Signature page Dec 22

If Bill Passes, New Mexico Annual Percentage Rate Cap Would Be Lowered to 36 Percent

For the last ten years, consumer advocates have tried to get a bill through the New Mexico legislature that would cap the Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”) on all loans at 36 percent.  New Mexico’s current cap is 175 percent, one of the highest in the nation.  Passage of the 36 percent bill this year is […]

Read More
Dec 09

Pandemic Relief: New Mexico Programs Available

Here are links to the critical programs so that you can learn more and get the help you need (Please share these links with your family, friends, and colleagues): · Small Business CARES Relief Grants (Application Open 12/7-12/18) · NM Economic Development Department Webinar on the Small Business CARES Relief Grants.   New Mexico Worker Pandemic […]

Read More
Dec 09

Helpful Website Concerning COVID-19 Financial Relief Options

Consumer Litigation Associates have created a website, http://www.consumer.law, to provide a central source of information for consumers facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.  This website includes lists of hardship programs for mortgage, auto, credit card and student loan lenders.  If you need financial help due to COVID-19 hardship, this website is a great resource.

Read More
solar panels on house Nov 19

Vivint Solar Pays $1.95 Million to Settle Claims About Deceptive Business Practices Against New Mexico Consumers

On October 1, 2020, Vivint Solar agreed to the entry of a Consent Order requiring it to reform its business practices in New Mexico.  Many deceptive business practices are addressed in the Consent Order.  Vivint Solar is now required to: Provide accurate information about the terms of the sale, lease or Power Purchase Agreement Adopt […]

Read More
solar panels on house Jul 24

Can I Sue a Solar Company?

Have you been tricked in a door-to-door sale of a solar system?  New Mexico law provides strong protections against businesses that use misleading or deceptive tactics. You may be able to sue the solar company if it used misleading or deceptive tactics in selling you the solar system. The deception and trickery can take many […]

Read More
Picture of phone receiving call Jul 10

United States Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act

On July 6, 2020, in Barr v. American Association of Political Consultants, the United States Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”).  Under this law, it is illegal for businesses to place robocalls to cell phones without earlier permission.  The Court concluded that the TCPA’s exception for government debt collection calls is […]

Read More
Jun 22

CFPB Warns Mortgage Servicers to Start Complying with CARES Act Protections

On June 19, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (”CFPB”) put mortgage servicers  on notice, urging them to comply with credit reporting obligations amid record numbers of consumer complaints.  The CFPB saw its highest-ever complaint volumes in April and May 2020, due to COVID-19-related complaints.  Complaints about mortgages were most common among the COVID-19-related complaints. […]

Read More
Jun 19

If You Are Having Trouble Obtaining Adequate Relief from Your Mortgage Servicer

COVID-19 has caused not just a health crisis.  For many New Mexico families, it has also caused an economic crisis. Most mortgage servicers are allowing homeowners to defer payments for three months.  Most are also requiring full payment for the deferred three months, plus the fourth month payment, on month four.  This solution is no […]

Read More
Jun 12

New Mexico Protects Garnishment of Stimulus Checks

  On June 5, 2020, the New Mexico Supreme Court ordered that all garnishments in collection lawsuits against consumers were stayed until further notice because of COVID-19.  This Order protects stimulus checks from garnishment.  Garnishments related to child support or spousal support are not stayed.  A copy of the Order and the Press Release are […]

Read More
Jun 02

Post-Forbearance Options for Homeowners

Many homeowners are questioning whether it is prudent to take advantage of the forbearance plans currently offered by mortgage servicers.  They are concerned that the forbearance plans may leave them worse off since most are for three months with a lump sum payment for the three months in arrears, plus the fourth month, due on […]

Read More