the link with as many people as you can. Until everyday people realize just how badly the justice system has been privatized, corrupted, and turned against us, the real people, businesses will keep getting away with using arbitration to cover up their crimes and they will continue pouring money into campaigns to lock in their unfair dispute resolution scheme, where they get to use the power of the courts against you, but not the other way around. Popular outrage is the only antidote. We have to start defeating any candidate for federal office who won't make fixing this mess a top priority. Today marks John Gear Law Office's fourth birthday.
I am very grateful to all the clients who have trusted me with their problems and given me the opportunity to help them find solutions. Thanks to your trust and confidence, I have been able to meet my primary practice goal: Making a modest living with a "values-based Oregon law practice" -- where "values-based" means I don't represent the folks trying to take advantage of others, my clients are the ones wronged by those who do. It's not the easiest area of law and it's definitely not the most lucrative, but I think it's the most satisfying. As the Mrs. works towards her M. Div. and ordination as a minister, I am able to have a practice that reflects, rather than conflicts with, the values of a ministry.
ADRC is a FREE service to help people learn about public and privately paid options to address aging or disability needs, or to help families and caregivers. Anyone in Oregon can use the service for themselves or their families. "In a decision just two days ago, a federal judge appointed by George W. Bush felt compelled by U.S. Supreme Court decisions to enforce an arbitration clause even though the judge noted that
(a) the court did not believe that the plaintiffs ever believed they were signing away their right to bring a lawsuit; (b) enforcing the clause would “undermine effective enforcement of federal antitrust laws”; and (c) enforcing the clause after the defendant first had decided to litigate in court was “inefficient and wasteful.” The court concluded that in this area of law, “common sense plays no role.” Here’s a blog post about the case, with link to the decision: http://bit.ly/1pPBFJP This is a true poster child of arbitration abuse, really highlighting just how unfair the law has gotten under the current U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions. If people will read this decision, they may well get a sense of just how out of whack the law has gotten in this area." Emily Bazelon's explanation of a recent Obama executive order is posted on Slate. Tell your Congresscritter: Don't Let Corporations Endanger Our Health and Safety with Secrecy Deals!8/5/2014 We shouldn't let giant corporations keep hiding what they know about defective products when they settle lawsuits!
Private binding arbitration clauses don't just screw consumers and employees. They also hurt investors -- including the people who just have their pension and retirement savings in 401(k) plans or other retirement savings plans -- because private binding arbitration is how corporate managers prevent anyone from knowing how badly they are screwing up and mistreating people (customers, employees), which creates huge liabilities. If you're an investor, you should tell your companies to stop giving management cover for wasting investors' money -- tell them to stop using private binding arbitration clauses, so that you have a way to keep an eye on your money.
"Think about it. If American Apparel and Mr. Charney had been subject to public lawsuits, how long could have Mr. Charney lasted?" The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Good article explaining how the Supreme Court's setting you up to be like the guy kneeling below7/9/2014 In The Nation
Hi John,
I want to add my thanks to J------'s for all your help with resolving the issue regarding the truck she bought. It was clear the entire time we worked with you that you were totally on the same page as we were. Not only did we want our money back but we wanted to put a crimp (if ever-so-small) in this guy's business operations. You can be sure we will use you in the future, if it ever becomes necessary, and share your competence and compassion with our friends and family. So, thanks again. Saw a great comment today by a lawyer who is struggling hard to solve a very difficult (and, now, expensive) estate administration problem involving title to real property. The problem was created by the now-deceased parents of his clients; those parents probably saved all of a few hundred bucks on lawyer fees by doing their own estate planning. The lawyer's comment: "You don't always get what you pay for, but you seldom get what you don't pay for." One of the most common things old geezers like me say when they look back at high school is "Why didn't someone tell me this!?! It would have saved me so much hassle. How come nobody warned me?" If you've reached age 18, grad or not, there are some pretty important things you need to take care of in the legal department. But nearly every young adult has no idea what those key things are. That's why I am offering "Adult Life 101" for all 18 year olds, especially new grads. For just $50, I'll give you some key information and take care of a few "must do" legal things, so you can be better prepared to start the next chapter of your life, whatever direction you go. You can do this on your own, or you can bring your parents or a friend if you want. Call for an "Adult Life 101" appointment. |
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Lawyerly Fine Print:
John Gear Law Office LLC and Salem Consumer Law. John Gear Law Office is in Suite 208B of the Security Building in downtown Salem at 161 High St. SE. That is right across High Street from the Elsinore Theater, a half-block south of Marion County Courthouse.
John Gear is only licensed to practice law in Oregon. This site may be considered advertising under Oregon State Bar rules. There is no legal advice on this site so do not take anything you read here as advice for your particular problem or situation. And I do not represent you and I am not your attorney unless you have hired me with a representation agreement. While I do want you to consider me when you seek an attorney, you should not hire any attorney based on brochures, websites, advertising, or other promotional materials. All original content on this site is Copyright John Gear, 2010-2022. |