Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Avoiding Post-Disaster Mortgage Scams
When a disaster like wildfires strikes a region, including areas here in Ohio, homeowners not only often experience severe stress, but also financial issues in the form of lost income and an increase in expenses if they suffered damages from the disaster. It is in this setting that homeowners will sometimes experience issues (or… Read More »
When An HOA Dispute Threatens to Take Away Your Home
Many people do not realize that, in a number of circumstances, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have the power to foreclose on homeowners’ property, including for what may seem like small infractions, such as, for example, the installation of the wrong type of windows that do not conform with community requirement. HOAs will, in a number… Read More »
Consumer Lawsuit Filed Against Brita for Deceptive & Unfair Business Practices
In August, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against the popular water filtration manufacturer Brita, claiming that the company misled consumers regarding the effectiveness of its water filter products; specifically alleging that the water filters do not remove potentially hazardous substances from drinking water or reduce the levels of those contaminants, as… Read More »
How Does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Protect Me, As A Consumer?
The debt collection industry relies almost entirely on threats of intimidation with the hopes that consumers can be tricked into providing them with funds that they likely aren’t entitled to and the consumers are not legally required to provide them with, and medical bills are one of the most common subjects of debt collection… Read More »
Are Fish Oil Supplements Violating Consumer Protection Laws?
Fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S. However, a new study indicates that there may be consumer claims associated with fish oil products and misleading labels; specifically, a number of the products also make a number of health claims on their labels, especially when it comes to preventing… Read More »
Options For Those Who Cannot Afford Their Mortgage
As Columbus foreclosure defense lawyers, we are well-versed with providing clients with options when they can no longer afford their mortgages any longer. There is no question that when hard times hit, keeping up with your mortgage payments can be a challenge, especially if other financial burdens – such as medical bills and debt… Read More »
Unpaid HOA Dues & Lack of Uniform Collections Policies
As Columbus homeowners association (HOA) foreclosure defense attorneys, we frequently hear complaints regarding non uniform – and, at times, even illegal – HOA fee collection policies. In fact, one of the major foreclosure issues that we fight on behalf of homeowners involves an HOA foreclosing on property due to failure to pay these fees…. Read More »
Amazon Sued for Violating Consumer Protection Laws
In late June, a lawsuit was filed against Amazon alleging that the company violated consumer protection laws by deceiving consumers into enrolling and/or automatically renewing the company’s “Prime” subscription services. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Amazon consistently promotes Prime enrollment, providing insufficient disclosures, involuntary enrollment issues, and unauthorized charges, while also alleging that it… Read More »
Homeownership Counseling Requirements
There are specific requirements dictated by the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or “RESPA” (Regulation X). These requirements – and others – dictate working with a Columbus Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about federal consumer protection laws that… Read More »
New Consumer Protection Law “INFORM” Act Goes Into Effect
A new consumer protection law that went into effect in late June protects consumers from counterfeit, unsafe, and/or stolen goods: The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) for Consumers Act places requirements on all online marketplaces concerning “high-volume” third-party sellers who sell new consumer products online regarding the disclosure, safeguarding, and… Read More »