The Missouri Bar

Scammers Use Rebate Payments to Steal Account Info

Throughout the nation, cons are working to steal your financial information through schemes related to the economic stimulus payments. Many times crooks will post as IRS agents to get your bank account information via telephone or email. KSMU in Springfield discusses the plethora of schemes targeting southwest Missourians.

The IRS never contacts consumers via email or by telephone. In this podcast, IRS spokeswoman Catherine Murphy discusses these scams and others, which are all part of the 2008 Dirty Dozen. Those are the top 12 scams Americans will face this year.

Law in Your Life #28: IRS Scams

The 2008 IRS Dirty Dozen names the top scams consumers will face this year. This week host Angela Wilson talks with IRS spokeswoman Catherine Murphy about three scams on the list relating to economic stimulus payments, phishing and tax preparerer fraud. For the complete Dirty Dozen list, visit the IRS Web site. (Internet Explorer users click twice.)

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.5 meg)
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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Majority of Hispanic KC Families Have One Illegal Member

At least two million American families have one or more members who are in the nation illegally. In Kansas City, the group El Centro Inc. says 63 percent of Hispanics surveys say they have an illegal family member, according to this story from the Canadian Press.

Immigration law is cumbersome, confusing and the system not always easy for families and businesses to navigate. Attorney Angela Ferguson discusses what you need to know about immigration law in this Law in Your Life Podcast. Ferguson is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which offers an attorney search service.

Foreclosures Hit Wealthy KC Neighborhoods

In Kansas City, realtors are finding homes in all zip codes - including some of the wealthiest - are becoming part of the nation's spiking foreclosure statistics. It is a shock to some, according to this article in the Kansas City Star.

A recent Law in Your Life podcast discusses what you need to know if before, during and after foreclosure proceedings. It also offers up tips to those who are thinking about purchasing a home in foreclosure. This Missouri Bar also offers up suggestions for homebuyers in the Consumers and the Law Resource Guide.

Missouri DWI Laws Face Change

A recent ruling from Missouri's high court means that people arrested for DWI could face misdemeanor charges, rather than felony charges. The ruling came as a result of a conflict within laws on the books. The Kansas City Star has more details on the recent ruling.

What should you know before your DWI case goes to court? What are your rights if you are pulled over at a checkpoint? In this recent podcast, Columbia attorney Robert Murray discusses your rights when it comes to breathalysers, taking tests to walk straight lines and what you need to know about Missouri's legal limit. Murray focuses his practice on DWI cases, and also gives listeners an example of what to say to an officer if you are pulled over.

Law in Your Life #27: Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Children

Estate planning is essential - especially for parents with special needs children. There are many issues to consider, including government assistance, medical care and appropriate caregivers. Today host Angela Wilson tackles this issue with attorney Doug Lee. (Internet Explorer users click twice.)

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 12.1 meg)
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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 12.1 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Bankruptcy Fears

Bankruptcy is in the news, with filings by prominent tech companies, furniture and retail stores, manufacturers and more making headlines daily. With the slowing economy, massive stock losses and home mortgage pitfalls, some Missourians find themselves wondering if bankruptcy is the answer. In this Law in Your Life podcast, attorney Janice Harder discusses the pros and cons of individual bankruptcy.

Nation's High Court Tackles Gun Laws

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide if strict gun bans in the nation's capital are lawful, or a violation of an individual's right to bear arms. The court's decision could have an impact on gun laws throughout the United States, according to this CNN story.

What gun laws are on the books in Missouri? In this enlightening Law in Your Life podcast, attorney Kevin Jamison explains your rights as a gun owner. Jamison has written extensively on the topic in his book, Missouri Weapons and Self-Defense Law, and also helped produce the video, Missouri Concealed-Carry and Self-Defense Law.

Dog Bites Women along Adirondack Park Trail

An unleashed dog bit a woman at the popular Adirondack Park in New York. The dog approached her as she hiked along a trail, its owner several steps behind. According to the Adirondack Daily News, the dog's owner fled with his pooch after it happened. (Read more)

What do you do if your dog bites someone? What should you know if you are bitten. In this Law in Your Life podcast, attorney Keith Cutler shares insights on Missouri law when it comes to dog bites.

IRS Lists Tops Scams of 2008

The IRS this week released its annual top 12 tax schemes and scams. Phishing schemes are the No. 1 problem. That's where crooks try to nab your personal information via the Web. They might pretend to be your bank, your lender or some other legitimate entity, and ask you to click a link to update your information online.

Once they have what they need, these criminals can run up astronomical charges on your credit cards, clean out your bank account or misuse your Social Security number to create new accounts in your name. Taxpayers have forwarded more than 33,000 of these scam e-mails, reflecting more than 1,500 different schemes, to the IRS. 

This podcast with Joy Frazier from the Missouri Attorney General's Office offers up details on how you can protect yourself from getting scammed - or what to do if you think you've already been scammed.

For additional details, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission, federal site www.OnGuardOnline.gov, or the Missouri Attorney General's Office.