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New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced the first legal action against a school in his nationwide student loan investigation. Cuomo announced a notice of intent to sue Drexel University in Pennsylvania over its revenue sharing agreements with Education Finance Partners. This week, Education Finance Partners (EFP) agreed to Cuomo’s College Loan Code of Conduct and would end revenue sharing agreements. Cuomo also announced settlement agreements with three more schools: Salve Regina in Rhode Island, Pace University and the New York Institute of Technology. Salve Regina and Molloy College both had revenue sharing agreements with Education Finance Partners.

Previously, Fordham University, St. John’s University, and Long Island University all agreed to cease their revenue sharing agreements with EFP and reimburse students on a pro rata basis for the money received through those agreements.

Drexel received over $124,000 from its revenue sharing agreements with EFP and accrued $126,000 more through March 2007 that has not been paid. Under Drexel’s agreement with EFP, dated April 1, 2006, Drexel agreed to make EFP its “sole preferred private loan provider.” In return, Drexel was to receive 75 basis points (.75 percent) of the net value of referred loans between $1 and $24,999,999; and 100 basis point (1 percent) of all loan amounts of $25,000,000 or greater. Drexel had an earlier revenue sharing agreement with EFP that began in May of 2005 under which Drexel received 75 basis points (75%) of all referred loans. EFP was a non-exclusive preferred lender under the earlier contract. Since 2005, Drexel University has sent over $16 million in loan volume to EFP.

Drexel solicits and corresponds with students from New York, and New York students and their families rely on Drexel’s representations about preferred lenders; the New York Attorney General therefore has jurisdiction over Drexel in this matter.

“This investigation is a two front battle: lenders and schools. We have proceeded against lenders and now we are proceeding against schools. There is no reason for a school not to adopt the Code of Conduct,” Cuomo said. “This office has been clear to schools: settle or we will commence litigation. Either way we will get justice for students.”

Salve Regina, Pace University, and NYIT agreed to the Attorney General’s Code of Conduct, after the Attorney General’s investigation that revealed various practices at each university could have potentially created conflicts of interest.

Salve Regina University: Salve Regina University is located in Newport, Rhode Island. The Attorney General’s investigation found that during the period of 2005-2006, Salve Regina received over $7,800 pursuant to a form of revenue sharing with EFP, which was one of the Salve Regina’s preferred lenders. Between January 2004 and March 2007, certain lenders, some of whom appeared on Salve Regina’s preferred lender lists, provided printing costs or services to the university and/or paid for meals and lodging for university employees at loan workshops, conferences, and/or advisory board meetings. Salve Regina agrees to accept the OAG Code of Conduct and will reimburse the affected students $7,839.74.

Pace University – Pace University is in Westchester, New York. The Attorney General’s investigation found that Pace hired Sallie Mae to staff financial aid call centers, and the Sallie Mae employees wrongfully identified themselves as Pace University employees. Additionally, a Pace administrator who oversaw student loans and advised Pace to drop the federal direct lending program and enter into contracts with Sallie Mae subsequently went to work for Sallie Mae after leaving Pace. This administrator may have had an inappropriate relationship with Sallie Mae while employed by Pace.

New York Institute of Technology: The New York Institute of Technology has three campuses, two on Long Island in Old Westbury, Central Islip, and one in New York City. The Attorney General’s investigation found that NYIT accepted payment from certain lenders, some of whom were on NYIT’s preferred lender lists, including payments for sponsorships of University events and scholarships. When composing its preferred lender list, NYIT considered whether or not lenders had made such contributions or offered Opportunity Loan funds as a criterion. Additionally, some preferred lenders including Sallie Mae, Citibank, College Loan Corporation and AFC paid for meals and trips to student loan conferences for financial aid officers.

Molloy College: Molloy College is in Rockville Centre, Long Island. The Attorney General’s investigation found that Molloy had a revenue sharing agreement with EFP. Molloy received over $1600 from EFP as a result of this arrangement. Molloy has returned this money to EFP and requested that any future revenue due to it under the EFP agreement go towards reducing student loan payments.

The Code of Conduct includes:

1. Colleges are prohibited from receiving anything of value from any lending institution in exchange for any advantage sought by the lending institution. This severs any inappropriate financial arrangements between lenders and schools and specifically prohibits “revenue sharing” arrangements. Lenders can no longer pay to get on a school’s preferred lender list.

2. College employees are prohibited from taking anything of more than nominal value from any lending institution. This includes a prohibition on trips for financial aid officers and other college officials paid for by lenders.

3. College employees are prohibited from receiving anything of value for serving on the advisory board of any lending institution.

4. College preferred lender lists must be based solely on the best interests of the students or parents who may use the list without regard to financial interests of the College. This ensures that preferred lenders will be those the school has determined should be preferred by students as opposed to preferred by the school.

5. On all preferred lender lists the College must clearly and fully disclose the criteria and process used to select preferred lenders. Students must also be told that they have the right and ability to select the lender of their choice regardless of the preferred lender list.

6. No lender may appear on a preferred lender list if the lender has an agreement to sell its loans to another lender without disclosing this fact. In addition, no lender may bargain to be a preferred lender with respect to a certain type of loan by providing benefits to a College as to another type of loan.

7. Colleges must ensure that employees of lenders never identify themselves to students as employees of the colleges. No employee of a lender may ever work in or provide staffing assistance a college financial aid office.

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The Chrysler Group has teamed up with Carfax to ensure consumers are better informed about their vehicles’ maintenance needs. Open recall information for all Chrysler Group vehicles is now being reported to Carfax. Used car shoppers can quickly find out if open recalls exist for every Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicle through Carfax Vehicle History Reports.

“We are always looking for ways to improve the value of our vehicle history information by expanding its scope,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “This important information helps Chrysler Group customers properly maintain their vehicles to meet the manufacturer’s safety and performance standards as well as retain its resale value.”

With the addition of the Chrysler Group, Carfax now receives VIN-specific open recall data from 18 manufacturers. More than 30,000 dealers and millions of consumers rely on this type of vehicle history information from Carfax to make better decisions about the used cars they buy and sell.

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RLB Food Distributors, L.P., West Caldwell, NJ, is initiating a multiple east coast states voluntarily recall of certain salad products that may contain spinach with an Enjoy Thru date of 9/20/06.

The products recalled by RLB are:

• Balducci’s Mesclun Mix 5 oz.
• Balducci’s Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz.
• Balducci’s Mixed Greens 5 oz.
• FreshPro Mesclun Mix 5 oz.
• FreshPro Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz.
• FreshPro Mixed Greens 5 oz.
• FreshPro Salad Mix with Italian Dressing 4.75 oz.
• FreshPro Salad Mix with Ranch Dressing 5.25 oz

Spinach used in these products may have been supplied from Natural Selections Foods, a California grower and processor, to RLB Food Distributors. This recall was initiated when Natural Selections Foods issued on 9/15/06 a nation-wide recall of all their products that contain spinach because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria (E. coli). E. coli 0157:H7 causes a diarrhea illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The recalled products were distributed in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington DC. They can be identified by an “Enjoy Thru” date of 9/20/06 or before that is located on the bottom of the package.

No illnesses have been reported to us as of this date from consuming these products.

An investigation by the FDA, several states, and Natural Selections Foods is ongoing to identify the cause of the possible E. coli contamination.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Customers with questions may contact RLB Food Distributors at 973-575-9526 X154.

Posted under Recalls, Safety, Uncategorized

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently tested four 2007 model vehicles with side airbags: Toyota FJ Cruiser and Ford Freestyle (midsize SUVs); Ford Fusion (midsize moderately priced car) and Ford Crown Victoria (large family car). The FJ Cruiser and Freestyle earn good ratings for protection in side crashes. The Fusion is rated acceptable, and the Crown Victoria is marginal. Side airbags are optional in the FJ Cruiser and Crown Victoria. The Fusion has been upgraded to standard side airbags for the 2007 model year. The Freestyle will have standard side airbags in 2007s built after September.

“We commend Ford for making side airbags standard in the Fusion and Freestyle,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “A few years ago, it was rare to find these standard in moderately priced family vehicles, but they’re quickly becoming the norm.”

The tests were conducted outside of the Institute’s normal schedule at the request of the manufacturers. Tests of the Crown Victoria and Fusion update earlier tests of these vehicles without side airbags.

“Manufacturers may request a test because they’ve made changes to improve a vehicle’s performance or they have a new vehicle they think will earn a good rating,” Lund explains. “We encourage these requests because it means manufacturers are striving to make their vehicles safer, and we can get the results out to consumers earlier. When we do conduct tests early the manufacturers provide reimbursement for the cost of the vehicles.”

Summary of test results: The FJ Cruiser with optional side airbags earned a good rating. Intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal. Performance in all categories (dummy injury measures, head protection, and structure) was good across the board.

“A perfect score,” Lund points out.

The Freestyle’s structure didn’t perform quite as well, but this vehicle is rated good overall. The dummies’ heads were protected from hitting any hard structures by side curtain-style airbags that deploy from above the windows.

Both the Fusion and Crown Victoria (also sold by Mercury as the Milan and Grand Marquis) with side airbags improved compared with the poor ratings earned by 2006 models tested without side airbags. In the new test of the Fusion, head protection was good but measures recorded on the driver dummy indicated that a fracture of the pelvis would be possible in a crash of this severity. The Fusion with side airbags earned an overall rating of acceptable for side impact protection. In the Crown Victoria, head protection also improved, but this car is rated marginal because of high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s pelvis and poor structural performance. (Note: These ratings do not apply to 2006 models equipped with optional side airbags. Ford changed the side airbags, door structure, and interior trim of 2007 Fusions and the side airbags and interior trim of 2007 Crown Victorias to improve occupant protection in side impacts.)

How vehicles are evaluated: Each vehicle’s overall side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, both representing a small woman or preteen; assessment of head protection countermeasures; and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact. Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the rear seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that the driver and/or passenger in a real-world crash would have sustained serious injury to various body regions. The movements and contacts of the dummies’ heads during the crash also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.

Posted under Automotive, Safety, Uncategorized

Over twenty thousand of Segway’s Personal Transporters have been recalled because the machine can unexpectedly apply reverse torque to the wheels, which can cause a rider to fall. This can occur when the device is tilted back by the Speed Limiter and the rider comes off and then back onto the device within a short period of time.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urged consumers to stop using the devices immediately and contact the company for a refund. This recall involves all Segway PT i167, i170 and i180 (”i Series”) models, the p133 (”p Series”), XT (”cross-terrain transporter”), GT (”golf transporter) and i2 models. These units were sold to consumers and commercial customers. All e167 (”e Series”) models, which were sold to commercial users, also are included in this recall. No other models are involved in this recall. The name, “Segway”, appears on the front bumper and/or on the handlebars of the personal transporter.

Consumers can call Segway Inc. at (800) 750-6557 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s website.

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In other recall news, 42,000 counterfeit extension cords have also been recalled. The recalled cords are brown or white, measure 6, 9, 12, or 15 feet long, are intended for indoors and have a three-outlet extension. Attached to the cord is a silver counterfeit UL holographic label marked “09/99 E157848 UL LISTED CORD SET BV-8021 13A 125V 1625W” or “09/02 E137398 UL LISTED CORD SET BW 5833 13A 125V 1625W.”

John Deere is also recalling 3,100 gas grills manufacturered for it by another company because operating the grill in windy conditions can blow the flame under the control panel, causing the grill to overheat or cause flashbacks. Flames could damage the hose that supplies gas to the burner, causing an uncontrolled flame. Also, the grill’s control knobs could overheat, resulting in burns to hands.

Consumers should stop using these grills and contact Mi-T-M Corp. or the John Deere dealer where the grill was purchased to receive a free repair kit.

Posted under Uncategorized

One week after Dell recalled more than 4 million laptop batteries made in China and Japan, Apple Computer has done the same.

The California manufacturer of trendy electronics recalled nearly two milion battery packs in its iBook and PowerBook computers today. Over half of the battery packs were sold in the United States in the following configurations:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple toll-free at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.

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Northwest Airlines, just days after purchasing an operating certificate to perhaps launch a subsidiary airline, has announced that it will begin charging passengers who want to sit in “premium” coach seats.

The company said that it would charge passengers an additional $15 to sit in exit rows or other seats that traditionally have more leg room. Northwest did say that passengers in its most elite frequent flier statuses would continue to have the opportunity to upgrade their seat at no additional charge.

Posted under Customer Service, Uncategorized

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Product Safety, and Insurance February 8 that the agency is currently investigating companies that offer consumer telephone records for sale, and plans to pursue the investigations vigorously. Lydia Parnes, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection told the committee, “Companies that engage in pretexting – the practice of obtaining personal information, such as telephone records, under false pretenses – not only violate the law, but they undermine consumers’ confidence in the marketplace and in the security of their sensitive data.”

“While pretexting to acquire telephone records has recently become more prevalent, the practice of pretexting is not new,” the testimony states. “The Commission has a history of combating pretexting.” The first FTC law enforcement action targeting operators who used false pretenses to gather financial information occurred in 1999. The company offered to provide consumers’ financial records for a fee. The agency alleged the company’s employees obtained the records from financial institutions by posing as the consumer whose records it was seeking. The Commission charged that the practice was unfair and deceptive and violated the FTC Act, the testimony says.

Following passage of the Gramm Leach Bliley Act (GLBA), which specifically prohibits pretexting of customer data from financial institutions, the agency launched Operation Detect Pretext in 2001. “Operation Detect Pretext combined a broad monitoring program, the widespread dissemination of industry warning notices, consumer education, and aggressive law enforcement.” It followed up the first phase of Operation Detect Pretext with a trio of law enforcement actions against information brokers. “Because the anti-pretexting provisions of the GLBA provide for criminal penalties, the Commission also may refer pretexters to the U.S. Department of Justice for criminal prosecution, as appropriate. One such individual recently pled guilty to one count of pretexting under the GLBA,” the testimony states.

According to the testimony, an entire industry of companies offering to provide purchasers with the cellular and land line phone records of third parties has developed. The testimony notes that the agency could bring law enforcement actions against telephone record pretexters for deceptive or unfair practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act and that the FTC is currently investigating companies that appear to be engaged in telephone pretexting.

“Protecting the privacy of consumers’ data requires a multi-faceted approach: coordinated law enforcement by government agencies as well as action by the telephone carriers, outreach to educate consumers and industry, and improved security by record holders are essential for any meaningful response to this assault on consumers’ privacy,” the testimony says.
“The Commission has been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard consumer information and is committed to continuing our work in this area,” the testimony says.

Posted under Finance, Uncategorized

Give Now: The entire Help Web family has long been impressed with the work of actor and musician Anthony Head (best known for his role as Giles on TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and the constant charity work he does. Head has participated in no less than 7 charities in the last 2 years, raising more than $15,000 through his online outreach campaigns. We’re flattered to lend a hand because his most recent is worthy of your attention.

During this Holiday season of gifts and giving, Head is participating in the Royal United Hospital Bath’s Forever Friends Appeal. The hospital is looking to raise 10 million pounds to care for children, cancer, cardiology and critical care patients. Each donation of only 25 pounds (yes, you can use credit cards and your card can be converted from dollars, drachmas or dinars) will receive a special thank you — a program from

Jamie Cullum’s ‘Live on the Rec’ July 31st, 2005, concert that featured Tony Head singing with Clare Teal that is autographed by Head. This is a worthy cause that deserves your attention. Give today. (Anthony Head photo copyright Sarah Fisher and used with permission.)

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The states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, along with U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have analyzed hundreds of samples of fish and shellfish from the waters affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

To date, the data show no reason for concern about consuming seafood from the Gulf region due to the hurricanes. The samples were analyzed for chemical and microbiological contaminants that could have been introduced by the hurricanes. The extensive seafood tissue sampling occurred in an area from the estuaries of New Orleans to Gulf Shores, AL. The sampled areas included Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi Sound, Mobile Bay as well as the offshore areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Additional monitoring is currently in progress and results will be announced as they become available.

While many oyster harvest areas have been tested and re-opened, other areas remain closed until routine sampling by existing state regulated Molluscan Shellfish Programs determines that oyster harvesting can resume. Current data from analyses of fish and other shellfish from these areas show no reason for concern.

Health officials advise that consuming raw seafood always poses a potential risk from bacterial and viral contamination. This risk can be reduced by thoroughly cooking seafood.

As always, fishermen should avoid catching seafood in areas with visible oil sheens or slicks, and should only harvest live seafood. Consumers should follow proper sanitary practices when handling and preparing seafood for consumption. Also, health officials advise that following simple guidelines is appropriate when preparing fish and seafood at any time, not only after a storm event. These guidelines include keeping seafood cold until ready to cook and thoroughly cooking seafood. Consumers can further reduce risk by not eating the skin or organs, such as crab “fat”. It is also recommended that broiling, grilling or poaching fish are healthy, low-fat methods of cooking.

For more information, contact the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (Kathleen Golden, 1-888-293-7020), the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (Robbie Wilbur, 601-961-5277), the Alabama Department of Public Health (Dr. Neil Sass, 1-800-201-8208) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Eryn Witcher 202-564-4355).

Posted under Health, Uncategorized