New York Paralegal Blog

Hey everyone, let's talk about a big win for consumers! The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just delivered a huge blow to a business opportunity scam that tricked people with false promises of easy money through Amazon and Walmart. It's a tough reminder to be cautious, but also a fantastic example of justice being served. What Happened? Basically, these companies and their operators — including a key player named Steven J. Mayer — told folks they could make a fortune by having the defendants set up and run online stores for them. We're talking claims of "$100K+ per month" and even "million-dollar" operations. Sounds great, right? The harsh reality? These promises were almost never true. Instead of striking it rich, most people lost tens of thousands of dollars and ended up buried under crushing debt. It's truly heartbreaking to hear about people trying to secure their financial future only to be preyed upon like this. As Christopher Mufarr...

I want to share some news that, while deeply disturbing, also brings a sense of profound relief and justice. It's a reminder that even in the darkest corners of humanity, there are dedicated individuals fighting to protect the innocent. This past Monday, Donald Jenkins, a 37-year-old man from Clarksville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to a truly heinous crime: traveling across state lines with the express intent to sexually abuse a child. This isn't just a legal formality; it's a stark look into the chilling reality of online predators. Think about it: In September 2024, this man started communicating with someone he believed to be an 11-year-old child in Clifton Park, New York. He meticulously planned his assault, even renting a car in Tennessee and driving all the way to New York. The sheer audacity, the cold calculation, is stomach-turning. But here's where the good news comes in. On November 19, 2024, thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, Jenkin...

Imagine owing a huge amount of money, say over $14 million. Now imagine trying to get rid of that debt through bankruptcy, but forgetting to mention a few things... like properties and bank accounts in Dubai and Pakistan! Well, that's exactly what happened with a Texas couple, Hasan Farid Hashmi and Umme Salma Hashmi. They filed for bankruptcy last September after several hospitals owned by Dr. Hashmi closed down. They told the court they only had a Dallas home and a couple of small U.S. bank accounts. They even mentioned a trust for their kids, but claimed they didn't own anything in it. But here's where things went wrong for them: The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), a part of the Department of Justice, started digging. And what they found was a shocking surprise! The Hashmis actually owned several other properties and bank accounts overseas in Dubai and Pakistan. Not only that, but they were also using money from that "kids' trust" to pay for their ...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking a stand against a new wave of potentially dangerous products hitting the market: those containing high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or "7-OH." What is 7-OH? You might know of kratom, a plant that naturally contains small amounts of 7-OH. However, the FDA's recent actions are focused on products that have concentrated 7-OH, far beyond what's found naturally. We're talking about things like pills, gummies, drink mixes, and even "shots" being sold online, in smoke shops, gas stations, and corner stores. Why is the FDA concerned? Simply put, these concentrated 7-OH products are not legal and can be dangerous. Here's why: Not Approved: 7-OH is not allowed in dietary supplements or regular foods. There are also no FDA-approved medications containing 7-OH. Unproven Safety and Effectiveness: When you use these products, you're exposing yourself to something that hasn't been tested t...

  Hey everyone, let's dive into something deeply important, something that shapes our nation's foreign policy in profound ways: the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, on the current U.S. administration, particularly on President Trump. This isn't just about politics; it's about the very soul of our democratic process and the direction we take on the global stage. AIPAC is a formidable force. They are a well-oiled lobbying machine, with a singular, laser-focused mission: to bolster the U.S.-Israel relationship and ensure unwavering American support for Israel. They do this through relentless lobbying of Congress and the White House, cultivating relationships with policymakers, and even pouring millions into political campaigns through their PAC. They organize trips to Israel for influential figures, building bonds and shaping perspectives. Now, when we look at President Trump's actions regarding the Middle East, it's ...

There's a lot of talk lately about whether we, as citizens, are being subtly told not to criticize other countries' governments, even while we're still free to speak our minds about our own. This idea sparks some big questions about our rights and how our government operates on the world stage. Let's break it down simply. The Double Standard Dilemma Imagine this: You can complain about your local mayor, your state governor, or even the President of your own country without fear. That's a fundamental part of living in a democracy – the freedom to speak up and hold our leaders accountable. It's written right into our Constitution. But what if you felt pressured not to say anything critical about, say, the government of a country halfway across the world? This is where the current concern comes from. If true, it suggests a new kind of unwritten rule, where criticizing foreign governments might be seen as unhelpful or even problematic by our own governme...

Beliebers, productivity gurus, and anyone needing a musical escape – listen up! Yesterday, July 11, 2025, Justin Bieber pulled a classic surprise move and dropped his brand-new seventh studio album, "Swag," and let me tell you, it's hitting all the right notes. You know those moments when you're deep in thought, whether it's tackling a tricky work project, sifting through emails, or even, dare I say, drafting important legal documents (a shout-out to our law-minded friends!)? You need music that sets the mood, calms the mind, and entertains without becoming a distraction. And "Swag" delivers. This isn't just another album; it's being hailed as a mature, vulnerable, and deeply personal collection. With features from artists like Gunna, Sexyy Red, and even gospel singer Marvin Winans, Bieber explores a range of sounds, blending R&B, pop, and introspective storytelling. From what we're hearing, tracks like "Walking Away...