Houston Consumer Law

Fighting for the Consumer

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:52:49 GMT

For most families, buying a home or a vehicle is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Unfortunately, every year, thousands of Texas families are the victims of auto, home and credit scams that threaten their financial security and shatter their dreams. Fighting for your rights can be a frustrating experience – unless you have the experienced consumer protection attorneys of the Law Office of Richard Tomlinson fighting for you. Houston Consumer Law Attorney Richard Tomlinson has more than 25 years of experience in handling Texas consumer protection law, including automobile dealer fraud, repossessions, breach of warranty and other residential construction disputes, predatory and payday loans, credit card lawsuits and abusive debt collection. We are consumer advocates here to help you with your Texas consumer protection issue. Our mission is to give consumers like you a fighting chance. We know your rights and can defend you against predatory corporate business practices by...

Consumer Protection Attorneys

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:49:21 GMT

Greg Nodler

Greg Nodler is a member of the State Bar of Texas and dedicated to representing consumers in a wide variety of cases, including deception in new or used car deals, residential remodeling and construction defects, consumer credit defense, and more.

He is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center (J.D., 2005).

While in law school, Mr. Nodler was elected President of the Equal Justice Coalition/Public Interest Law Organization and awarded the UHLC Dean’s Public Interest Fellowship. He clerked for the American Civil Liberties Union and the Civil Rights and Economic Development Organization.

Before joining the Law Office of Richard Tomlinson, Mr. Nodler practiced civil rights law.

Consumer Protection Attorneys

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:42:07 GMT

Richard Tomlinson Greg Nodler Richard Tomlinson is a member of the State Bar of Texas and has dedicated his practice to representing consumers in a wide variety of cases, including deception in new or used car deals, residential remodeling and construction defects, consumer credit defense, and more. He is: Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Rated AV Martindale-Hubbell highest rating for attorneys A former Assistant Texas Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division/Regional Manager with more than 25 years of experience in handling consumer claims, Council Member of the State Bar of Texas Consumer Law Section, Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Commercial and Consumer Law Section of the Houston Bar Association and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. Adjunct Professor, Consumer Law, University of Houston Law Center Mr. Tomlinson is admitted to practice in Texas and before...

Consumer Law Attorneys

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:32:22 GMT

Education Bar Admissions Certification Legal Employment Publications & Presentations Membership Richard Tomlinson rtomlinson@houstonconsumerlaw.com Education: College: B.A., 1974, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio Legal: J.D. with Honors, 1979, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Bar Admissions: Texas State Courts, 1979 U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 1980 U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 1981 U.S....

How Consumers Should Handle Illegal and Unethical Debt Collection Situations

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:42:23 GMT

Embarrassing calls at work. Threats of jail and even violence. Improper withdrawals from bank accounts. An increasing number of consumers are complaining of abusive techniques from some debt collectors. If you are having debt problems, a collector or collection agency may contact you seeking payment. While they have a right to do so, it doesnt mean you have lost your right to be treated fairly. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act helps consumers fight back against unfair, unethical and illegal debt collection tactics. This includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis. Stopping harassment by debt collectors begins with learning about your rights. The Act clearly defines the rules that bill collectors and collection attorneys must obey when collecting debts. The debt collection industry is one of the most complained-about industries to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This is because, despite the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, most debt collectors know they...

You Need a Specialist in Consumer Law When...

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:06:30 GMT

• A debt collector files suit against you
• A creditor files suit against you
• You get a foreclosure notice
• Someone repossesses your vehicle or threatens to repossess it
• You discover cracks in the foundation of your new home
• Creditors won’t stop harassing you
• Your vehicle turns out to be a lemon
• You’re convinced you’ve been deceived in a major purchase
• If you get notice of an arbitration
• Taking or renewing a payday loan

If any of these apply to you, Houston Consumer Law Attorney Richard Tomlinson and his team can help. Richard Tomlinson has more than 25 years of experience in handling Texas consumer protection law, including Texas lemon law, automobile dealer fraud, repossessions, breach of warranty and other residential construction disputes, predatory and payday loans, abusive debt collection, and unfair credit reporting.

If you have been ripped off, contact the Houston Consumer law office of Richard Tomlinson.

Remodeling or Construction Defects

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:58:02 GMT

Being a homeowner has been called “The American Dream.” But for a disturbing number of families – especially lower-income residents and seniors – the dream can turn into a nightmare, leaving their homes and finances in ruins. The Law Office of Richard Tomlinson represents homeowners in construction defect litigation - disputes with developers, contractors, real estate agents and product manufacturers who have claims for construction or remodeling defects at their homes. We do not represent defendants who have been the cause of construction problems. Our experienced attorneys are committed to ensuring that the victims of unscrupulous developers, contractors and lenders are protected and compensated for their construction defects and remodeling problems. We can help with a range of problems related to protecting home owners, including: • Construction Defects – If you’ve discovered foundation problems or other signs of construction defects, we...

What to do when Your Vehicle is a Lemon

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:54:29 GMT

Dont fall into the Texas Lemon Law administrative proceeding trap. The experienced team at the Law Office of Richard Tomlinson handles Texas lemon law cases and other car warranty issues under the federal Magnuson-Moss Act. We also fight for consumers with other problems with new or used car deals, including wrongful repossession, consumer leasing and deceptive trade practices. Texas consumers who purchase a new car or a used car that is still under its original manufacturer’s warranty that turns out to be a lemon are protected. Texas Lemon Laws provide remedies including getting your money back or a getting a replacement auto at no cost. If you have a valid lemon law complaint, it is also possible to recover at least some of your attorney’s fees from the manufacturer. We can help you pursue a refund or a replacement of any of these types of lemon vehicles: • Cars • Trucks • Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) • Mini-vans • Vans •...

Consumer Debt Defense

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:43:56 GMT

Some corporations and financial institutions prey on vulnerable consumers by engaging in unlawful lending practices. Each year, predatory lending practices and other lending scams cost Americans billions of dollars through abusive mortgage loans, payday loans, tax refund loans and excessive credit card debt fees. Fortunately, consumers in Texas are protected by state and federal law that ban predatory lending, require truth in lending disclosures, ensure fair debt collection, enforce credit insurance policies, protect debtors in bankruptcy and provide a remedy to those who have been harmed by them. You may be protected if unscrupulous lenders knowingly lend you more money than you can afford to pay. You may be protected if they charge fees for unnecessary or nonexistent products and services. And you may be protected if they encourage you to accept higher-risk loans or financing strategies that provide you with little if any benefit. You may not have the time or knowledge to pursue...

Collection Agencies F - N

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:54 GMT

View agencies: A - E F - N O - Z F H Canne & Associates Inc FAB Inc Fair Collections & Outsourcing Inc Fairlane Credit LLC Farmers Financial Services Inc FB Collections Inc aka FBCI aka FB Collections FCC Financial Credit Consultants FDM Inc FDM Inc FDM Inc dba Professional Receivables Management (fka Federal Debt Management Inc) FEDChex Recovery LLC Federal Bond & Collection Service Inc Federal Bond & Collection Service Inc dba FBCS Inc Federal Credit Corp Federal Debt Recovery Inc Federal Management Corp Federal Pacific Credit Company LLC Federal Services Corporation Federated Debt Recovery Inc Federated Financial Services Inc Federated Recovery of Washington Inc FEFCO LLC dba First Collection Services Co Fefco LLC dba First Collection Services Company Fidelity Information Corporation Fidelity National Credit Services Fidelity National Credit Services Ltd Fidelity Risk Solutions LLC Finance Systems of Green Bay Inc Financial Adjustment Bureau Inc Financial Asset Management...

Collection Agencies O - Z

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 14:18:49 GMT

View agencies: A - E F - N O - Z Obra Homes Inc Ocwen Consumer Solutions Inc Ocwen Financial Solutions Private Limited Ocwen Financial Solutions Private Ltd Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC Odis Wayne Bickers Office of Judgment Enforcement Old Republic Equity Credit Services Old West Capital Co Oliphant Financial Corporation Oliver and Oliver PC Omega Financial Inc Omni Credit Services Inc Omni Credit Services of Florida Inc Omni Credit Services Of Illinois Inc Omni Services Group LLC Omnium Worldwide Inc and Omnium Worldwide dba Accent Insurance Recovery Solutions (see memo - former dbas fka Healthcare.. - Advantage.. - Omnium Communication ..) On - Site Associate LLC (On Site Associates LLC) Onesource Credit Solutions Inc Onstat Inc Onyx Acceptance Corporation Onyx Investment LLC Option Card LLC Option One Mortgage Corporation Origen Servicing Inc OSI Collection Services Inc dba Hospital and Physician Services; IMC Credit Services; Medical Accounting Service;...

Houston Consumer Protection Attorney - Site Map

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 18:57:16 GMT

Our practice at Houston Consumer Law is led by founder and Houston Consumer Protection Attorney Richard Tomlinson. Richard is a Board Certified Consumer Law Attorney, and has more than 25 years of experience in handling Texas consumer protection law. At Houston Consumer Law, we are here to fight for you and defend your rights as a consumer. Richard Tomlinson & his group at Houston Consumer Law have represented clients in the following types of cases: • Texas Lemon laws and other consumer problems with new or used car deals • Breach of warranty and other residential construction disputes • Fair debt collection law and predatory lending • Deceptive trade practices If you feel that you have a Texas lemon law case or have been a victim of deceptive trade practices, predatory lending, or any of the above consumer violations, contact the consumer advocates at Houston Consumer Law today. Our consumer protection attorneys will make sure you are treated fairly...

More on Deceptive Trade Practices

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 19:46:00 GMT

If any of the following has happened to you, you may have been a victim of deceptive trade practices:

• The vehicle turns out to be something other than what was originally represented

• The actions of the seller or manufacturer caused you to be confused or to misunderstand the source, sponsorship, approval, or certification of the vehicle

• The seller or manufacturer deceived you regarding the geographic origin of the vehicle

• The seller or manufacturer represented that the vehicle has sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, or qualities that it does not have

• The seller or manufacturer represented that the vehicle was original or new, but they turn out to be deteriorated, altered, reconditioned, reclaimed, used, or second-hand

• The seller or manufacturer misrepresented the vehicle as being of a particular standard, quality, or grade that it is not, or that the vehicle was misrepresented as being of a particular style or model that it is not

• The seller or manufacturer disparaged the goods, services, or business of another by false or misleading misrepresentation of fact

• The seller or manufacturer advertised the vehicle with the intent not to sell it as advertised

• The seller or manufacturer advertised the vehicle with the intent not to supply reasonably expected public demand, without disclosing a limitation of quantity

• The seller or manufacturer made false or misleading statements of fact concerning the reasons for, existence of, or amounts of price reductions

• The seller or manufacturer engaged in any other conduct that similarly creates the likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding

If any of these deceptive trade practices sound familiar to your situation, contact Consumer Law Attorney Richard Tomlinson today.

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General tips for buying a used or new vehicle:

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 19:44:44 GMT

1. Shop around. Compare prices and financing options as well as the features of the vehicle.
2. Take your time. Don’t be pressured into buying a vehicle quickly.
3. Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the vehicles you are considering. You can even find out wholesale costs online.
4. Arrange financing before you start shopping.
5. Be ready to negotiate. Insist on negotiating the price of the car, not the monthly payment.
6. Handle the trade-in separately. Don’t let the dealership tie the two deals together.
7. Don't sign anything until you are certain that you understand it. Insist on taking copies of all paperwork home with you to read thoroughly before signing. If you do not understand terms in the paperwork, talk to someone who can help you.
8. Watch out for leases. They are complicated and stacked against the consumer.
9. Make sure you get the title or the "official titling papers" at the time of purchase. It’s the law.
10. Never hesitate to walk. Your feet are your most powerful negotiating tools and just may save you from becoming a victim of deceptive trade practices.

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About the Firm

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 17:50:05 GMT

The Office of Richard Tomlinson is a Houston consumer law firm dedicated to providing legal counsel to consumers. Unlike most firms, we focus entirely on consumer law.

Attorney Richard Tomlinson established the firm in 1997 in Houston, following 12 years as assistant attorney general as part of its Consumer Protection Division. The firm's services include the following:

• Problems related to vehicles – We fight for consumers who have Lemon Law cases as well as those victimized by wrongful repossession, consumer leasing scams and deceptive trade practices.

• Problems related to homes – We fight for consumers who have been victimized by shoddy or defective construction or remodeling work, breach of warranty complaints or are at risk of foreclosure.

• Problems related to consumer credit – We fight for consumers who are the victims of predatory lending and other lending scams, such as abusive mortgage loans, payday loans, tax refund loans and excessive credit card fees.

About the Attorneys at the Houston Consumer Law Office of Richard Tomlinson.

Tips for Preventing Construction Defects & Problems:

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 17:30:56 GMT

• Deal only with local trades people recommended by friends or reputable building supply stores.

• Consider arranging remodeling work through a large store like Sears or Lowes, so that you can hold someone accountable should the work be done in an improper manner.

• Get at least two estimates for the same work from two different contractors.

• Get references for the contractor and speak to those references about satisfaction and any problems that arose.

• Take a look at other work performed by the same contractor.

• Get a written contract describing explicit specifications of the work, the price (including details of any financing or credit terms), the responsibility for cleaning up and the hourly rate for any added work.

• Demand that guarantees and other promises are made in writing.

• If the written documents are different from oral promises, do not sign them.

• Do not allow a contractor to begin work until financial arrangements to pay for the work are complete.

• Never endorse the check over to the contractor before all work is satisfactorily completed.

• Do not consolidate other debts with a home improvement loan.

• If problems with a contractor or home improvement lender arise, get help from an experienced consumer attorney and begin pursuing your construction defect litigation.

Companies Previously Pursued

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 22:33:16 GMT

Over the years, our attorneys have pursued various car dealers, home builders, debt collectors and lenders on behalf of our clients. While we hope that these organizations have learned their lesson and discontinued the practices that prompted unhappy consumers to seek our assistance, heres a list of some of the companies we have pursued: • Car dealers o Affordable Cars & Trucks o Alpha Auto Wholesalers o Autospec o Charlie Thomas Chrysler-Plymouth o Charlie Thomas Ford o Coast 2 Coast Auto Sales o Courtesy Chevrolet o E Auto Planet o E.R.L. Motors o Fair Deal Auto Sales o Fred Haas Toyota World o Gay Pontiac o Gillman Mitsubishi o Glaser Motor Company o H & R Investments o Hillcrest Ford Lincoln-Mercury o Houston Automotive Group o Jack Roach Ford o Katy Motorsports o Kingwood Automotive o Landmark Chevrolet o Lone Star Nissan o Northwest Suzuki o Odia Motors o Planet Ford o Pro-Star Motors o Ride Away Auto Sales o Robert E. Wells Enterprises o Shabana Motors o Sissom...

Consumer Law

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 17:12:01 GMT

Too often, automobile consumers think that they are getting the best deal on a new vehicle, but instead they end up with money owed on a problematic vehicle. Some cases involve deception in new or used car deals, failure to get good title, sales out of trust, odometer rollbacks, undisclosed wrecks, yo-yo transactions, and repossessions.

Payday loans are the modern version of salary-buying. Consumers find themselves trapped in one-payment term loans that are secured by checks that they cannot pay off in-full within 14 days. Renewing the loan and paying only the fees, consumers get bound into loans with usurious annualized interest percentages. Car title loans work much like payday loans, but the security is a lien on a paid-off vehicle. With the amount of the loan usually totaling less than a third of the vehicle’s value, and with interest rates of over 100%, such loans are usurious and often involve extend to repossessions.

Threats of criminal prosecution and wage garnishment are outrageous debt collection tactics to which many consumers fall prey. The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Texas Debt Collection Act set out those activities which are not permitted in trying to recover loans and in repossessions.

Unlike insurance policies sold to consumers by large insurance companies, credit insurance sold as a part of a car purchase are almost never paid out without the involvement of an attorney. In cases of disability insurance where the consumer notifies the creditor of a disability, the creditor will still go after the vehicle in a repossession. On many occasions, however, injured consumers in this area are entitled to relief.

Houston Consumer Law

Fighting for the Consumer

Consumer Protection Attorneys

Consumer Protection Attorneys

Consumer Law Attorneys

How Consumers Should Handle Illegal and Unethical Debt Collection Situations

You Need a Specialist in Consumer Law When...

Remodeling or Construction Defects

What to do when Your Vehicle is a Lemon

Consumer Debt Defense

Collection Agencies F - N

Collection Agencies O - Z

Houston Consumer Protection Attorney - Site Map

More on Deceptive Trade Practices

General tips for buying a used or new vehicle:

Other Problems with New and Used Vehicle Deals - Deceptive Trade Practices

About the Firm

Tips for Preventing Construction Defects & Problems:

Companies Previously Pursued

Consumer Law