Author: Marivic Cabural Summers

Marie holds a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication from New Era University. She started as a young journalist in high school and won contests in campus journalism. She worked as a news writer/program producer at DZAR 1026 under the ownership of Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in the Philippines. She is a freelance writer/journalist covering business and finance, health, technology, politics, regulatory actions, and other relevant issues. She previously served as editor and research analyst for Profit Confidential and has written articles for ICANNWiki, The Motley Fool, ValueWalk, Opptrends, and several other websites. In addition to iRebyu, Marie is an author and editor at USA Herald. Marie is a former Young Ambassador of Goodwill to the 26th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). You can reach her at [email protected]

AdvoCare to pay $150 million for allegedly operating a pyramid scheme

October 2, 2019October 4, 2019 Marivic Cabural Summers

Is AdvoCare International operating a pyramid scheme? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said so in its lawsuit against the company, its former CEO Connolly, top promoters Danny and Diane McDaniel and distributors Carlton and Lisa Hardman. AdvoCare is selling weight-management and sports performance products using a multi-level marketing strategy. The company is based in Plano, Texas. Details of the settlement agreement between AdvoCare and FTC On Wednesday, the FTC announced the AdvoCare together with the other defendants agreed to settle its allegations against them and agreed to pay a monetary…

REFUND: FTC sending checks to victims of student loan debt relief scam

September 30, 2019October 17, 2019 Marivic Cabural Summers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending more than $5.4 million in refunds to thousands of consumers who were victims of student loan debt relief scam. The refunds were part of a 2018 settlement agreement between the FTC and five student debt relief scam operators who bilked millions of dollars from consumers. These scammers, who operated their schemes using multiple names (see list below), falsely claimed that consumers who paid an upfront fee of up to $1,000 were qualified or approved for loan forgiveness or reduced monthly payments. In fact,…

Health Officials Warns of Severe Pulmonary Disease Outbreak Linked to E-cigarettes

September 1, 2019April 15, 2020 Marivic Cabural Summers

Health officials are warning consumers regarding a multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices. E-cigarettes are devices that deliver an aerosol to the user by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Some users use e-cigarette devices for smoking marijuana or other substances. At least 215 possible cases of severe pulmonary disease linked to the use of e-cigarettes have been reported in 25 states as of August 27. An adult in Illinois died of severe respiratory illness following…

Equifax settlement includes $425 million fund for consumers affected by data breach

July 22, 2019October 17, 2019 Marivic Cabural Summers

Equifax reached a settlement agreement to resolve a nationwide lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and 50 U.S. states and territories. The complaint was related to the 2017 massive data breach that affected approximately 147 million consumers. Details of the settlement agreement Under the settlement agreement, Equifax will pay up to $700 million to resolve the lawsuit as part of the comprehensive settlement with the FTC, CFPB and 50 U.S. states and territories. The settlement includes $425 million fund for consumers affected…

AbbVie Shares Dive after California Sues Company over Alleged Kickbacks

September 19, 2018January 10, 2019 Marivic Cabural Summers

The shares of AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) declined almost three percent after the California Department of Insurance (CDI) filed a lawsuit against it. The state regulator alleged the pharmaceutical company gave illegal kickbacks to health care providers for prescribing Humira. Abbvie’s stock price closed at $92.61 per share, down from its opening price of $95.35 per share on Tuesday. Abbvie violated the Insurance Frauds Prevention Act In the lawsuit, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones accused Abbvie of “systematically and repeatedly violated the Insurance Frauds Prevention Act.” The pharmaceutical company allegedly “engaged in…

Califonia Gov. Brown Signs Bill Legalizing Side Walk Vending Statewide

September 17, 2018July 23, 2019 Marivic Cabural Summers

Gov. Brown Signs Safe Side Walk Vending Act

California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a legislation legalizing side walk vending across the state. Next year, side walk vendors will be able to sell food or other products legally and contribute to the state’s economy. Democratic State Senator Ricardo Lara introduced Senate Bill 946—the Safe Side Walk Vending Act. The newly signed legislation will take effect on January 1, 2019. Under Senate Bill 946, local government cannot prohibit sidewalk vending. It allows municipalities to establish permit programs for side walk vendors and require them to obtain a business…

California Attorney General Sued Care Home Owners for Human Trafficking, Labor Abuses

September 8, 2018September 8, 2018 Marivic Cabural Summers

California Attorney General Sued Care Home Owner Human Trafficking Labor Abue

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra sued the owners of two care homes and a child day care facility in the Bay Area for human trafficking, labor abuse, rape, and other criminal activities. The defendants identified as Gerlen, Noel, Joshua, and Carlina Gamos own and operate Rainbow Bright, an adult residential and child care company. They committed the crimes while operating their facilities in Daly City, Pacifica, and South San Francisco. While serving arrest warrants, authorities sequestered 14 illegal assault weapons including three “ghost guns” without serial numbers from the defendants.…

Democrats Likely to Gain Seat in Senate; Arizona Voters Prefer Democrat Kyrsten Sinema over GOP Candidates

June 28, 2018January 10, 2019 Marivic Cabural Summers

Registered voters in Arizona prefer Democratic Representative Kyrsten Sinema over Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate. On Tuesday, the latest NBC News-Marist poll in Arizona showed that Sinema has double-digit leads against her three Republican contenders. Sinema is ahead by 10% against Dr. Kelli Ward, a former member of the Arizona State Senate. Forty-eight percent (48%) of registered voters support Sinema while 38% prefer Ward. The survey also showed that Sinema has 11% lead over Rep. Martha McSally. Forty-nine percent (49%) of regstered voters favor the Democrat compared to 38%…

California Primary: Schwarzenegger Will Not Vote for Republican John Cox

June 5, 2018June 5, 2018 Marivic Cabural Summers

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie actor and former California Governor is encouraging Californians to exercise their rights to vote. The state is conducting its primary election today. In a tweet, Schwarzenegger said, “Californians, whether you are to the left of me, to the right of me, or in the center, get out and vote. This is your day to flex your power.” Californians, whether you are to the left of me, to the right of me, or in the center, get out and vote. This is your day to flex your…