US Department of Justice Rewards Victims of Walmart Gift Card Scam with $4 Million Compensation
The US Department of Justice has announced that it will be compensating victims of a Walmart gift card scam with nearly $4 million. The scam allegedly began in 2015 when scammers instructed victims to purchase Walmart gift cards ranging from $500 to $1,000. Between 2016 and 2017, Walmart froze balances on gift cards suspected of being part of the fraudulent scheme. The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to forfeit the frozen balances, and the money will now be available as compensation payments to affected customers.
DirecTV Agrees to Pay Beneficiaries of Unsolicited Phone Calls
DirecTV has reached an agreement to pay individuals who received unsolicited phone calls. Beneficiaries can receive up to $400, and instructions on how to claim the money will be provided.
Social Security Administration Provides Supplemental Security Income to Seniors and People with Disabilities
The Social Security Administration sends monthly payments of up to $914 as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to seniors and people with disabilities, including children. Individuals who are eligible for the benefit can request it through the appropriate channels.
New York City Rent Guidelines Board Approves Rent Hike for Rent-Stabilized Apartments
The New York City Rent Guidelines Board has voted to pass a rent hike for the approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments in the city. The board agreed to a 3% raise on one-year leases and an increase in two-year leases in intervals of 2.75% the first year and 3.2% the second. These changes will take effect on October 1, marking the highest rent increase since 2013.
Mortgage Rates Experience a Slight Drop
Homebuyers have been closely monitoring mortgage rates, which soared last year from historic lows. The average weekly rate for both 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages dipped slightly for the week ending June 22. The rates currently sit at 6.67% and 6.03%, respectively, more than double where they were at the end of 2021.
Middle-Class Homebuyers Face Housing Shortages
Middle-income homebuyers are being hit the hardest by the housing shortage. According to a report published by the National Association of Realtors and Realtor.com, while 51% of earners in the US make $75,000 or less, only 23% of available home listings are affordable for these households. The situation is even worse in cities like San Jose, California, and New York, where only 5% and 13% of respective available listings are affordable for these families. Higher-income individuals have more options within their income bracket, with
How does the DirecTV settlement aim to compensate consumers for the inconvenience caused by unwanted calls?
Expect to receive compensation for the inconvenience caused by these calls. The settlement comes after numerous complaints were filed against DirecTV for making unwanted calls to consumers. The company has agreed to pay a total of $9.5 million to resolve the claims.
In addition to the monetary compensation, DirecTV has also agreed to implement stricter compliance measures to ensure that such calls are not made in the future. This includes maintaining a comprehensive system to track and monitor the number of calls made, as well as conducting regular audits to identify any potential violations.
The settlement serves as a reminder to companies about the importance of respecting consumer privacy and complying with regulations. Unsolicited phone calls can be a nuisance to consumers, and companies need to be cautious about their marketing strategies to avoid legal repercussions.
Victims of the Walmart gift card scam can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they will be compensated for their losses. The $4 million in funds will provide some financial relief to those who fell victim to the scam and purchased fraudulent gift cards. This payout from the Department of Justice reaffirms their commitment to protecting consumers and holding scammers accountable for their actions.
If you believe you were a victim of the Walmart gift card scam, you may be eligible for compensation. The Department of Justice will be reaching out to potential victims to provide further information on the claims process. It is important to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or scams to the appropriate authorities.
Both the DirecTV settlement and the Walmart gift card scam compensation highlight the efforts of government agencies to ensure justice for consumers. By taking action against companies that violate consumer rights, the US Department of Justice aims to deter future fraudulent activities and protect the interests of consumers.
These recent updates on US financial news highlight the potential impact of increased interest rates and Walmart’s efforts to address compensation. It’s crucial for investors and consumers to monitor these developments as they could shape economic trends and corporate practices.