Selecting an attorney for legal cases is a very important decision. Please enter your information below to receive a Free Consultation from an attorney in your area:
West Virginia Consumer Protection News
Metsger Unveils Consumer Protection Agenda
Credit Scoring Bill Anchors Plans for Legislative Action
In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, State Senator Rick Metsger (D- Mt. Hood) unveiled his agenda to protect consumers for the 2003 Legislative Session. The centerpiece of his agenda is Senate Bill 280, which severely restricts the use of credit scores for the purpose of setting insurance premiums. Currently, over 90% of insurers use a consumer’s credit score to determine the insurance rate. Many consumers aren’t even aware of the practice, which charges consumers higher insurance rates based on their credit history.
“I simply don’t believe that Oregonians should be punished with higher insurance premiums because they choose to purchase a new home, have significant medical expenses, or are the victim of identity theft. It’s not fair, and it’s not right,” said Metsger.
Senator Metsger noted that the impetus for this legislation came from Oregonians who contacted him in opposition to the use of credit scores for insurance. “Over the last 18 months, I’ve had countless calls, letters, and emails, from both effected citizens and insurance agents who detest this practice. They all want to see the use of credit scoring in insurance to be curtailed,” he said.
In addition to SB 280, Senator Metsger has introduced two other bills designed to protect consumers. SB 262 adds unsolicited faxes to Oregon’s “No Call” list. This bill is designed to limit the practice of “junk faxes.” SB 261 prohibits unsolicited email that misrepresents the subject of origin of a message. The legislation is designed to limit the amount spam that Oregonians receive. “These bills represent my commitment to ensuring that Oregon consumer’s are protected from new threats.”
Definition:
A lease in which you are not responsible for the difference if the actual value of the item at the scheduled end of the lease is less than the residual value, but you may be responsible for excess wear-and-use charges and for other lease requirements.
Travel Fraud
Definition:
Pay with a credit card. Fraudulent travel operators take the money and run, and even legitimate companies can suddenly go out of business. Protect yourself by paying with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if the promises aren’t kept.
Investment Scams
Definition:
Steer clear of “offshore investments.” These are often promoted as a way to avoid taxes. Actually, you are still liable for taxes, and the investments themselves are usually very risky
Legal Disclaimers All attorney listings are a paid attorney advertisement, and do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by an approved or authorized lawyer referral service. The information provided on West Virginia Consumer Protection Lawyers.com is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys
general information related to legal issues commonly encountered. Your access
to and use of this website is subject to additional Terms
and Conditions.
Local Professional? Generate new business today
Call 866-227-9356 or contact a sales rep
Did You Know?